Experience with Mini split AC ?

Deschodt · 06-25-2015, 07:42 AM

I was toying with the idea of mini splits basically for just 2 rooms upstairs that face the afternoon sun (downstairs is sheltered from the sun by trees and a deck and 15-20F cooler). I had our regular plumbing/heating guy come in for a quote and nearly choked on it...

$6500 for 2x Fujitsu split minis (on each side of the same wall, not even that much drilling) with electrical and warranty... Vs $6000 to just A/C the whole house... The whole house is cheaper!!!

I thought mini splits were cheaper than that, I recall a $2000 install in the distant past! Opinions on quote and or suitability ? I was thinking of them because I don't need A/C downstairs at all, and I'd have to close vents or something... I'm probably just gonna buy a fan instead !

1990C4S · 06-25-2015, 08:05 AM

There are a LOT of very cheap split units out there.

It will be interesting to see the comments here.

JJ 911SC · JJ 911SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deschodt

... $6500 for 2x Fujitsu split minis (on each side of the same wall, not even that much drilling) with electrical and warranty... Vs $6000 to just A/C the whole house... The whole house is cheaper!!! ...

He is not interested to do the job but if you take his high quote, he'll do it...

Deschodt · 06-25-2015, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

There are a LOT of very cheap split units out there.

It will be interesting to see the comments here.

That is what I thought also... I expected a $2K range quote.... 3 max.
Like I said, I'm leaning towards a fan at this point. I don't want a whole house AC that will not be run 10 mo out of the year (and rot) and shoot air where I don't need it (only need 2 rooms). I might looks into a portable unit or something (not a window unit, too ugly)

Deschodt · 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

He is not interested to do the job but if you take his high quote, he'll do it...

That was my first thought but he did our furnace, water tank, he does want the job - was hoping for an "on the spot" decision... Thanks for confirming this is ridiculous (on the mini front, for the whole AC that's probably OK-ish if a little high)!

I'm investigating portable units instead (just for one room at a time anyway, 2 months a year tops) - most are vented... looks like if I want ventless (big fixed windows + french doors, don't wanna punch a vent hole in the wall), all there is are modern interpretations of swamp coolers, some look dyson'ish... Might this work for a 10F drop in a fairly dry environment ? At $300 it seems worth a shot!

billybek · billybek's Garage

There are a lot of companies producing mini splits right now. For similar tonnage the price can vary for the basic costs on the condenser and evaporator by a huge amount.
It is possible that the your contractor is using a higher end product (Fujitsu is pretty good quality) to avoid those annoying call back issues that some of the cheaper units may be plagued with.
I know some people here have had pretty good luck with some of the more reasonably priced mini splits.
YMMV

cashflyer · 09:33 AM

Some more info here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=26
Mini-split AC/Heat system 12K BTU for $595.00 - what say you?

Or one of these threads:
how well does a mini split AC/heat hold up in garage ?
mini split AC/heat for a garage ?
need advice on wall mounted AC/heat

95avblm3 · 06-25-2015, 09:27 AM

I just installed a multi-zone mini-split to cool my guest room and downstairs bonus room... My house is essentially two stilt buildings connected by a big screened porch... it wasn't practical to run the central AC from the main house to the guest room.

I bought a Gree, which I think is Chinese... not really sure. I imagine the name brand units are pretty expensive. So far, so good with the Gree.

I quoted 2-zone units...
Gree is a 24k BTU condenser with 2- 12k BTU head units. I purchased with 2 15ft pre-made line sets, thermostat wire and a mounting bracket for the condenser... It was ~$2700.

I also priced a Daikin but is was over close to a grand more. It has a better warranty but not better enough to me to justify price.

I did the install myself with the help of an AC tech friend.

So, I offer this advice:
Don't buy two individual units, buy a multi-zone. Consider an off-brand unit to save on $$. Also, you can do much of the installation yourself, then just hire an AC guy to leak check and vacuum the refrigerant lines. I purchased my unit from a wholesaler who sells to the public (and also happens to be a former neighbor).

This unit replaced to wall/window shakers that had failed. Both were noisy and inefficient and provide a path for moisture/mold and critters into my house. I am happy with my choice. Good luck with yours. Let me know if you have any other questions.

pcardude · 06-25-2015, 09:35 AM

No way! Get another quote man.

David · David's Garage

It seems installation pricing on the mini-splits is modeled after pricing for a central unit even though it's much simpler to install. Just buy the mini-split online and install yourself.

rfuerst911sc · 06-25-2015, 02:37 PM

How handy are you ? Check out EComfort that's where I bought my Mitsubishi 24k mini-split. The link that was posted above titled " how well does a mini split work in a garage " is the tale of my installation. Check out the price I paid vs. what I was quoted. I love the unit it is high SEER and super quiet. I just walked out to my garage it is 96 degrees outside and 76 degrees inside. I have the hand held remote set for 79 degrees when I'm not in the garage.

sveiks · sveiks's Garage

I have 2 x 1 ton Mitsubishi units and couldn't be happier.....super quiet (both indoor and outdoor units) and very reliable ! You pay a premium for a Mitsubishi, but you get what you pay for !

cashflyer · 06-25-2015, 05:06 PM

And for anyone who doesn't know, 1 ton/day is approximately 12,000 BTU/hr.

Baz · Baz's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashflyer

And for anyone who doesn't know, 1 ton/day is approximately 12,000 BTU/hr.

Thanks Cash - I was wondering!

billybek · billybek's Garage

A little more A/C trivia...

A ton of refrigeration is equivalent to 1 ton of ice melting over a twenty four hour period.

144 BTU/Lb latent heat of melting x 2000 lb = 288000 BTU/Day = 12000 BTU/Hr = 200 BTU/Min

Cool, eh?

cashflyer · 06-26-2015, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billybek

Cool, eh?

billybek · billybek's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashflyer

I'm here all week, try the veal. Don't forget to tip your server....

fireant911 · 06-26-2015, 02:44 PM

I second rfuerst911sc's response. Prices were absolutely crazy!!! I do not want to get into a debate about warranty issues but buying from ecomfort was MUCH more cost effective than having the installer buy the unit and install. Our HVAC gave us a price for install only and the difference was... absolutely incredible. I would read the warranty data at ecomfort myself and make a decision - that decision saved us thousands and it works wonderful. We used Fujitsu units X2 with one outdoor condenser. Sizing, on the other hand, is another issue unto itself.

JJ 911SC · JJ 911SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireant911

I second rfuerst911sc's response. Prices were absolutely crazy!!! I do not want to get into a debate about warranty issues but buying from ecomfort was MUCH more cost effective than having the installer buy the unit and install. Our HVAC gave us a price for install only and the difference was... absolutely incredible. I would read the warranty data at ecomfort myself and make a decision - that decision saved us thousands and it works wonderful. We used Fujitsu units X2 with one outdoor condenser. Sizing, on the other hand, is another issue unto itself.

I tripled rfuerst911sc's response.

Warranty scare tactic help the installers to make a good living and works most of the time if your married . Not in my house...

But there is even worse, up here you can not buy a furnace ignitor unless you got a gaz licence. Order it on Amazon and pick it up in NY

Will do the same thing for heat pump unit for the next garage.

rfuerst911sc · 06-27-2015, 04:40 AM

And just to clarify I do have a factory warranty. When I purchased from EComfort they provided the names of three Mitsubishi trained/certified installers in my area. I used one of them to finalize my rough install. I was provided a receipt from the installer stating they installed the unit. I went online and registered my warranty with Mitsubishi. Part of the registration process is to tell them who did the install. About a week later I received an email from Mitsu stating that my warranty has been registered and is in place. If I ever have a problem in the future I will call the same people that did the install. So my 5 year parts and 7 year compressor warranty are in fact good. If you think about it I did the no brainer/grunt work that the installer I'm sure gets no joy over to do.

1.I installed the outside unit on the wall mount brackets. Just have to make sure it is level in both directions and secure.
2.I installed the inside wall bracket and drilled the hole in the wall that the copper lines/drain/low voltage wiring goes through. Again just make sure it is level and secure.
3.I installed the vinyl exterior chase that the lines/drain and wiring run through. A blind man can do this.
4. I ran the 220v power from the breaker box to the outside disconnect box. This is not rocket science either but should not be taken lightly. But plenty of info online regarding wire size for xxx amount of run. I ended up using 10 gauge wire and I ran it all in metal conduit.

I had all the bits and pieces neatly layed out for the installer, he actually thanked me for being so prepared. He checked out my work and said it was VERY professional and easily passed code.

That's how you do a rough install and still maintain the factory warranty.