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Do Line Sets Have To Be Charged On A Mini Split? - Ask the Expert Episode 197
Today's question comes from Ron. "Hey Dan, do you have to charge the line sets on a 12k ductless mini split before turning it on?"
Yes, the line sets should always be charged on a mini split before you turn it on. I think what he's asking about, however is the MrCool DIY unit. If you have a MrCool DIY, you don't have to charge the line set. The line sets on the 12k DIY are going to come pre-charged. You don't have to do anything, you just connect them and you're good.
Now, for any other mini split that is a 12K, they are not going to come pre-charged. So, those will have to be vacuumed and charged correctly. Technically, all line sets will have to be charged, whether that happens in the factory for the MrCool DIY or it happens during installation with a Mitsubishi, LG, or any other brand.
Have more questions? Just ask them in the comments below or on Facebook or on Twitter.
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Hi, is a Senville 12k mini split come precharged? and do you recommand this unit. If not what is a good alternative?
Thanks
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I'm not sure if the Senville systems come pre-charged or not. We do not carry that particular brand. The MrCool DIY 12k is a good choice. It comes pre-charged and is setup for a do it yourself installation. You can find it here: https://iwae.com/shop/12k-btu-22-seer-mrcool-diy-ductless-heat-pump-split-system-3rd-generation-wall-mounted-ha20868.html
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Are these ductless units good in sub zero temps?
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Most ductless mini-splits are not designed to operate in sub-zero temperatures. However, there are some systems like the MrCool or Mitsubishi Hyper Heat units that can perform adequately below zero. Their low operating temperature is -20 degrees. We aren't aware of any mini-splits that would work below that temperature.
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Air handler to to heat pump is 15’. I have 25’ of charged line Can I curl up the excess in a circle behind the condenser?
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You can. However, 16' lines are also available for the DIY.
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I want to add 15 ft of pre charged lines to my mrcool universal system with 35ft precharged lines.
Can i use the reverse of the install process and add the precharged lines in without losing the charge on the old lines?
I installed this system just this week but want to move the inverter. And i could use the extra line inside to better route the lines...
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You could try it. The currently installed lines might not lose their charge. However, it would be better to leave an installed system in place.
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Will not opening the charge value keep it from coming on? I have the correct voltage and power to it, but nev opened the charge value. Will that keep it from coming on! It’s a 1200 pioneer 115 volt.
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I am not certain what you mean by “charge valve”. There are service valves that allow refrigerant to flow to and from the condenser to the indoor unit and there is at least one service port for checking or adding charge. The service valves themselves will not prevent the condenser from coming on, however the pressure switches inside the condenser can prevent condenser operation.
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I bought the Mr. Cool Advantage 9k (3rd Gen) kit last year and am only now getting around to installing it. Reading the manual for this unit, it appears that it already has refrigerant in it and the lines just have to be vacuumed before opening the valves. Or at least, that's what I think it means because the instruction manual (https://mrcool.com/wp-content/dox_repo/mc-adv-3-im-en-01.pdf) has no instructions at all about charging the system except for adding refrigerant in certain limited cases. So, does this system come pre-charged but unevacuated? I think evacuating the system can be done DIY with the right pump.
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The condenser is pre-charged for a certain length of line set. It must be evacuated and charged if necessary by an HVAC professional during installation. This is also important for receiving the warranty.
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