DIY-ing Our Ductless Heat Pump Install Was Hard, But We Saved $7,000 - CleanTechnica

The article recounts the author's ambitious experience of DIY-installing a ductless heat pump system consisting of five indoor units and two outdoor units in a duplex, aiming to assess the accessibility of such systems for DIYers and to save money. Despite having moderate DIY skills and no prior heat pump installation experience, the author successfully completed the project over about a week, saving approximately $7,000 compared to professional installation quotes that exceeded $15,000. The motivation included curiosity about the installation process, cost savings, and the desire for effective cooling on the duplex's upstairs level, which conventional whole-house systems struggled to provide. The author purchased a Mr. Cool DIY heat pump kit for $6,500 and spent an additional $2,000 on labor help and parts. Preparation involved extensive research and video tutorials, but finding professional HVAC assistance proved difficult, as contractors were reluctant to work on equipment they did not supply, likely due to liability concerns and profit motives. The installation challenges included drilling multiple large holes through