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Can You DIY a Dual Zone Mini Split?

You think a dual zone mini split will be perfect for your new workshop, cabin, garage, or whatever. But can you 'DIY' it or is this a job just for the pros?

What is a Dual Zone Mini Split?

For those of you just joining us on this journey, you may be asking, "What exactly is a dual zone mini split?" Good question! A ductless mini split is a compact, versatile heating, air conditioning, and ventilating product. It consists of an interior air handler connected to an exterior condenser via refrigerant lines and communicating wire. Which means that it so far sounds exactly like a full-size central split system, but a ductless mini split, as the name implies, does not connect to ductwork. Also, the condenser and air handler are much smaller. These sorts of systems are great for single-zone applications in areas not serviced by a central unit. Going from there, we can surmise that a dual zone mini split is a ductless system that services two interior zones instead of one. There is a solitary outdoor condenser that connects to two interior air handlers. They give you a more flexibility than a single-zone, and the installation isn't that much more difficult. What is a Dual Zone Mini Split?

Dual Zone Mini Split Installation Requirements

A typical dual zone mini split is a contractor-grade product. What do we mean by that? What we mean is that the lines need to be properly flared and connected, vacuumed, and charged to the appropriate specifications. Specialized tools and training is necessary to do this accurately. Proper licensing from the EPA is necessary to do it legally. In short, a regular dual zone mini split is not something the average person can take out of the box and install. Do they do this anyway? Yes, of course. Does it often cause problems and always void the product warranty. Also, yes.

MrCool Mini Split Options

Single Zone Mini Split

Now, we know someone is going to inevitably ask us about MrCool mini splits. MrCool is well known as the maker of a do-it-yourself mini split called, appropriately, the DIY. MrCool also has a multi-zone called Olympus. Couldn't the average homeowner go out and get an Olympus dual zone mini split and install it themselves without special tools and training just like the MrCool DIY? No. Many people see ads for the MrCool DIY, and then assume that all MrCool ductless products are do-it-yourself. This is not the case. The MrCool Advantage, a single zone system, is not for amateur installation. Similarly, the Olympus, as stated before, is not do it yourself. Both should be installed by qualified, professional technicians.

Dual Zone Mini Split

People ask us all the time about multi zone DIY mini splits, dual zone or otherwise. This is something that MrCool has been quietly working on for a few years. We've likewise been eager to get them. Happily, a MrCool DIY dual zone mini split is a product that we can confidently say will be coming out this summer. So, MrCool at one time did not have a dual zone mini split that you can install yourself, but they do now and we are getting them. The MrCool DIY multi-zone mini split line is set to arrive in our warehouse facilities to fulfill orders around the third week in May 2020. Should we get them sooner than that, we will definitely let you know about it. As you might expect, this is a product that we can't wait to get in front of people. We have a lot of customers interested in them. In fact, there is so much interest that you can pre-order a MrCool DIY Multi-Zone mini split now.

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Karl

How do I find a qualified installer? What are the search terms or specific requirements, and what should I ask him and what will he charge?

Matt

When will the multi-zone DIY be available? And will there be a line set option greater than 25'?

Arquimedes ( Ronie)

So the multi-zone will be the same concept as a single zone that you will be able to connect to the condenser without vacuuming the lines?

Mike

In a dual zone system do you have to install both zones at the same time or can you install and use one zone and then install the 2nd zone maybe a few weeks later.

Thomas Knuepfel

If you have a single zone already installed can you "upgrade" to a duel zone keeping your original air handler (one) and getting a new condenser(?) or do you need to get a complete new set of components?

Bill

Realistically, in winter, at what outside temperature, does the DIY, 36K BTU, 2 zone mini split, NOT heat?. I have a 1032 sq. ft., 5 room home, blown insulation, 2x6 walls, with high vaulted ceiling in living room, and partial loft, with ceiling fan of 5200 air flow on high speed, remaining 4 rooms have 8 ft. ceilings. Also, is the 36K BTU, 2unit split, normally enough to heat and cool the house?. Or would I need a 42K or 48K to heat and cool the house? I also have the same the winter low temperature heating questions about those units. We are an old couple and don't want to under buy or over buy for comfort heating and cooling. Thank you,

ken rosenberg

I plan on purchasing a Mrcool DIY - ASAP. Deciding between a few configurations. either a single zone 24K or 36K (right on the fence, could go either way). Or a dual zone with a 24K and a 9K head which would allow me to include a bonus suite in the structure. It looks like the multi-zone configuration available for pre-order on your site can support up to 4 heads. Is there a drawback to only using 2 of the connections? Are these divided equally within the condenser? Would the 24k be fulfilled with the 9k also connected and the remaining 2 sets of cooling lines not in use? thanks for your guidance

Mark R Webster

Will the DIY mr cool package be available with a ceiling cassette? I want a dual zone 18K outdoor unit with a 12k and 9k indoor cassette units that mount on the ceiling but I haven't seen that configuration with the DIY package.

Bill Sarazin

My house is a split level ranch, prairie architecture. 3800 sq. ft. Built 1976. It has two identical 84000 BTU input condensing gas upflow furnaces with split AC cased coils atop each. Each unit serves a single ducted zone and thermostat. I would like to replace the AC units (but not the furnaces) with Mr Cool heat pumps. Are cased evaporator coils (17.5 X 19 X 20 inches) available to accomplish this, either with use of one or two outside horizontal discharge compressor units (2.5 to 3 ton each)? Are the A coils pre-charged and compatible with pre-charged line sets so as to be DIY? Thanks

Bill Sarazin

Thank you for your response, but my most essential question remains unanswered. That is: Is there a pre charged A coil (other than the complete air handler) available to match with the Mr Cool Universal Compressor?

Gee

Truly fascinating technology. I installed the 18k diy a few months ago jesus this thing is a beast in keeping the house cold and a super quite outside condenser it purrs like a kitten. Getting ready to order the 3 zone diy In the rest of the House. Hopefully covid don’t kill me so I can actually enjoy the luxury of having Mr cool operating in my home. I feel blessed that I don’t have my air ducts in the attic anymore it really made no sense to send cold air into a 150 degree attic. 1st month I saved 90$ on my electric bill so this unit will pay for itself in a few years. Thank you mr cool this diy was definitely one for the little guys because not having to deal with a hvac company ever again is a blessing in itself. Stay safe don’t hesitate just buy it.

Kristin

I have a two level home and I'm looking at putting 1 or 2 systems in to take care of the bedrooms upstairs. If I want to add the garage downstairs into the system, can it be connected if the condenser is mounted higher than the air handler? Does the condenser have to be below the grade of the air handler?

dfghdfgh

No valid reason a dualzone could not be DIY.

Benny Ma

Can a 25K BTU single zone cover a 2 bdrm condo with about 900 sq ft?

TOM twitchin

Would it be better for me to use 2 separate single systems for a 3000ft warehouse?

John Beasley

In southern New England, I have a 1-1/2 story uninsulated 26x30 carriage house (post and beam barn) five years old. I am considering a MrCOOL DIY multi zone mini split to keep the upper portion of the carriage house cool in summer and the ground floor warm and dry from May through December annually. Please ask a salesperson to contact me. Thank you.