1. Why We’re Talking About Line Covers (and Not Just Lines)
Mike, you've installed your DIY mini-split and now have that visible copper lineset running down your wall. Sure, it works—but what about:
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Visual appeal: Won’t it be an eyesore?
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Damage prevention: Exposed lines may get dinged, corroded, or chewed on.
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Efficiency: Could sunlight or pests degrade performance?
Enter line set covers: simple PVC/plastic channels to protect and conceal.
2. Top Benefits of Using a Cover Kit
🎨 Aesthetic Enhancement
Cover kits clean up the look of your exterior wall. As one reviewer noted:
“Say goodbye to eyesores ... hello to a seamless and stylish home” (Game-Changing Mrcool Line Set Cover)
A tidy exterior keeps your installation looking sharp.
🛡️ Weather & Physical Protection
PVC covers protect against UV rays, rain, snow, and debris. The MRCOOL LineGuard kit is designed to shield your lineset:
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Tested in temperatures down to –4 °F and up to 140 °F (Line Covers)
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Prevents corrosion, efficiency drop, and possible leaks MRCOOL DIRECT
🐿️ Pest Defense
They help deter rodents from chewing on fragile wiring or insulation—one review praised how it “keeps pesky critters from making a home” (I Tested Mr Cool Line Set Cover and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Your Home!)
🛠️ Easy Maintenance
Protecting your lines means fewer repairs. A cover makes cleaning simple (hose it off!), and less wear means better long-term reliability
🏡 HOA Compliance
Homeowners associations may require covered lines to maintain curb appeal. Clean lines show you care about your property.
3. Types of Line Set Cover Kits
a) MRCOOL LineGuard (4.5″ width, ~12' length)
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Comes with three 4-ft sections, an elbow, wall cap, interconnectors
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Lightweight, UV-resistant, and designed to fit MRCOOL systems
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Available in white, tan, gray—paintable to match any exterior
b) Universal PVC Cover Kits (3″–4″ width)
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Brands like DuctlessAire, Pioneer, LyPrem offer ones you install over lines
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Generally include straight tubes, elbows, end caps, couplers
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Budget-friendly ($30–$70) and paintable
c) Metal Cover Systems
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Available through HVAC suppliers for a premium aesthetic
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More expensive, heavier, but long-lasting
d) Premium Brand Covers
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Examples include KuriProtect—durable, UV-resistant, modular heatingnewsjournal.com
4. Sizing & Selection Guide
Width
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MRCOOL LineGuard: 4.5″ wide—perfect fit for 1/4″–1/2″ lines
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Universal kits: choose 3″–4″ based on bundle thickness
Length
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Standard cover kits cover ~12–17 ft; longer runs may require extras or DIY extension
Material
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PVC: Durable, paintable, affordable
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Polypropylene (PP): UV-stable but pricier
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Metal: Highest protection, no-paint needed
Aesthetics
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Match your home's color with paint or choose white/neutral kits
Ease of Installation
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MRCOOL and DIY kits install via clips and screws with no special tools NY HVAC SUPPLY HOUSE LLC
5. Installation Tips for Mike
Step 1: Measure Carefully
Track your line path from indoor exit to outdoor unit. Add 10% for bends. Cover kits show straight segment lengths (~4 ft).
Step 2: Prep the Surface
Wash the wall path. Cover holes, ensure smooth anchoring.
Step 3: Assemble the Cover
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Start from the wall entry: attach the wall cap
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Snap on straight segments, elbows, couplers
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End with an end cap at the bottom (or transition to underground piping)
Step 4: Fasten Securely
Use provided clips or screws every 2–3 ft. Ensure no sagging.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Caulk around the wall entry cap for water resistance. Paint cover if needed to match siding
Step 6: Inspection & Maintenance
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Check clips for loosening after initial season
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Wipe down annually to remove dirt or mildew
6. Cost Comparison
Kit Type | Price Range | Coverage | Material | Notes |
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MRCOOL LineGuard | ~$130–$150 | ~12 ft, 4.5″ wide | PVC | OEM fit, easy install |
Universal PVC Covers | $30–$70 | 7–17 ft, 3–4″ wide | PVC/PP | Budget, paintable |
Premium Kits (e.g., KuriProtect) | $50–$120 | 10+ ft | UV-resistant PP | Durable, flexible |
Metal Covers | $150+ | Varies | Aluminum/Steel | Heavy-duty, HOA approved |
Even the most expensive PVC cover still costs far less than repairing or replacing corroded lines over time.
8. When You Don’t Need a Cover
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If install is hidden from view (e.g., basement or backyard behind shrubs)
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Certain aesthetic styles may embrace functional lines
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Budget constraints—but long-term protection often saves money
9. Beyond the First Kit: Expanding Coverage
For runs longer than 12 ft:
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Link multiple kits using couplers or purchase longer models
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DIY PVC extensions with matching materials and connectors
Ensure screws are secure and seal any exposed joints to prevent pest entry or moisture infiltration.
🔚 Final Takeaways for Mike
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Covers matter — they protect your investment and keep things looking sharp
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PVC kits are simple to install and cost-effective
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MRCOOL’s LineGuard is OEM-approved and designed to fit your system
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Measurement and fastening are key — get the fit right, and it's a year-round solution
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Expandable for longer runs, DIY-paintable to match your home
In the next topic we will read more about: How to Pressure Test and Leak Check MRCOOL Quick‑Connect Linesets Safely