Next Step: Installing the Air Handler on the Wall inside the Cabin ——
First, select a location on your interior wall closest to the outdoor Condenser unit mounted outside. Many Mini Split units come with the complete installation kit which includes the indoor air handler wall mounting bracket, two (2) 7 foot line sets, condensation drain line, and power cable and unit cable. You will want your cables and line sets to be able to reach the Condenser outside. For clarification, your line sets are the copper tubing that supply the refrigerants between your air handler and the outdoor compressor.
Second, Mount the air handler wall bracket provided with your unit in the location you chose. An Owners Manual and Instructions will come with your unit when you receive it. Follow the instructions for installing the bracket. You will only need a pencil, tape measure, and a level to make sure the bracket is level.
On many mini split units your wall mounting bracket is attached by a single screw located on the back of the air handler. Remove the screw and bracket.
You can build out with 2 x 4 ‘s as in the image above or simply mount the bracket to the wall using your existing wall studs. In the photo you will notice the template that comes with some units. Notice the circles on each bottom corner. Depending on where your drain lines, line sets, and wires are located on your air handler, this is where you will drill your hole to run the line sets, drain line and cables outside to the condenser. Check the back of the air handler to find where your lines are located on the unit. Use a 1 1/2″ hole saw to drill the hole for all of the above.
Once you have the hole drilled from inside to outside, you are now ready to mount your air handler to the wall. Before mounting it on the bracket, pay careful attention to the back of the air handler. On the back top you will find the tabs that your mounting bracket will slide into.
Before mounting the air handler, also locate the wires, plastic drain line, and the two copper tubes folded into the air handler for shipping. Being careful not to crimp the copper tubes, ease each one out until they are straight. You can use both hands to straighten them. Don’t try and force them as you may either crimp them or break them. You may also notice on the ends of the copper lines are caps. DO NOT Remove these at this point…The air handler comes pressurized at the factory and will be released once the line sets are ready to be connected.
After carefully straightening the copper tubes, place those along with the wires and the condensation drain line through the hole in the wall. You can use electrical or duct tape to keep them together to get them through the hole to the outside. This may take two people to complete. Before placing the air handler in place, angle the unit to allow the condensation to drain while in air conditioning mode. You may need to angle to bracket for this or install wedges when mounting the wall bracket. Many installers, using a level, will sometimes angle a 1/3 bubble depending on your needed drainage. Failure to adjust for condensation draining can cause water damage on your walls. Follow the instructions for your drain line. Once your lines are through to the outside, you can mount the air handler to the interior wall bracket. You will only need to lift it up slightly, tilt back just a little to make sure the slots in the air handler slide down on the metal tabs on the wall bracket. You can push it towards the wall at the bottom until you hear a click.
