Mini Split A/C systems

[robstaples]

I have 4 Fujitsu high pump units and all are inverter based and the Two 9000 btu are SEER 33. The inverter based units have about 99 steps of power from low to high so when not at full power the outside heat exchanger has a relative larger area and the efficiency goes up as the unit slows down. There is a limit on piping length. Like 40 ft. Not sure why. Very quiet and comfortable.

 

[milkman636]

I have installed two mini-split units in my home as well. They've been purring along for 5 years now and doing great job. They solved the window shaker problem in my house that has baseboard heating and no ductwork. The 12 k btu units run on 15 Amp circuits and use a 1/4" and 3/8" copper tube for refrigerant lines and a 3/4" plastic drain tube. The whole insulated bundle of tubing will fit through a 2" PVC pipe to sleeve the hole to the outdoor unit. Efficiency is very good, and they will provide both heating and cooling if you are getting a heat pump model that is equipped with a reversing valve. The 2 units with wall brackets, line sets, disconnects, and wiring would probably set you back slightly above 2k just for the equipment. A good flaring tool and a vacuum pump would also be needed. Its also a good idea to perform a standing pressure test on the tubing with nitrogen before pulling the vacuum and opening the service valves to charge the line set. So from my perspective it sounds like you are getting solid advice and the pricing seems fair.

 

[hslogger]

I live in western Oregon. I heated with wood exclusively until about six years ago. We went Mitsubishi and hired the install from a local outfit. House has two outside units, inside has three units first floor, one unit second floor.

Separate building has one unit in and out. We are pleased as we can be with all of them. The real key is the installer and their reputation for not mickey mousing the job.

 

[spitter]

They are used constantly in commercial buildings in server rooms and any where you need more ac.:drink:

 

[Bocephous]

I had a Fujitsu 15K BTU single zone unit that cools and heats installed a couple of months ago in our smallish (1000-1100 s.f.) ranch home. It is quiet and does a good job of keeping the main living area cool. Installation took half a day, and total cost was $3300. I don't know about the cost savings yet vs. our old 12K window unit, but I am optimistic after hearing others claims of efficiency.

 

[EddieWalker]

I don't have one. My house is all done with a conventional AC system with duct work in the attic and at least one vent in each room, some with 3 vents. My house is very comfortable.

As a contractor, I'm in a lot of different houses every week. Sometimes to just look at a project and give them a bid, other times to work on a project for the client. I'm guessing that I've been in half a dozen homes with mini split AC systems. Some smaller homes use them exclusively, other bigger homes use them for added on space or converted space.

In every case, when I walk into those homes, or those rooms, they feel more humid and uncomfortable compared to more traditional AC homes. They are better then nothing, and maybe cheaper to run than a window unit, but if I wanted to make a room comfortable and didn't want to, or have the option of running ducts, I would rather have a window unit. Granted, they are ugly, noisy and suck up electricity, but they work great at cooling off a room.

 

[Jlblake]

I built an 800 square foot hunting camp and installed an 18k Mr Cool DIY unit myself and it has been fantastic , I have less than $1500.00 in everything and it was pretty simple to install , I would have never believed how quiet and energy efficient they are , I don't think you will be disappointed.

Thanks. The unit costs were really low, it's the labor that's costing me. I'm happy to pay that because I would definitely screw something up with a project like this. Glad to know you're happy with your system!

 

[RalphVa]

Don't know why he says you need 2. One outside unit can serve up to around 7 inside units. Just route the refrigerant to separate inside unit controls and size as required. We've 1 outside unit serving 2 units here in the basement. This is after I shivered and shaked for 2 months or so while recovering from congestive heart failure in early 2013. Had space heaters then. Think we installed these Fujitsu units later that year. Just have to clean the filters on the inside controllers about every 3 months or so. Otherwise, no service. Quietest and most efficient units we have. No backup heat coil like in a ducted system.

Ralph

 

[newbury]

I had a Fujitsu 15K BTU single zone unit that cools and heats installed a couple of months ago in our smallish (1000-1100 s.f.) ranch home. It is quiet and does a good job of keeping the main living area cool. Installation took half a day, and total cost was $3300. I don't know about the cost savings yet vs. our old 12K window unit, but I am optimistic after hearing others claims of efficiency.

When I read installation cost of $3300 and compare price for a 15K window unit, about $500, I wonder how long one would have to run it with electricity cost like mine, 10 cents/KwH, to save money.
For $2K I can buy a lot of electricity.

 

[riptides]

I have got a slim line Mitsubishi unit in our pool house. The building sits in the sun all day and the front is mostly glass doors. So the afternoon sun and water reflection make that buildings inside feel as though your under a magnifying glass.

Prior to that we had a window a/c unit, that was temp until the Slim Line came in. Even in the middle window of the back side, it could not keep up.

With the Mitsubishi, we also get the added benefit of using the pool house in the winter.

I don't notice the unit on the electric bill, and once a "nice" temp is reached, I don't notice the unit working. Seems now, all my other houses A/C centralized units are running all the time.

I like the look, I like the feel, I liked the installation, and it seems we did a right choice for that building.