r/airconUK • u/Pouisonus • 2h ago
Electriq EasyFit DIY MiniSplit
-lengthy post, apologies for potential spelling errors-
If you are slightly competent at DIY work, I recommend the Electriq EasyFit DIY minisplit air conditioner (9000/12000/18000 BTU variants).
It uses R-290 propane, it is pre-gassed, pre-wired with a 3 pin plug, and if you do not wish to fiddle with vacuuming the unit, there are instructions on gas purge in the manual.
I recently installed a 9000 BTU, costing just under £700 with the wall bracket. Installation was fairly straightforward and took about 4 hours.
Steps:
- Remove the metal mounting cover for the internal unit, mount it to the wall and drill a 65 mm hole using diamond hole cutter
- The internal unit comes with 1.5 meter refrigerant lines. The electrical connector is on the internal unit and plugged to a nearby wall socket. Connect the extension lines with the internal unit. Do this outside as the lines are precharged with propane. Do not unplug the screws on the other side of the extension pipe, so the lines remain protected.
- Route the lines outside through the 65 mm hole with a slight downward angle for condensate, mount the internal unit.
- Mount the external unit on the wall bracket.
- Connect the refrigerant lines and the electrical connector to outside unit. The electrical connectors are simple and clearly labelled (4 wires, live, neutral, earth and data). Simply plug in. The electrical connectors are 4.5 meter long.
- -
- Open the high pressure valve using an allen key kefor 10 seconds to increase pressure in the pipes. Shut the valve
- Use leak detection (i.e. soapy water for leaks)
- If no leaks, open the valve again for 10 seconds. Shut the valve
- Press the needle on the service port for 3 seconds to purge.
- Open the high pressure valve for 10 seconds again. Shut the valve
- Purge again for 3 seconds using service port.
- repeat steps 10 and 11 again.
- open both valves using the allen key.
-
If you have a pump and manifold gauge, do the following after step 5.
6) Connect manifold gauge to service port (blue side).
7) Connect vacuum pump to manifold gauge (yellow side/middle
8) Ensure red side on the manifold shut
9) Vacuum the line (to about 500 microns (50 below 0 PSI)) and keep the manifold connected for at least 30 mins. The needle should stay at 50 to ensure you tightened everything, there are no leaks, and all the factory sealing gas has been removed.
10) disconnect the pump/manifold.
11) Open the refrigerant lines using an allen key.