How to Install Your HotSpot Energy ACDC12C | Wild Oak Trail

If you’re interested in saving money on utilities, there’s no better place to look than heating and cooling. On average, climate control accounts for 43% of annual utility costs, which means there’s a lot of room to save.

Well, you can save a lot of money by switching to a solar air conditioner like the HotSpot Energy ACDC12C. Luckily, you can save even more by installing it yourself. Here’s how!

What Is the ACDC12C?

The HotSpot Energy ACDC12C is the most popular solar air conditioner on the market. It has a two-part system with an outdoor condenser and an indoor mini-split, working for year-round climate control. That’s right, it works for both heating and cooling! For more information, check out our full review!

1. Find the Right Location

Before starting, you’ll need to find the right locations for both the mini-split (indoor unit) and the condenser (outdoor unit). Inside, you’ll need a space that is away from direct sunlight or any heating source. This includes kitchen stoves, humidifiers, or anything else. The mini-split will also need to be away from any doors, electronics, or obstructions.

For your condenser, you’ll need to find an outdoor location that won’t annoy your neighbors with the noise or obstruction. You’ll also need a space with proper ventilation, away from strong winds, and that can withstand the full weight of the system.

Lastly, your solar panels should be on your roof or in a location that won’t be hazardous to pets or children. Ideally, these panels should face true south with a slight tilt to the west for the best results.

2. Mark Your Mini-Split’s Location

Now that you have a rough idea of where everything is going, it’s time to mark it on the wall. Your condenser is more forgiving, as it won’t require any drilling into your wall, and you won’t have to see it every day. Using the chart below, find a location that’s at least 15 cm (6 inches) from other walls or ceilings.

From there, determine where the vents will enter into the wall andmark these locations as clearly as possible on the wall. Using a tape measure, double-check your measurements as they relate to each other and surrounding objects. Then, ensure that everything is level before making any cuts or holes. Remember the old saying: “measure twice, cut once.”

3. Install the Mounting Plate

Once you know where your mini-split is going, it’s time to add the mounting plate to your walls, which comes with your system. You should install this horizontallywith a slight tilt toward the drain hose, which can be on the left or right side, depending on your preference. Make sure that it is secured to your wall, as it will need to hold up to 130 pounds!

4. Drill the Piping Hole

We promise these next few steps are not as difficult as they sound, assuming you have the right tools. Always ensure you aren’t drilling through important plumbing or wiring before drilling through an exterior wall.

Using a drill, slant the piping hole slightly downward toward the outside, which should be about 55mm (2.16 inches) in diameter. Insert the piping sleeve into the hole from the inside to prevent the line-set and cabling from getting damaged when passing through the hole and connect the drain hose to the indoor unit, using the rubber belt for security.

Wrap the insulation tube with electrical tape to prevent shifting and slant the tube down into the wall exit hole.

5. Connect the Cables

First, open the front panel and remove the wiring cover. Then, connect the power cord to the terminal board as shown in the diagram below. Pass the control cable through the access hole in the rear of the unit. Reinstall the cord clamp and access cover and finally, reinstall the front cover.

6. Connect Your Solar Panels

Using MC4 cables, which should come with your solar panels, connect your panels to your condenser. Make sure to purchase long-enough MC4 cable extenders if you plan to place your solar panels more than 50 feet away from your condenser. 

7. Connect Your Indoor Unit

Now that everything is in its place, it’s time to connect your indoor unit to your condenser. The piping included in your kit can be output from the right, right rear, left, or left rear. 

When routing the piping and wiring from the left or right side of the indoor unit, cut off the tailings from the chassis when necessary.

Cut off tailing 1 and tailing 2 when routing both the wiring and piping. From there, pull out the line set, control cable, and condensation hose from the body case. Wrap the line set control cable and condensate hose with the flashing tape. Holding the sides of the indoor unit on the upper hooks of the mounting points, check if it is securely fastened.

Enjoy Your New HotSpot Energy ACDC12C

Now that you know how to install your HotSpot Energy ACDC12C, follow these steps carefully for the best results, and check your user manual if you have any questions. Always be careful when drilling or cutting into exterior walls, and if you’re truly concerned, consider hiring a professional!