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What Install Day Looks Like
Install day is straightforward, but it does require a few hours of focused work. Our goal is to get in, get the job done, and leave your garage cool and functional for your next training session.
By the time we arrive, we have already confirmed the unit size and placement based on the site visit. This day is about execution. We show up with everything we need, and we work until your garage is comfortable.
You will want to clear the wall where the indoor unit will go. Move any shelving, tools, or workout gear off that area. We will protect the floor with drop cloths, but the less in the way, the better. Expect noise from drilling and the vacuum pump. We do our best to keep the dust down, but it is a construction job inside your space.
The whole process runs from mid-morning to early afternoon. Most single-zone jobs are done in a day. If you have multiple zones, figure more time. We will communicate timing before we come.
The Price on the Card
That is materials and labor for a standard single zone mini split installation. One day every week is the Joker Day at $2,200. Which day it lands on changes week to week, and the current Joker Day is revealed on the home page.
A $400 materials deposit books the date. The balance is due on completion.
Call the crew: (512) 297-7493Morning Walkthrough and Prep
We start with a walkthrough of the garage. We confirm the mounting location for the indoor unit, the outdoor condenser placement, and the route for the line set and electrical. This is your last chance to ask questions or move something out of the way.
We mark the bracket location on the wall and check for studs or any obstructions. Then we tape up plastic sheeting to catch dust from the wall penetration. The drill is loud, and it will vibrate through the wall. That is normal.
- Clear the wall area of anything hanging or leaning against it.
- Move vehicles out of the garage if possible.
- We will need access to an electrical outlet for our tools.
Mounting the Indoor Unit and the Wall Penetration
The indoor unit bracket is secured to the wall at the marked height. Then we drill a hole through the wall from inside to outside. This hole is about three inches in diameter. We use a core drill with a vacuum attachment to keep dust to a minimum, but some fine particles may settle.
The line set, drain line, and communication cable run through that hole. We seal the gap with putty to keep bugs and air out. If your wall is brick or stone, the drill work takes longer and makes more noise. We have experience with Central Texas construction.
- The hole is usually behind the indoor unit, so it is hidden.
- We do not cut into load-bearing beams without checking first.
- Expect the drilling noise to last about 15 to 20 minutes.
Setting the Condenser Outside
The outdoor unit goes on a pad or wall bracket on the exterior wall near the penetration. We pick a spot with good airflow and away from any hot air exhaust from your water heater or dryer. The unit needs about two feet of clearance on the sides and a few feet above for proper airflow.
We connect the line set to the outdoor unit using flare fittings. Then we run the electrical line from the unit to an outdoor disconnect box, which we mount next to the condenser. The electrical work is done by our team.
- The condenser will produce a low hum when running.
- We make sure the unit is level on the pad or bracket.
- The line set is insulated and covered to protect it from weather.
Electrical, Vacuum, and Charge
We run a dedicated electrical circuit from your panel to the disconnect box. This involves turning off the main power for a short time. We coordinate with you if you have sensitive electronics on the same panel.
After the electrical connections are made, we pull a vacuum on the line set to remove moisture and air. The vacuum pump runs for 30 to 45 minutes. It makes a steady whirring noise, but it is not loud. Once the vacuum holds, we release the refrigerant charge from the outdoor unit into the system. The factory charge is matched to the line set length we measured earlier.
- No need to add extra refrigerant unless the line set is very long.
- The vacuum test confirms the system is sealed and leak-free.
- We do not charge by pressure alone; we weigh the refrigerant.
Start-Up and Handover
We power up the system and set it to cool mode at 70 degrees. We let it run for a few minutes while we check the air temperature coming out of the indoor unit. The airflow should feel cold. We also verify the drain line is dripping water as expected, which means the condensate is draining properly.
Then we walk you through the remote control and the basic settings: mode, fan speed, temperature, and timer. We show you how to clean the air filters and tell you how often to do it. That is about it. Your garage is now usable even on a July afternoon.
- We leave the work area clean and remove all debris.
- You can set the thermostat anywhere between 60 and 80 degrees.
- We do not leave until you are satisfied with the installation.
Questions People Ask
How long does the whole install take?
A single zone mini split install in a garage usually takes between four and six hours. That includes the walkthrough, mounting, drilling, line set, electrical, vacuum, and start-up. If we hit unexpected material inside a wall, it can take a bit longer. We will update you on timing as we go.
Will my garage be a mess after the install?
We do our best to keep dust and debris contained. We use drop cloths and plastic sheeting. The wall penetration creates some fine concrete dust, which we vacuum up. We also pick up all packaging and scrap material. You might need to wipe down a nearby shelf, but we leave the space clean enough to work out in immediately.
Do I need to be home during the install?
It helps if you are around for the first hour so we can confirm the placement and answer any questions. After that, you do not need to stay, but we need access to the garage and the exterior wall where the condenser goes. If you leave, make sure to leave a key or code for us.
Will the wall penetration let in bugs or air?
We seal the hole around the line set with putty specifically made for this purpose. It blocks insects, drafts, and moisture. The seal is on the inside and outside of the wall. If you ever see light around the pipe, the putty has shifted, and you can replace it with standard electrical putty.
What about the noise during drilling and the vacuum pump?
The core drill is the loudest part. It runs for maybe 15 to 20 minutes. You will hear it through nearby walls, but it is not constant. The vacuum pump is quieter and runs for about 30 to 45 minutes. The outdoor condenser makes a hum when running, similar to a refrigerator. Your neighbors should not notice it.
Book the Job
After we leave, you can walk into your garage anytime and feel the difference. No need to wait for the shop to cool or skip a workout because it is too hot. Call or text us to set your install date.
Call or text the crew at (512) 297-7493. Tell us the room, the size and whether it is insulated, and send a photo of the wall you want the head unit on. Standard days are $2,400, materials and labor. The weekly Joker Day is $2,200, and the home page shows which day it is this week. A $400 materials deposit holds the date and the balance is due when the job is finished.
Call (512) 297-7493