Pioneer Inverter+ Heat Pump - Complete Install and Demo

Today we're performing a complete install and demo of the Pioneer Inverter+ Mini-Split heat pump, model WYS018, including pressure testing and air evacuation.

Gear Used in Filming:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tags: how to install a mini-split, pioneer mini-split, pioneer vs senville, pioneer vs cooper and hunter, should i buy a pioneer mini-split?, heat pump installation, how much electricity does a heat pump use?, how quiet is a mini-split? Can i install a mini-split myself? What tools do i need to install a mini-split?

[b]

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.

[stoneyswolf]

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.

[Notsosamurai]

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

[Bob-rneu]

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]

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[infofree]

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

[johngalt]

The best Pioneer installation and review, and I have watched a bunch.

[fabiangomez]

where did you find/get a 2.5" pvc pipe? I can only find a 2" pvc pipe, do you think the comm cable, drain line and 2 refrigerant lines will fit in 2" pvc? I'm using this to keep my lineset from the elements and to avoid an interior leak.

[JamesTaylor-dqfs]

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

[ourme]

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👌

[cyclopentadiol]

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.

[rpatel]

Thank you to individuals like you for taking the time and making well put together videos like this. Just bought a five zone for my business and you have given me the confidence to do self install (friend who is HVAC guy will teach me that portion of the install). You mentioned the app and an adaptor. Can you elaborate on the adaptor? I didn't realize wifi capability was not built in. From the marketing, any intelligent person would presume that everything was built in.
Thanks

[beebop]

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.

[PennywiseM]

Do you have a link for the adjustable Crowsfoot that you used for your torque wrench?

[pacospete]

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 !!!

[rddickman]

Your link to Amazon line set covers are shown in WHITE...did you paint yours? I found another seller with grey...looking for grey. But the grey ones, buyers complained the color fades...(I have Rustoleum..LOL)

[jkjwf]

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

[rodneybracken]

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

[vet]

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

[infofree]

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.