A homeowner who expected efficient heating from a new LG mini-split instead got a system that cooled, but did not heat — and an unexpected crash course in HVAC troubleshooting. Only after working through installation problems involving the wiring, line set, flare connections, and refrigerant did the homeowner get the heat pump running.
Here's what to know
According to an update posted to Reddit, the homeowner said a "knucklehead contractor" installed the mini-split, and the unit never worked.
The week of research led to several corrections. They explained that they swapped Romex for proper connection wire, replaced the bent line set with an insulated set of the proper length, redid all the flares, and installed a proper condensation drain.
For the vacuuming and refrigerant charge, the homeowner got help from a friend who "does some hvac on the side." The original poster wrote, "As some suggested, one of the flares was leaking and there was no Freon in the unit, replaced all flares."
Upgrading heating and cooling can cut utility bills and reduce exposure to rising energy prices, but only if the system is installed correctly.
For homeowners comparing newer, more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps, Palmetto can explain the options, and its Comfort Plan network can connect them with vetted installers and efficient heating and cooling solutions for their home.
A commenter pointed to skipped testing as the likely issue: "Wow, so if the flare was leaking, it means the installer never did a final pressure test. Crazy!"
More background
The homeowner was not dealing with a worn-out system. By the poster's account, the breakdown came from the installation, with "about everything" done incorrectly. Rather than scrap the unit, the homeowner treated the project as salvageable.
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After making the repairs, the poster described the experience as "a learning opportunity." Another commenter celebrated that outcome, saying it "wasn't a total loss on the original equipment."
Other commenters focused on repairability. One commenter wrote: "That's why I prefer to buy once, repair whenever necessary, and make that initial investment go as far as possible."
Heating and cooling systems can be one of the biggest household energy expenses, and a properly working system can mean the difference between dependable comfort and a costly headache.
What can be done?
Before signing off on a mini-split installation, homeowners can ask to see the pressure-test results and vacuum reading. In this case, the homeowner eventually got the system working by switching to the proper connection wire, replacing the bent line set, fixing leaking flares, and getting help with the refrigerant work.
For anyone weighing repair, replacement, or a full upgrade, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0-down options that can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 50%, plus 12 years of free maintenance. That can make it easier to switch to a more efficient system without a big upfront bill.
Homeowners can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, including efficient HVACs, to drive utility costs even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to compare solar options and find the best solar system and installer for a home and budget, and it can help homeowners save up to $10,000 on solar installations.
After the troubleshooting and rework, the original poster wrote: "Anyways, works well now."
The homeowner added, "Was definitely a learning experience, and made for a fun weekend."
Where can I learn more?
This kind of installation headache is not unusual for homeowners weighing heat pump upgrades. The articles here cover failed ACs, replacement questions, and more.
• In California, a homeowner facing total AC failure went searching for honest HVAC advice.
• After an old furnace failed, a homeowner weighed cutting-edge HVAC options without upsells.
• Another homeowner found that an expert energy adviser helped compare installers and cut costs.
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