Mini Split units are low-cost heating and cooling systems that have many Do-It-yourself kits available.
Daikin is one such mini split manufacturer that has been around for many years with many good units.
They have different sized units from 9,000 BTU to 24,000 BTU.
Daikin Mini Split Installation
Installing a mini split does require some construction skills such as connecting electrical and using power tools.
A 3-inch hole will need to be drilled through a wall to run the line-set and control lines between the inside and outside units.
The bracket and the line-set hole are laid out using a template.
The template will be included in the kit and needs the bracket level on good studs along with the hole cut out at the right location.
Once the bracket and hole are cut, the inside unit is mounted onto the bracket and snapped into place.
The inside control wires are hooked up on the inside of the unit.
The line set from the inside unit will stick outside through the hole.
The line set is hooked up to the outside and inside the unit, which transfers the refrigerant in and out.
This transfer of refrigerant between the two lines is what heats or cools a space.
Once the line set is hooked up, it is put into a vacuum before the refrigerant is released.
After the line set is in a vacuum, HVAC gauges can be watched to see if there is a leak.
A unit with a leak will lose its vacuum.
This requires an HVAC vacuum pump and gauges with many low-cost cheap sets available if needed.
Daikin Mini Split Electrical
The electrical also needs to be run from a breaker for the unit to get 230 volt AC.
Most all mini splits are wired up to a Disconnect box which shuts on and off the power when maintenance is needed.
The unit will need wiring run from a breaker.
The control line is also run between the inside and outside units.
Both units are clearly marked with the numbers 1, 2, 3, which match inside and outside, along with L1 and L2, which the AC power goes to.
Read Here for How To Wire Up a Mini Split
Daikin Mini Split Operation
Like most mini split packages, Daikin units operate very quietly, with only the fan blowing out the air being heard.
It comes with remote control with Auto, Off, Cool, Dry, Heat, Fan Only, and more.
The DIY mini split kit has a 19-23 SEER rating which is very good and low-cost to operate.
Most all mini split packages have a good SEER rating ranging from 16-23 SEER.
Since heating and cooling is what costs the most on an electric bill, a high SEER rating brings running costs down and is one of the reasons mini split units are so popular.
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Summary
I installed a Daikin unit three years ago, and it is still working very well, both heating and cooling.
I have also installed many mini split kits and have no problem recommending Daikin units.
As an HVAC tech, the last company I worked for only installed Daikin units as they are well built with a good warranty.
The installation is the same with most all mini split kits with many YouTube videos on how to install one.
If you plan to install the unit yourself, be sure to watch a few YouTube videos first.
Of course, a professional HVAC company can be called for the installation.
During the summer, it cools very well with different sized units for more or less cooling power.
In the winter it also heats nicely with no problems even on very cold nights. Keep in mind all mini split units have a rated low temperature they can work at.
I am still using and testing the unit and will update this post if anything changes.
As always, be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, forums, here, or elsewhere to be sure an adapter is a good fit for you.
What is the best way to bend the line set without it kinking it? How do you install the line set to deal with pipe temp expansion?
They have pipe benders but almost all installers take their times and bend the line set slowly by hand.
Any experience with Daikin minisplit model FTXB18AXVUJU. I had one installed 3 months ago and have nothing but problems from day one it was super loud. They had to come back out and replace a motor bearing? Then shortly after unit stopped working all together. The error codes UO, U4-U7 and I think others came on when the guy came out to check the unit today. Any advice or would you recommend another unit for a 550sq’ 1 bedroom unit. Thank you
You may have gotten a bad unit or one damaged in shipping. A bad install can also cause issues. Make sure the communication wires between he inside and outside units have good connections.
Had a mini split installed couple years ago and have to get service guy out every 3 months because of water dripping inside my house. Was told today that drain line clogs up and I need to flush out drain line every so often but this has been a problem ever since it was first installed. What can I do
All mini split units have a drain line to let condensation drip outside. They usually work without any issues. Be sure the line is not clogged or has a kink in it.
I had a HVAC guy install the RXB18AXVJU and FTXB18AXVJU unit in Sep. I live in Washington State. The unit worked great for 1 month then quit, showing a code of U4. The installer changed out the circuit board for the indoor unit and replaced an electrical line that communicates between the indoor/outdoor units. It worked for less than 24 hours and quit again. Now he is going to replace the circuit board in the outdoor unit. I am quickly losing confidence in this product and asked him to contact Daiken to exchange the unit for another one. I feel like if we have to replace this many parts on a brand new unit, its a faulty unit to begin with. What are your thoughts on this?
A bad installation can cause issues. I would run new communication wires between the inside and outside units. They may have a lose connection or grounded wrong.