DELLA Vario Series 12000 BTU Mini Split AC, Work with Alexa and Wifi, 20.5 SEER2 Cools Up to 550 Sq.Ft, Energy Efficient Ductless Inverter System, Heat Pump Pre-Charged and 16.4ft Installation Kits

I bought this mini-split unit because it is one of the few that I could install myself. Although it requires having a vacuum pump and a vacuum gauge set the investment in tools is minimal compared to the cost of having a unit like this professionally installed. Please note: the unit itself is very straightforward as far as connecting the inside and outside units together and charging the system HOWEVER there is a significant amount of additional work that needs to happen to actually get the unit fully installed on your house. This additional work may include running new electrical branch circuits through your house, opening up walls with all of the associated drywall, stucco or siding repair, possible concrete work, possible plumbing work, finishing work to cover the refrigeration pipes, etc. Just be certain that you know what you are getting into before starting this project. That said, I did install the unit myself, it turned out great and I am very happy with it but it was considerably more work than I had anticipated. The unit itself is fantastic! It cools my 12' x12' bedroom down in minutes and has enough additional cooling capacity to keep my entire house cool on a 100 degree day just by placing a small fan at the door of the bedroom that blows the cold air to the rest of the house. At night it keeps the bedroom cool while making hardly any noise. The noise that it does make is a quiet ssshhhhhhh sound that is about as loud as a whisper and it works perfectly as a white noise generator. The outside unit is also very quiet. When I first turned it on I didn't even realize it was running. I chose to wall mount the outside unit on brackets as opposed to bolting it to a concrete slab but I imagine it would be even quieter if it was slab mounted. If you wall mount it you will need to purchase brackets separately. There are specially designed brackets specifically for mini-splits and they are relatively inexpensive. So far my only complaints about the unit itself is the lack of adequate protection for the refrigerant lines. The tape wrap that comes with the kit is woefully inadequate in my opinion and I ran out of the tape with several feet left to go. Even with the tape the lines appear unfinished and are poorly protected from the elements. To address the issue I bought a mini-split duct kit to cover the lines which resulted in a well protected, professional looking final installation (see picture). Consider this step an absolute necessity. I decided not to bother installing the wifi control app on my phone. Based on what I could see the only additional advantage of the app is being able to set schedule times which is a feature that I don't use. Considering the immense value for this mini-split unit I would absolutely recommend it as long as you are an advanced level DIY'er. If you are not comfortable dealing with electrical installations and the National Electrical Code and if cutting a big hole through your wall scares you then I might suggest finding a different solution to your cooling situation.

I built a 444 sq ft tiny house and installed the 18k BTU unit. I am very pleased with the way it performs. It was easy to install even though I chose to have a HVAC man connect the lines. This unit is quiet and automatically adjusts to the designated temperature. Great unit!

I just completed the installation and everything is operational as expected. The installation instructions could use some help. Cable pin out could be called out better. Instead, I had to look at the schematic sticker it’s incredibly small so you have to take a picture and zoom in to read the details. Also, it would be good if they could provide more details on the size of tools needed, and maybe even provide the hex tool required to discharge the refrigerant. The lines were extremely short in my installation so I decided to cut the tubing and control wires. The copper cutting was uneventful but reterminating the wiring required a few extra spade connections which were not provided. The product is very well built, and an incredible deal. If you’re mechanically and/or electrically inclined, spend the extra 100 bucks and buy a vacuum pump, flare tool and manifold and try installing yourself. Forgot to mention the pipe tape sent with the kit is trash. It has no sticky back. Go buy some pipe insulation tape from your favorite DIY store. Also I used a “Hide a Line” kit for running the pipes down the wall. Good kit and easy to cut to length. 6 month review- Absolutely recommend this item! Della updated their mobile app and now provides current room temperature and custom programming. The unit is so quiet you rarely even know it is on. I would recommend this brand to anyone looking for a mini split.

This mini-split is an absolute game changer at my house. Any homeowner can install this with just a little mechanical ability and a few tools. 1. The manual says a professional should do the install, and they are probably right. However, I'm stubborn and maybe a little over confident. However, it was more time consuming than difficult. 2. It comes with refrigerant already in the outside unit. They have over filled it to allow for the refrigerant lines and inside unit voids. Great idea. 3. Here is what you need if you are going to attempt to do it yourself. A. A half inch drill, and a 2 3/4 hole saw. I had to drill through brick, so I needed a masonry hole saw. B. You'll need a nitrogen tank to pressurize the refrigerant lines to check for leaks. I had one, but you can rent one from a local welding supply store. C. A A/C Valve core removal tool. A must if you ask me. D. An A/C vacuum pump and A/C pressure gauges to evacuate the system prior to releasing the refrigerant into the system. I'm sure you can rent these, but I had the pump but ordered the gauges (automotive gauges would work with an adapter kit to fit the Valve Core Removal Tool. E. Various screws and Zip Ties to clean up your handy work. F. Either a concrete pad (this is what I did), or a Bracket for the outside unit. Total amount (includes Della mini-split, gauges and all the items I listed) $854.24 Good Luck. I did it, and it works wonderful. Saved at least $2,000.00 on install

Had my ac for 2 years now. Still working good. If your getting an ac and you live In the Caribbean or any country that usually experience power outages, please get a surge protector so it doesn't damage your unit.