Hessaire H Series Ductless Mini-Split AC Installation Instructions

Product Models

H12E1 (1 Ton, 23 SEER), H12HP1A/H12HP2A (1 Ton, 17 SEER), H18E2 (1.5 Ton, 23 SEER), H18HP2A (1.5 Ton, 17 SEER), H24HP2A (2 Ton, 17 SEER)

1. Getting Started

1.1 Contents

Included:

• Indoor Unit (Air Circulator)
• Outdoor Unit
• Remote Controller & Wall Holder
• Line Sets—Piping W/Insulated Wrap (2)
• Communication Cable—Indoor To Outdoor Unit
• Wiring Cable—Connection box to outdoor unit
• Drain Tubing Extension
• Indoor Unit Wall Mount Bracket
• Outdoor Unit Vibration Foot Pads (4)
• Thermal Tape
• Through Hole Edge Cover
• Drain Port For Outdoor Unit
• Manual

The following diagrams illustrate the components:

1.2 Suggested Tools

The following tools are recommended for installation:

• Safety Glasses
• Work Gloves
• Adjustable Wrenches
• Screwdriver—Both Phillips & Flathead
• Allen Wrench Set—Standard
• Torque Wrench
• Drill & Drill Bits, 3" Hole Saw
• R410A Adapter
• Vacuum Pump
• Clamp On Amp Meter
• Level
• Pipe Cutter
• R410A Flaring Tool
• Micron Gauge

2. General Safety Precautions

WARNING: Risk of electrical shock can cause injury or death. Disconnect all remote electric power supplies before servicing and installing.

• The appliance must be installed in accordance with local electrical safety regulations and National Electrical Codes (NEC).
• Unit must be properly grounded during installation to avoid electrical shock.
• Power supply to the outdoor unit must be an independent, dedicated, grounded circuit. Insufficient electrical capacity can cause electrical shock or fire.
• Ensure proper gauge of wire is used based on rated current.
• Do not modify the length of the power supply cord or use an extension cord with the unit.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, a service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid a hazard.

CAUTION:

• Do not install the unit near combustible materials or in a location exposed to combustible gases.
• It is recommended that the length of the copper lines between the indoor unit and outdoor unit is less than 7.5 meters (24.6 ft). Efficiencies may be negatively impacted if the lines exceed this distance.
• Adults should operate this appliance. Children should be supervised when operating or learning to use this appliance.
• Install drain tubing according to instructions. Improper drainage can damage property.
• It is not recommended to install air conditioners in damp locations (e.g., laundry rooms, bathrooms) as excessive water exposure may cause electrical components to short circuit.
• When charging refrigerant, ensure it is in liquid state if the refrigerant is R410A. Otherwise, the chemical composition may change and adversely affect performance.
• The refrigerant circuit temperature will be high. Keep the interconnection cable away from the copper tube.
• Use only factory-provided or approved parts and accessories during installation and/or repair.
• Install the unit in a location that is secure and will support its weight.

3. Dimensions

Refer to the table for unit dimensions and weights:

Diagrams show side and front views of the outdoor unit and a view of the indoor unit with dimensions labeled.

4. Indoor Unit Installation

4.1 Select Location

Skill Level: 1

When selecting a location for the indoor unit, it is recommended that:

• It allows for maximum air circulation.
• It has a convenient drainage location.
• The area does not cause noise issues for other people.
• The wall is strong enough to support the unit's weight.
• It is at least 3ft from other electrical devices (computer, TV, radio, etc.).
• Piping and wall hole can be easily arranged, avoiding wall studs when drilling a 3" hole.
• Minimum clearances are adhered to (see diagram).

Avoid installing near:

• Sources of heat, steam, or combustible gases.
• Flammable materials such as curtains.
• Obstacles that would potentially block air circulation.
• Areas in direct sunlight.
• Doorways.

Diagrams illustrate minimum clearances: 8 inches from ceiling, 2 inches from side walls, and 8 feet from the floor.

4.2 Attach Mounting Plate To Wall

Skill Level: 1

Attaching The Mounting Plate:

• Remove the mounting plate from the back of the indoor unit.
• Determine the location for the mounting plate based on desired indoor unit placement and location recommendations.
• Locate the plate to catch at least one wall stud for sturdy mounting. Heavy-duty screw anchors are recommended for drywall, block, or brick.
• Ensure the mounting plate is horizontal and level.
• Mark the center of the indoor unit on the mounting plate for reference. Note: the center of the mounting bracket may not be the center of the indoor unit.
• Use a minimum of 6 evenly spaced mounting screws to properly support the weight of the indoor unit (screws and anchors not included).
• Securely tighten all screws and ensure the plate is tight to the wall.

Notes:

• The shape of your mounting plate may differ, but installation steps remain the same.
• Ensure the top of the mounting plate is level before anchoring to the wall.
• Refer to Fig. 4.2 for mounting plate clearances.

Diagram shows indoor unit outline with minimum clearances: 2" from side walls and 8" from ceiling.

4.3 Drill Through-Hole In Outdoor Wall

Skill Level: 1

CAUTION: When drilling the wall hole, be sure to avoid electrical wires, plumbing, and wall studs.

Drilling Hole Through Wall To Exterior:

• A 3" hole is necessary to pass refrigerant piping, drain tube, and signal cable through the wall to the exterior.
• Determine the location of the 3" hole based on the mounting plate location. Refer to Fig. 4.3 for accurate hole location based on unit size. The bottom of the 3" hole should not drop below the bottom edge of the wall mount bracket to ensure the indoor unit covers the hole.
• Using a 3" hole saw, drill the hole from the interior wall through to the exterior. Drill the hole at a slight downward angle towards the outside (see Fig. 4.3b). Special drill bits may be required for concrete or brick.

Fig. 4.3 Table of Wall Hole mounting dimensions:

Fig. 4.3b shows drilling a 3" hole at a slight downward angle (2-3 degrees) for proper drainage.

4.4 Connect Signal Cable To Indoor Unit

Skill Level: 1

CAUTION: Refer to Safety Precaution page prior to connecting any wiring.

Connecting signal cable to indoor unit:

• The signal cable enables communication and provides power between the indoor and outdoor units. Cable ends are prepared for quick connections.
• Lift the front access panel of the indoor unit (Fig. 4.4) to expose the wiring cover and terminal block.
• Feed the signal cable through the back side of the indoor unit to the terminal block.
• Using a screwdriver, remove the wire cover from the terminal block.
• Using the wiring diagram (Fig. 4.4b), make connections to the indoor unit terminal block according to your unit's voltage rating.
• Once connections are secure, replace the wire cover and secure the cable using the built-in cable clamp.

Fig. 4.4 shows the indoor unit with the front cover open to access the wiring terminal block. Fig. 4.4b provides wiring diagrams for 115V and 208/230V systems, showing connections for the indoor and outdoor unit terminals and power supply.

4.5 Mount Indoor Unit To Wall

Skill Level: 1

Mounting indoor unit to wall:

• The typical orientation for attaching the indoor unit to the wall is with the refrigerant piping protruding straight out from the back (position A in Fig. 4.5). Other orientations (B, C, D) may utilize knockouts on the unit ends and require additional lengths of refrigerant, drain tubing, or signal cable.
• Position the indoor unit on its face to access the back. Locate refrigerant piping stubs at the bottom of the unit and gently bend them upward and backward as shown in position 3. Avoid kinking the piping.
• Locate the drain tube stub and signal cable. Run them along the underside of the piping and secure with vinyl tape.
• The unit is now ready to be attached to the wall bracket with piping, drain tube, and signal cable inserted through the wall hole.
• Note: Refrigerant piping can exit from 4 positions. Position A is the factory preset and most common. If exiting from other positions, additional piping and fittings may be needed, and the drain tubing may need to be moved. Relocate the drain plug to prevent water damage.
• Hold the indoor unit up to the wall, guiding the piping, cable, and drain tubing through the wall hole. Tilt the unit slightly to hook the top onto the tab hooks of the wall mounting bracket until it is self-supported.
• Using even pressure, push the bottom front of the indoor unit towards the wall until it snaps onto the hooks along the bottom edge of the mounting plate. Ensure the unit is securely held in place with no uneven gaps between the unit and the wall. Adjust left or right as needed to align piping with the 3" hole.

Fig. 4.5 shows the rear view of the indoor unit with piping, drain tube, and communication cable. Fig. 4.5b illustrates attaching the indoor unit to the wall bracket, showing piping through the wall.

4.6 Connect Refrigerant Piping To Refrigerant Pipe Stubs From Indoor Unit

Skill Level: 2

Connecting Refrigerant Piping:

• From the exterior, gently bend the pipe/drain/cable stub downward toward the outdoor unit location. Support the piping while bending to prevent kinks and keep it close to the exterior wall.
• Once the stub is bent downward, the line sets are ready for connection (Fig. 4.6).
• Remove the cap nuts from the refrigerant piping stubs. A brief “hissing” sound upon removal is normal nitrogen release, not refrigerant escaping.
• Gently uncoil the line set (2 pipes) and connect the flare nut from the line set end to the piping stub from the indoor unit, hand-tightening both lines (Fig. 4.6b). Only uncoil enough line set piping to reach the ground behind the outdoor unit.
• Using two wrenches, securely tighten the fittings on both lines (Fig. 4.6b). Refer to Fig. 4.6c for proper torque values to prevent under or over-tightening. Overtightening may deform or damage copper lines.

Fig. 4.6c: Torque Chart

4.7 Connect Drain Tubing Extension

Connect the drain tubing extension piece to the drain stub from the indoor unit. The drain tubing should run straight downward along the refrigerant piping and communication cable (Fig. 4.6).

5. Outdoor Unit Installation

5.1 Select Location

Skill Level: 1

Selecting Outdoor Unit Location:

• Choose an appropriate location that meets all clearance requirements (Fig. 5.1).
• The location should correspond with the desired indoor unit placement.
• Ensure good air circulation and ventilation.
• The location must be firm and solid to support the unit and prevent vibration.
• Locate where noise will not disturb others.
• Protect from long periods of direct sunlight, rain, and flooding.

Do not install in locations near:

• Obstacles that block air intake or discharge.
• Public streets, crowded areas, or where noise will disturb others.
• Animals or plants that may be harmed by hot or cold air discharge.
• Sources of combustible gases.
• Areas exposed to large amounts of dust or high winds.

Fig. 5.1 illustrates minimum clearances: 10" on sides and back, 20" in front. It also shows foot anchor tabs.

5.2 Install Pad/Anchor Unit

Skill Level: 1

• Once the ideal location is decided, place the pad on the ground. Ensure the pad is level and on a solid surface that won't sink.
• After the pad is firmly in place and level, anchor the outdoor unit firmly to the pad by fastening screws through the foot tabs (Fig. 5.1). Use the included rubber foot pads to lessen vibration.

5.3 Connect Signal Cables

Skill Level: 2

Connecting Signal Cable:

• Remove the cable/wire junction box cover (Fig. 5.3).
• Locate the signal cable ends. The signal cable from the indoor unit runs down the side of the exterior along with the piping and drain tube.
• Run the signal cable through the right side cable wire access hole (Fig. 5.3).
• Connect the signal cable ends to the terminal block on the right side of the junction box. Follow the connection diagram in Fig. 5.3b, ensuring correct voltage is used.
• Ensure connections are secure and correct.

Fig. 5.3 shows the outdoor unit with the cable junction box cover and access hole. Fig. 5.3b provides wiring diagrams for 115V and 208/230V systems, showing communication cable connections.

5.4 Connect Power Wires

Skill Level: 3

WARNING: Power connection box must be installed by qualified persons. All wiring must be done according to the wiring diagram inside the junction box cover and local/national codes.

• The power connection box should be located within 6ft of the outdoor unit.
• Run the outdoor-rated power cable from the connection box to the outdoor unit through the left hand wire access hole.
• Note: SJ power cable is provided. Check local codes to ensure the proper cable is used.
• Ensure connections are secure.

Fig. 5.4 shows the outdoor unit with the cable junction box cover and access hole for power cable.

5.5 Connect Refrigerant Piping To Outdoor Unit

Skill Level: 2

Connecting Refrigerant Piping To Outdoor Unit:

• Remove the valve cover from the outdoor unit to access the valves (Fig. 5.5).
• Uncoil just enough insulated line set to reach the valves.
• Hand-tighten both lines to the corresponding valves. Note: One pipe line is smaller than the other and can only be installed one way.
• Support the main valve body with a second wrench before tightening each flare nut with a wrench to the specified torque (values shown in Fig. 4.6c, page 9).
• While firmly gripping the valve body, use a torque wrench to tighten the flare nuts to the specified torque.

Diagrams show accessing the valves and supporting the main valve body while tightening.

6. Vacuum Testing & Charging

Skill Level: 3

Precautions: It is recommended that a qualified installer perform vacuum testing.

• Air and foreign matter in refrigerant lines can cause pressure spikes, potentially damaging the unit, reducing efficiency, and causing injury.
• Ensure all piping and electrical connections are correct.
• Release air and moisture from the refrigerant circuit using a vacuum pump with a manifold gauge (Fig. 6.0). A brief “hissing” sound during initial testing and valve opening is normal nitrogen release. If a continuous “hissing” air release sound occurs, check for improperly torqued flared piping connections.
• Verify that both piping lines and electrical connections are correct.

How to Vacuum Air Tubes:

1. Unscrew and remove caps from 2 and 3-way valves.
2. Unscrew and remove cap from the service port valve.
3. Connect the vacuum pump flexible hose to the service valve.
4. Start the vacuum pump for 10-15 minutes until reaching a vacuum of 10 mm Hg absolutes.
5. With the vacuum pump still running, close the low-pressure knob on the vacuum pump manifold. Stop the vacuum pump.
6. Open the 2-way valve 1/4 turn, then close it after 10 seconds. Check tightness of all joints using liquid soap or an electronic leak detector.
7. Turn the 2 and 3-way valve stems to fully close the valves. Disconnect the flexible vacuum pump hose.
8. Replace and tighten all valve caps.

Fig. 6.0 illustrates the vacuum testing setup with the indoor unit, outdoor unit, vacuum pump, and 3-way valve diagram. The Valve Opening Detail shows how to use an Allen wrench.

7. Electrical & Gas Leak Checks

Electrical Check Prior To Start Up:

Skill Level: 3

• Confirm all electrical wiring is done according to national and local codes, and wiring diagrams in this manual and on the units.
• Before test run, check grounding resistance using a resistance tester. Grounding resistance must be less than 4 Ω.
• During test run, use a multimeter for an electrical leakage test. If leakage is detected, turn off the unit, disconnect all power, and call an electrician.

Gas Leak Check Prior To Start Up:

Skill Level: 1

• Using a soft brush, apply soapy water to all pipe connection points. The presence of bubbles will alert you to a leak.

Installation Wrap Up:

Skill Level: 1

• Wrap the line set, communication wire, and drain tubing together using provided vinyl tape.
• Ensure electrical box access covers and valve access covers are in place.
• Proceed to general start-up checklist and procedures.

8. Start Up

Before Test Run:

Skill Level: 1

• Confirm the electrical system is safe and operating properly.
• Ensure the unit is properly grounded.
• Make sure electrical and valve access covers are securely in place.
• Check all gas connections and confirm there are no leaks.
• Confirm both valves are fully open.

Test Run Instructions:

1. Connect power to the unit.
2. Allow a minute for the unit to turn on when starting for the first time.
3. Press the on/off button on the remote controller to turn the indoor unit on. (Note: There may be an initial delay.)
4. Select the mode button and choose both heating and cooling functions to confirm all functions work.
5. Check all louver and fan speed functions.
6. Ensure water drains from the outside drain tube in cooling mode.

For detailed information on remote control functions, WiFi setup, maintenance, or troubleshooting, refer to the User Manual, Remote Control Manual, or WiFi setup instructions sheet. Additional information is available at www.hessaire.com.