Okay, I need some help here. I purchased a mini split unit; long story short, I'm going to have to install it myself. I am not searching for top grade professional equipment; I only have this one unit to install and possibly a second one later for another room. So, I'm looking for a vacuum pump and gauges. Online, I found many - ranging from about $89 up to well over $600 for a vacuum pump and gauge set. Some mentioned R-134a (I know that is for auto A/C units) and others mentioned different refrigerants or didn't mention any at all. Questions: 1) Would a pump/gauges on the low price end work satisfactorily for installing just one or two units? 2) Is there a difference between pumps for automotive A/Cs and for household units, or will "any" pump work for "anything"?
My mini split came with great instructions, and is pre-charged. After pumping a vacuum and waiting a couple of hours to ensure no leaks, I just open a valve and the system is charged. It also came with the copper tubes with fittings, but they're several feet too long, so I must shorten them. I also need a tubing flare tool and a flare nut torque wrench. (I want to D-I-Y, but also want to do it correctly). I would like to get by with an investment of a couple hundred dollars for everything. Can y'all please give me recommendations for tools that will do the job but not break the bank? Thank you for any and all help you can offer. :help:
My mini split came with great instructions, and is pre-charged. After pumping a vacuum and waiting a couple of hours to ensure no leaks, I just open a valve and the system is charged. It also came with the copper tubes with fittings, but they're several feet too long, so I must shorten them. I also need a tubing flare tool and a flare nut torque wrench. (I want to D-I-Y, but also want to do it correctly). I would like to get by with an investment of a couple hundred dollars for everything. Can y'all please give me recommendations for tools that will do the job but not break the bank? Thank you for any and all help you can offer. :help: