DIY capability
The DIY skills and equipment required to do a heat pump or air conditioner install.
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Skills required
- General practical skills
- Measuring, fixing and a good understanding of how to ‘fit things together’. - Able to fix things to walls
- Including the ability to assess the material and structural implications.
- Able to assess and avoid existing pipework and cables.
- Indoor units way only a few kilos, outdoor units are tens of kilos. - Able to create a large (around 70mm) hole in your wall
- Line and make good around it. - Basic plumbing
- Able to cut and bend copper pipe up to 15mm without kinking.
- Using bending springs or tube benders. - Basic knowledge of electrics
- Able to route and connect electrical cable.
- If necessary, arranging an electrician to install a spur to the consumer unit (fuse-box).
In general, the level of competency required is that of someone who would take on many domestic DIY tasks with success.
Remember, the financial outlay on a mini-split unit can be considerable, so you should be confident in your skills. It’s your project!
Equipment required
- Heavy duty drill (percussion/hammer for masonry) and bits for creating the hole in the wall.
- Standard drill and bits.
- Screwdrivers, pliers, spirit level, tape measure, pencil and general DIY tools.
- Wall plugs, including heavy duty fixings if wall-mounting outdoor unit.