Can I Install the Air Handlers at Different Times for Multi-Zone Mini Splits? - Ask the Expert Episode 213

"Hey Dan, for multi-zone mini splits, like the dual-zone system, do you need to install both zones at the same time or can you install it and use one zone, then install the second zone a few weeks later?" Yes. You can do that for some multi-zone mini splits. You will want to check with the specific model because some of them you can do that with. For instance, the MrCool Multi-Zone 36K BTU you can start with a 9k air handler, then add a 12k air handler, then another 9k air handler, etc. There will be a specific order, though. You wouldn't be able to just add whatever air handlers you want, but yes, you can start with one zone and install the rest later on multi-zone mini splits. Multi-Zone mini splits do allow for installing and using only a portion of the air handlers they are built for. For a more thorough answer to your specific setup, you can always give us a call and our team of experts can help you. Have more questions? Just ask them in the comments below or on Facebook or on Twitter.
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Glenn
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Hello, I would like to add a third indoor head to an existing system. What would the process be?
Dan Danowski
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For a MRCOOL DIY, it's a fairly easy process. For other equipment, it is involved and beyond the scope of what we could provide in a format such as this.
Amay
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I have a mini split multizone system with 5 zones and I have hooked up three zones. I want to add refrigerant (EPA certified)? I have individual ports for each zone and also have a king valve... Which port shall I use (a) zone port (b) king valve
Matt
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I’m adding a 3rd 9k head to a 36k mr cool that is already running two heads. For installing do I need to : 1.) turn off unit 2.) close king valve 3.) add line set 4.) open new line set valves + king vales similar to original startup? the pre-opened king valve is throwing me for a loop
Rebekah Quarles
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Please give us a call at 270-575-9595 as soon as you can so that our tech team can assist you with this.
Doug Morrisey
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I have a MrCool DIY 36k outdoor unit, (1) 18k handler, and (2) 9k handlers. Is it OK if I install the 9k handler on Port A of the condenser, and 18k on Port B, and last 9k on port C of the outdoor unit? I know the 18k is supposed to be on Port A, but will the unit operate correctly this way?
Rebekah Quarles
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We recommend following the guidance of the manual, which recommends installing the largest capacity air handler on port "A."
Sebastian
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Hey Kyle, I’m installing a Gen4 MrCool Multizone system I have 12 + 9 + 9 + 9 heads and a 36k unit. I want to start with the 12 and one of the 9k heads but am questioning the order of operations for adding additional heads after getting the unit up and running. What steps need to be taken before adding the additional two 9K units? I know we need to cut power to the outdoor unit, but should i also close the king valves before adding the line set? are the steps below correct? 1. Cut power to outdoor unit 2. close king valves 3. attach additional line sets 4. open respective valves for new line set 5. open king valve 6. restore power
Rebekah Quarles
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That would be the correct process, but you'd get the best advice from one of our techs. For the best guidance on your installation process, please give us a call at 270-575-9595 as soon as you can.
Jason
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Hello, I have a MrCool 27k multizone with 18k and 9k. 18k is connected to port C and 9k is connected to port B. Nothing is connected to port A at this time. Will this be ok?
Rebekah Quarles
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It should be fine, but you may want to contact our tech department at 270-575-9595 for the best guidance.
Tyler
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I have a 27k condenser with a 12k and a 9k wall unit attached. Can I run the 12k unit while the 9k unit is off/not running? What about the 9k unit while the 12k one is off/not running?
Rebekah Quarles
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According to MRCOOL, at least 2/3rds of the condenser's capacity must be operational for the system to work correctly. This means that both air handlers should be functioning at all times.
AB
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I have a TOSOT 12,000 BTU mini-split 115V, and was wondering if I could convert it into a dual zone? This will be for around 900sqft home. After some googling I've found mixed results. What do you suggest?
Rebekah Quarles
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If you visit their website, it doesn't seem that they have 12k multi-zone mini-split systems. We also do not sell this brand, so we cannot say how it can be used, as we are relatively unfamiliar with it. This being said, it's unlikely that it can be converted to a dual zone system.
Christi
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If I were to install a Mr. Cool DIY 18000 BTU dual zone mini split. Could I install and use one 9K air handler for a few weeks before installing the second 9K air handler?
Rebekah Quarles
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The condenser must have at least 3/4 of the BTU capacity operating at a time, so for the best operation you'd need to connect both air handlers.
Ron hurlbert
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Hi Dan, wanted to get your thoughts on this. I have a 18,000 btu multi zone heat pump that was given to me, ( Fujitsu AOU18RLXFZ ). The plan was to put one 15000 btu head in the great room, but the installation manual says 2 heads are required to operate the unit. That does not make sense to me. Thank you in advance for your input
Rebekah Muller
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Multi-zone systems are designed to support more than one air handler, so you must install more than one air handler for your multi-zone system to properly function. There may be some stipulation set by Fujitsu manufacturers regarding capacity requirements when installing air handlers.
Mike
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Thanks for the info! Does the same apply to LG units? I have a multi zone 15+9+7 and 24k condenser. I should be ok to just install and run the 15k for now?
Rebekah Muller
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You may want to consult with the manufacturer or the manual if possible, but it should function.
Jim
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I have a 600 sq ft, 10 ft ceiling space that Has 4 separate zones in need to temp control. In large the spaces would have the same temps and usage. The smallest 4 zone I have found is 30k btu and I’m concerned that would be way oversized, is there a way to make a smaller unit work? Like a 24k three zone somehow split one of those zones for 2? Or get the 30k and somehow throttle back the usage? Any recommendations?
Rebekah Muller
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While you might be able to turn the units on a lower operating mode, a 30k system for 600 square feet does sound a but oversized, unless you live in a more intense climate. If possible, it might be a good idea to find a way to split up the zones so that you can use a smaller unit. Please keep in mind the square footage of each zone to ensure that each space is covered appropriately.
Peter Pham
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Hi Dan, I have a multizone (4) LG 36k.Technician installed 2 12k for me couple years ago. I think it's pretty simple to install per DIY instruction. So I tent to install the third one 12k but When I open the panel I saw only one core valve for gas and one core valve for liquid. Is that means I have to close botH valves before vacuum the newly installed? Thank you very much. Peter Pham
Rebekah Muller
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We cannot provide reliable guidance on this, but it is likely that these valves must be shut before other units are installed. Please call an LG installer before proceeding with your installation.
Dave
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Can I use zone b and c skipping a on a lg mini trizone
Rebekah Muller
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If the manual designates that you should attach the line sets from A to B to C, then you should follow the instruction of the manual. It is possible that ignoring this step could result in a negative impact to performance and operation.
Steve brown
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Do you need to close the king valves before you add another line set the open the king valves last ?
Rebekah Muller
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Yes.
MS
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I have two 4-zone MrCool DIYs on order and will want to phase in the installation. What constraints will there be for the order in which we install wall units? One is supplying 4 9k units all on the same level. The other is supplying 3 9k units on one floor and 1 12k two floors below.
Kyle
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There really is no specific order for installation, other than the largest indoor units should be connected to the condenser beginning with the A port. Since the one system is all 9K units the order will not matter. The installer must be sure to wire the A air handler to the A terminal block and the refrigerant lines must be connected to the A valves.
Yuan Tu
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Dan, I have a 3 zone Gree Mini split AC that is leaking coolant for the 2nd time, I am afraid that one of the air handler has an internal leak. I am thinking about closing one zone pipes to isolate the problem, or it could be just downgraded to 2 zones and use it this summer. Can this be done as you mentioned with MrCool Multi-Zone 36K? Thank you for help in advance! Yuan
Dan Danowski
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That might be possible, but you should refer to the manufacturer information provided with the equipment to make sure. I think it would probably work provided that the capacity of the other two zones was sufficient to adequately function with the condenser.
D
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I have a aou18rlxfz (fujitsu). I'm running a 1200btu and 9000btu head units. When both units are on I get cold air, however if I am only using one unit at a time it seems like the fan is on instead of the A/C (69 to 70) degrees. My installer is having a hard time figuring out the issue. Your thoughts?
Rebekah Muller
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It's possible that there is a certain BTU capacity that needs to be utilized by the operating air handlers, and that running one air handler at a time is not sufficient for proper operation.
Cory
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As stated below in a previous question, I have a 27K unit with 9K AH (port A), 18K AH (port B), and 9K AH (port C). About half of the time the large unit will not blow cool air when it should be, but when it does it works great. Is this possibly from not having the largest unit connected to port A? If so, the manual says I will void the warranty if I remove those connections from the outside unit. How do I get around this?
Rebekah Muller
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We recommend that you have a contractor do this for you. You may also want to call MrCool and ask if doing this would void the warranty.
Yanto
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Hi Kyle, If I have a 30k compressor with 9k+9k+12k configuration, I understand that I need at least two condenser units hooked up, but does it also mean that I need to have at least two condenser turned on at any given time? Can I just have one condenser turned on, even through they are all hooked up?
Rebekah Muller
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Yes, it will not work properly if at least half of the air handler capacity is not being used.
Joe noworyta
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I just installed a 36k mr cool multi zone diy with a 36k head on the a terminal and the A refrigerant lineset port. I turned it on and it runs for about 5-10 minutes (does not cool or heat) then throws a P6 error code(discharge temp sensor).any ideas of why it does? I called tech support a few times and can never get in touch with someone.
Dan Danowski
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It has been our experience that the P6 at start up is a pressure error usually due to not opening the master valves on the condenser. These valves are shown in a picture on page 31 of the installation instructions. Operating the unit with the valves closed can cause compressor damage.
Roy
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I have a MrCool multi zone mini split unit it is 36,000 BTU. I have 1 18k air handler and 2 9k air handlers. Can I install just the 18k air handler for now and add the two 9k air handlers in a few days?
Dan Danowski
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Operating the 36K condenser with only one 18K connected would be marginally OK. The manufacturer suggests 60%.
Edward Yeakel
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I am looking to buy a MrCool DIY 27k dual zone with with a 18k and 12k air handlers. What happens if I run both handlers at the same time? What happens if the air handlers are trying to pull more btu than the pump produces? Thank you!
Dan Danowski
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The maximum output would be 27k BTUs in this case, so one of the air handlers would not be at full capacity.
Adam Abelha
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I am confused. In the video you say, YES, YOU CAN RUN THE UNIT WITH 1 HANDLER ATTACHED. Then yoi go yes and no throughout the q&a below. So please let meask for minor specifically. I have a 27k Mr Cool condenser and 2 12k but air handlers. Can I run on just 1 - 12k air handler ( that is only 44% capacity) or do I need both 12k units installed ?
Dan Danowski
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You can run a multi-zone condenser with any combination of air handlers provided that the combination gives you more than 50% of your operational capacity. So, you should not run a 27k with a single 12k air handler.
Colby Barron
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I have just received two 27k multi-zone DIY systems. The first one has 3 air handlers (18k/12k/9k). The second has two air handlers (12k/9k). I'm waiting on line set extensions to install the complete systems. On the first one, can I operate it with only the 18k air handler connected (to port A)? The same question for the second system with the 12k air handler. Thanks!
Dan Danowski
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The first system can be operated with only the one 18K air handler. The other system will need both units connected in order to operate safely.
Cory
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I have a DIY multi-zone with a 27K condensor, 9K,9K,18K air handlers. I have a 9K air handler on port A and the 18K air handler on port B and haven't connected the 3rd air handler. Is this going to be a problem?
Dan Danowski
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No, that should be fine.
Timothy
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I have a 36K condenser, with 9+9+9+12 air handlers. I installed the first 9K on port A. Is this a problem? Can I just put the 12K on port B?
Dan Danowski
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It should be OK. However, we normally connect the largest air handler to Port A.
Eric Swartz
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For this system 36k BTU 21.5 SEER Multi-Zone MrCool DIY 4 Zone Ductless Heat Pump Split System - 9k+9k+12k+12k, If I were to start with one air handler I would put the first 12K unit into port A correct? Also the breaker should be 30amp with 10awg?
Dan Danowski
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For the 36k, the manufacturer calls for 45 amp, 6 AWG. You would need to install at least half the capacity initially, so you would need to install at least one 12k air handler and a second. The others could be added later.
Charles Dart
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I have the DIY/Gen3 multi-zone, 27k condenser (2 air handlers:18k,9k). One of them requires a left side hole for the lines. Figure 4.4 in the installation manual shows the line at a horizontal angle (versus right side straight out 90 degrees with slight drop). I'm assuming this is to prevent a kink. The cut will be a bit tricky. If the wall is zero degrees and the right side exits at 90, what is the optimal horizontal angle for a left hole? You can email me with the answer. Thanks
Anderson Clark
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I'm waiting for arrival of DIY/Gen3 multi-zone, 27k condenser (3 air handlers:9,9,12) in package HA 21036. I need one 9k a.s.a.p. If I reserve Port A for the 12k linseed, can I use Port B for a 9k AH immediately and run other two line sets a bit later?. . . . I am going to need to knock holes thru brick for 3 line sets. Alternatively, I can run all 3 linsets through one large brick opening into basement and continue line sets at joist level and up through floors to each indoor unit. Theoretically, is that a problem?
Kyle
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Hopefully we will have the new DIY Multi-Zone in stock by the first week of June. Yes, you can reserve port A for the 12k air handler later and the other ports can be used for the other units. However, you must have a minimum of 50% of the condenser capacity hooked up to the condenser at start up to prevent damage to the compressor. For a 27K that would be 14k BTUs. Having the line sets come up thru a wall is theoretically possible, but there could be issues. First, is how to handle condensation drainage inside the wall. Next would be managing bends in the refrigeration lines inside of a wall. It is not impossible and can be done, but would be quite difficult.
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