My son and I have installed Two and each time we have had to move the bracket. This made me feel so good that it wasn't me and next time I will remember The half-inch modification. Thank you

@majorhavoc9693

Ай бұрын

How much in what direction?

@b376010

23 күн бұрын

@@majorhavoc9693 Read my reply above. Basically the bottom of the exit tube/hole in the wall needs to be almost flush with the bottom of the indoor unit, but not so close that you'll see it after installation.

If mounted on a slab you don't have airflow from the bottom but on a wall mount you do.

Great review, I'm working on installing two 18k btu's myself. I just want to say that the template IS off. The hole for the pipes needs to be about 1/4" lower for the unit to sit flush on the wall, otherwise the hoses bind up between the blower unit and the wall. On mine, there is also a hard foam block where the hoses exit that keeps them from sitting down flush into the unit. I removed and trimmed the foam block a bit. The tube location can be be checked by sitting the indoor unit face down on the floor (on a blanket or towel) and slide the supplied 2.5" plastic tube (which I also didn't use as it's very flimsy) until it's flush against the back of the unit. You'll see that the side space is correct at about 1/2" but the bottom space is almost flush with the bottom edge of the unit, especially when you try routing the drain line at the bottom. I hope this explains the problem and solution.

@aaronstestlab

23 күн бұрын

Thanks for verifying I'm not crazy, lol

@infofree8

22 күн бұрын

" 2.5" plastic tube" What did you use instead of the included flimsy line?

Great overview of the Pioneer unit and the installation procedure. I will be Installing one of the Pioneer 18000 btu units myself shortly. Thank you for your time posting this video.

@aaronstestlab

10 ай бұрын

Nice. This thing hasn't missed a beat all summer. I think you'll be happy with it.

Very spot on review. Thank you Aaron.

Excellent video! Thank you for taking the time for a thorough install explanation and review! Like you mentioned, some of us do the vacuuming using a digital gauge, and I have always used a valve core removal tool which makes the process quite a bit quicker. Once you have reached and can hold a deep vacuum of at least 200ppm for about 15 minutes, open the gas and liquid lines to charge the system and then replace the valve core, and since you already have a pressurized system, the tiny amount of air that would be introduced in the service valve while replacing the valve core gets purged out when you remove the core removal tool. I charged up my 3-zone system in about 2 hours with this system, because the vacuuming takes 15 min when you remove the valve cores. Pioneer are my favorite split AC systems👌

Your video has certainly helped answer some questions I had about installing my own mini splits. I wasn't sure how bending the head unit pipes 90 degrees wasn't going to cause kinks to form. The spiraled pipe now makes much more sense to me. After doing a lot of research and talking with a person who used to work for the company that installed my first mini split several years ago, I would rather buy a top quality product and void warranty versus getting sub-par product with a perceived warranty. That statement from Pioneer is so full of loopholes for Lawyers that I can't imagine any warranty support will be honored without extensive headaches. Based on quotes (even the guy who I spoke with who is now an independent electrician/HVAC contractor) I can literally buy 2 mini splits and the equipment needed (good vacuum pump, CRT's, hoses, nitrogen bottle, outdoor mounts, line sets/covers, etc.) for the price of one full install by a contractor. They try to make it seem scary because you are dealing with dangerous refrigerants under pressure that might damage you, your property, or the environment. What it truly boils down to is using the correct equipment in a safe and per instructions manner. The servicing and install of these systems isn't rocket science, the physics of how they transfer heat is, and contractors just have a basic understanding of this information. I'm willing to bet 80% of them wouldn't be able to explain PV = nRT which is necessary to understand before even getting into refrigerant properties. As others mentioned, a $70 CRT would have made your vacuum procedure 1000 times easier, along with a $200 digital vacuum gauge to verify you were sub 500 microns after the decay test.

@aaronstestlab

4 ай бұрын

I tend to agree with your sentiments regarding the value of an in-tact warranty after having a year to think about it. Not because I think Pioneer would engage expensive lawyers to avoid sending out a cheap part, but because that cheap part(if it's any part that touches refrigerant) is likely not useful to the DIY'er. However, I disagree with the general notion that just because something isn't top of the line, it's "sub-par." I don't think GM products are as good as those made by Honda, but that doesn't then mean I think GM products are sub-par. Just different points on a wide quality spectrum.

Only complaint I have is the 2 1/5" wall opening for the line set. 3 would be much better. And the AC terminals on the condenser are as lame as they get. They are bare bones minimum in size and the terminal board is as wimpy as a slice of cheese. Do not plan on running solid copper conductors. You will be hating life. That said, use some 10ga stranded wire and it'll be fine. Love the mini split as a whole. Been doing an amazing job for me. Lot of bang for the buck as I see it.

Whoa. That's really great.

@aaronstestlab

Ай бұрын

Thanks!

Best install video on a Pioneer unit by far. Well done.

@aaronstestlab

5 ай бұрын

Thanks, appreciate it.

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The reason for mounting it farther away when it's on the ground is simple. Because now you'll only have 3 sides to draw in air and you'll need to compensate for that.

Great review and information. I'm eithre going to purchase this unit in 12000BTU's, or the Tosot 12000BTU unit. Both seem well made. Either way, i have found your .STL files and will purchase the same A/C disconnect, and print the files out. Thanks for all you work on this.

@aaronstestlab

10 ай бұрын

Probably can't go won't with either. I think Tosot is a subsidiary of Gree which makes great units. I just found Pioneer's tech support to be exceptionally helpful so that's what pushed me in that direction.

@bigfranksworld

10 ай бұрын

@@aaronstestlab great info, thanks!

@uwsome1

5 ай бұрын

I have one off each Tosot 9000 and Pioneer 18000

Thanks for making the time to make this video, it's been very helpful! Quick question: Did you use a 20amp single-pole or double-pole breaker or something else?

@dannygarcia8012

5 ай бұрын

Looks like a double-pole breaker @22:47. What amperage? From my research I've come to either a 20 or 15 amp requirement.

@aaronstestlab

5 ай бұрын

So there's actually two numbers. First, is the minimum circuit ampacity, which is what the machine requires to run. I think mine was 15-amp. Then, there's the maximum overcurrent protection, this is the max size breaker(or fused disconnect) to be used in order to protect the motor. In practice, this means you need either a 15 or 20 amp breaker iirc.

Howdy, I imagine that the space difference between slab and mounting rack would be airflow.

@jcchan08

10 ай бұрын

This is correct if you mount it on the wall it allows for the unit to pull air from beneath the unit. Personally I prefer slab mounting to avoid any more penetrations to a building but you mounted to the foundation which is just as good

Crows foot adapter used at 90 degrees ...... why 90 degrees ? i think I may know but I need confirmation ........ excellent video , I passed it on to my sons , Thank You !!!

What do you mean about making flare connections inside on right side?

66 degrees is room temperature to you?

I Found better results if I file the lines after cutting them reducing any possibility of Burs damaging the face. Also I have added FlareSeal® Model MSP-0408 Leak Free SAE Flare Connections - Refrigerant Leaks Refrigeration, HVAC, Ductless, Schrader Valve or Mini Split Applications (1/4", Mini Split Pack - (2) 1/4" and (2) 1/2") . To make sure that there is no leakage.

@b376010

23 күн бұрын

Pioneer now includes the flare seals in their kits, at least they were in mine.

Snow is the reason for diff clearances on ground VS up on bracket :) PS: I bought a DELLA 9000 btu it is made by Pioneer I believe

@aaronstestlab

4 ай бұрын

I don't think Pioneer makes Pioneer. Seems to me there are a lot of units from Della, Senville, Cooper & Hunter, Pioneer, Klimaire, etc. that all look identical.

Gave some thought to space behind the outside unit and I think it needs less space if it can pull ventilation air from under the unit which if slab mounted that air is unavailable!

@aaronstestlab

2 ай бұрын

That sounds correct. The manufacturer actually commented somewhere on this video and referenced additional clearance from accumulated yard debris(leaves, etc.)

cool, thanks for sharing those. BTW, where is the link to the 3D printing model file? I think I need one of those as well. :)

@aaronstestlab

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for reminding me, forgot to upload, here they are: www.thingiverse.com/thing:6015741

Did you adjust the torque spec on your torque wrench for the crow's foot? If so, by how much? I have a similar set up and am planning on doing an install soon. Great well thought out video.

@aaronstestlab

9 ай бұрын

You don't need to adjust the torque value when using a crowfoot adapter, provided the adapter is perpendicular to the wrench. If in line with it, that's when you need to make adjustments. BTW, Tekton has a nice calculator for this purpose: www.tekton.com/blog/how-to-accurately-use-a-torque-wrench-with-a-crowfoot-wrench

@Thomas-wn7cl

9 ай бұрын

@@aaronstestlab thanks for that

The manufacturer instructions actually tell you to release 5 seconds of the gas at 1/4 turn open prior to disconnecting the vac lines.

@ourme2

7 ай бұрын

I think they may mean that, when releasing the refrigerant to charge up the system, to open the gas line for 5 seconds, close it and then open the liquid line to full, then open the gas to full. You can lose enough refrigerant in 5 seconds releasing it to the outside that may leave your system running short if you are running 25ft lines or longer.

Mine doesn't have the resonance sound. If on the ground probably wouldn't be present. Also, install the wifi module and it's way easier to control. My remote had to be working 8 feet and wouldn't move the temperature above or below certain amounts in cool and heat mode

@aaronstestlab

7 ай бұрын

I agree, the wifi module is worth it's $30'ish price tag. Purchased it about a month after install.

Can you sell the outside and inside mounting blocks for my system?

@aaronstestlab

8 ай бұрын

Maybe...what kind of lap siding do you have?

@tomkalisz

8 ай бұрын

I just order the units and will need 4 of those entry points covers. when I will know the exact location will let you know. Thank you.

I should have bought a Mr Cool. Much easier to install and no need for special equipment

@aaronstestlab

4 ай бұрын

Perhaps, but the difference is cost usually exceeds the cost of the tools. Plus, you're then left with a janky looking DIY install with a non-custom lineset.

Reason why you need a professional to install.. I don't think the remote gonna work everywhere in the room. I'm confused...so to get an app ready you need to buy a separate adaptor??

@infofree8

3 ай бұрын

I have mine Paired up to the Alexa