Hey friends—Samantha here!
If you’re considering the MRCOOL Advantage Series 18,000 BTU Wall-Mounted Mini Split Heat Pump, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: this system is designed to be DIY-friendly, yet at the same time, many homeowners still lean on professionals for installation.
That begs the question: Should you roll up your sleeves and install it yourself, or should you bring in a licensed HVAC pro?
I’ve been there. I went back and forth—my toolbox in one hand, my phone in the other, debating whether to call a contractor. In this guide, I’ll walk you through both routes in detail:
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What DIY installation really takes (skills, tools, time, risks).
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What you can expect if you hire a professional installer (costs, benefits, warranty coverage).
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Where each path shines, and where each falls short.
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My own “hybrid” approach that blended both worlds.
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to decide which route makes the most sense for your home, your skills, and your budget.
🛠️ What DIY Installation Looks Like
The MRCOOL Advantage is marketed as DIY-capable—especially compared to traditional ductless mini splits that always require a licensed HVAC installer. That’s a huge appeal for homeowners like me who love the satisfaction (and savings!) of doing projects ourselves.
But let’s break down what “DIY” really means.
🔧 Skills You’ll Need
Before you dive in, ask yourself honestly: Am I comfortable with these tasks?
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Carpentry basics – Mounting a bracket, drilling a 3–4 inch hole through your wall.
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Electrical knowledge – Wiring 230V circuits safely into your breaker panel.
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Plumbing-like skills – Handling copper refrigerant lines, flare nuts, and torque specifications.
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Mechanical awareness – Lifting and leveling the outdoor condenser, routing lines neatly.
💡 If you’ve ever installed a ceiling fan, wired an outlet, or fixed a leaky pipe, you’ll find some skills familiar. But keep in mind—this project is bigger and riskier.
🧰 Tools & Materials
Here’s the checklist I had to build before starting:
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Drill with masonry bits (if mounting through brick or siding).
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Hole saw (3–4") for the line set penetration.
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Stud finder + level for the indoor bracket.
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Torque wrench + adjustable wrench to secure flare fittings without over-tightening.
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Vacuum pump + manifold gauge set to evacuate air and moisture from refrigerant lines.
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Electrical tools – voltage tester, wire strippers, conduit, breaker.
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Caulk + wall sleeve to seal penetrations.
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Condenser pad or wall brackets to secure the outdoor unit.
💲 If you don’t already own HVAC tools like the vacuum pump and gauges, you can rent them for ~$50–$75 per day. Buying them outright costs around $200–$300.
📦 DIY Steps in a Nutshell
Here’s the general workflow for an MRCOOL Advantage install:
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Mount the indoor unit – Find studs, level the mounting plate, and secure.
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Drill the penetration hole – 3–4” hole for refrigerant lines, condensate drain, and wiring.
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Route the line set + drain – Run tubing through the wall to the outdoor unit.
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Install the outdoor condenser – Place on a pad or brackets, ensuring level ground.
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Connect refrigerant lines – Attach pre-flared connections with a torque wrench.
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Pull vacuum – Use vacuum pump and gauges to remove air and moisture.
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Release refrigerant – The Advantage unit comes pre-charged; you open the valves once evacuated.
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Wire the unit – Connect the indoor/outdoor communication cable and tie into your breaker panel.
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Seal and finish – Caulk wall penetrations, secure line covers, and tidy wiring.
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Test – Power on, check for airflow, and verify heating/cooling.
👉 Note: Always follow MRCOOL’s official installation manual. Skipping steps—especially vacuuming—can damage your system.
💲 DIY Cost Savings
So, what do you save?
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Labor: Pro installs average $1,500–$3,500 for a single-zone unit (HomeAdvisor).
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DIY tools + accessories: $300–$600 if you don’t already own the gear.
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Net savings: Often $1,000–$2,500.
That’s a big win for budget-conscious homeowners!
⚠️ DIY Risks
But here’s the catch:
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Electrical hazards: 230V wiring is not forgiving—mistakes can be fatal.
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Refrigerant risks: Leaks not only waste expensive refrigerant but also harm efficiency and the environment.
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Warranty issues: Many manufacturers limit warranties if installed without a licensed contractor (Energy.gov).
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Time: Expect 1–3 days if it’s your first time.
💡 When I did mine, I handled the carpentry and line routing, but I called an electrician for the breaker hookup. That gave me confidence in safety without blowing my budget.
👷 Professional Installation: What to Expect
Now let’s look at the flip side: hiring a pro.
✅ The Professional Process
A licensed HVAC contractor will typically:
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Confirm sizing – Sometimes with a Manual J load calculation.
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Choose placement – Best airflow, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
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Handle electrical work – Code-compliant 230V connection and breaker installation.
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Install the unit – Drill, mount, connect, and test.
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Evacuate and charge – Use professional-grade vacuum pumps and gauges.
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Commission the system – Measure refrigerant, amperage draw, thermostat response.
💲 Professional Costs
According to HomeAdvisor:
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Single-zone install: $1,500–$3,500
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Multi-zone setups: $3,500–$7,500+ depending on complexity
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Electrical upgrades: $200–$1,000 extra if your panel needs work
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Permits/inspections: $50–$300 depending on your city
🌟 Advantages of Hiring a Pro
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Warranty protection – Many warranties require pro installation (Carrier).
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Faster turnaround – A pro can finish in 4–8 hours.
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Peace of mind – No risk of electrical mistakes or refrigerant leaks.
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Code compliance – Ensures your system meets local building and electrical codes.
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Future resale value – Documented professional installation can reassure buyers.
⚠️ Downsides of Hiring a Pro
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Higher upfront cost – Labor is the biggest factor.
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Less hands-on learning – You miss out on the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
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Scheduling hassles – Depending on your area, HVAC contractors may have long wait times.
⚖️ DIY vs. Pro: Side-by-Side
| Factor | DIY Install 🛠 | Pro Install 👷 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $300–$600 extras | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Time | 1–3 days | 4–8 hours |
| Tools Needed | Yes, specialty | Provided |
| Skill Required | High | None |
| Warranty Coverage | Risky | Secure |
| Satisfaction | High (pride!) | High (peace of mind) |
💡 Samantha’s Hybrid Approach
I love DIY—but I also know when to call in reinforcements.
Here’s what I did:
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DIY: Mounted the indoor unit, drilled the wall, ran line sets.
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Pro help: Hired an electrician for the breaker and a tech to vacuum/test refrigerant lines.
The result?
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Saved about $1,500 in labor.
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Kept installation safe and compliant.
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Still got to say, “Yep, I installed my own MRCOOL mini split!”
This hybrid approach is becoming popular—do the prep yourself, then pay a pro for the risky parts.
🏁 Conclusion: Which Path Should You Choose?
So—DIY or pro?
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Go DIY if: you’re handy, comfortable with electrical safety, and eager to save money.
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Go Pro if: you want peace of mind, warranty protection, or aren’t confident with wiring and refrigerant.
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Try the Hybrid approach if: you enjoy DIY but want licensed help for electrical and system testing.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to prove yourself—it’s to create a home that’s safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Whether you install it with your own hands or let a pro handle the heavy lifting, your MRCOOL Advantage will be a solid investment in comfort.
