Introducing Foreign Split Heat Pumps
Foreign split heat pumps have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency, flexibility, and ease of installation. Heat pumps can provide up to 400% efficiency, meaning that for every unit of electricity used, four units of heat are generated.
In this article, we will discuss the real cost and installation time of the Mr Cool 4th gen DIY 4-zone heat pump, a popular option for homeowners looking to heat and cool multiple zones in their home without the need for ductwork.
Cost Breakdown for Mr Cool Heat Pump
My Mr Cool heat pump comes with four Indoor Air Handlers, one outdoor unit, and four line sets. The Mr Cool DIY four Zone ductless mini split heat pump is priced from $4,500 to $8,000. The prices vary depending on lengths of line sets and heating or cooling capacity. My unit cost $6,500 after tax.
Additional Components
Installation costs can vary depending on the complexity of the installation, the location of the indoor and outdoor units, and any additional components needed. Mr Cool provides almost all necessary parts to install the system. However, homeowners still need to buy certain tools and materials. The total cost for those extra parts and tools is less than $500.
Electrical Installation
A licensed electrician is required to install the electrical components of the system. The cost of electrical installation can range from $500 to $4,000 depending on the complexity of the job. In my case, I had to upgrade my service panel from 100 amp to 200 amp and install an outdoor disconnect box, which cost me $3,800.
Permits
Depending on your location, you may need to obtain a permit for the installation. The cost of the permit can vary depending on the location. In my case, I paid $200 for the electrical and mechanical permits.
When all costs are considered, my total cost of installing the Mr Cool heat pump is approximately $11,000 before any tax incentives.
Installation Time
One of the benefits of the Mr Cool DIY heat pump is its ease of installation. The unit is designed to be installed by homeowners with basic DIY skills. However, installation times can vary depending on the complexity of the project.
Pre-Installation
Before beginning installation, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary tools and materials, choose the location for the indoor and outdoor units, and determine the routing of the line set. This step can take anywhere from two to four hours.
Indoor Unit Installation
The indoor units are mounted on the wall and connected to the line set. The installation of each indoor unit can take one to two hours. For four units, it could take up to eight hours.
Outdoor Unit Installation
The outdoor unit is mounted on a solid surface and connected to the line set. In my case, I built a wood stand for the condenser instead of buying an expensive stand. The preparation and installation of the outdoor unit took me four hours.
Connecting Line Sets
You will need to connect the provided line sets to the air handlers and the outdoor unit using adjustable wrenches. Then cover them with sound deadening pads, insulation, and UV tapes. I also used line set covers to improve overall appearance and long-term durability. Additionally, I ran the drain hoses inside my crawl space and used PEX pipes. The whole process took me about six hours.
Electrical Installation
A licensed electrician will need to install the electrical components of the system. The electrical installation can take two to four hours. In my case, I also needed a new service panel and it took a whole day to install it.
Final Inspection
Once the installation is complete, you should turn on the system and check for leaks in every connection of the line sets. Final inspection will need to be performed to ensure that the system is installed correctly and meets local code requirements. The inspection can take one to two hours.
Overall, the installation time for the Mr Cool took me about 34 hours to complete. I worked on the project for a few hours per day and it took me more than two weeks to finish.
Is the Mr Cool Heat Pump Worth It?
The Mr Cool DIY heat pump is a great option for homeowners looking to save money on their energy bills. The system is highly energy efficient and can save homeowners a lot of money on their cooling and heating costs.
With an approximate total cost of $11,000 before any tax incentives and an installation time of around 34 hours, the Mr Cool heat pump provides a more affordable and efficient heating solution for homeowners compared to traditional oil furnaces.
If you are considering a switch from an old oil furnace to a heat pump, the Mr Cool DIY 4-zone heat pump is worth considering for its energy efficiency, ease of installation, and potential cost savings in the long run.
