We, too, have a warranty on our internet-purchased mini-split. In fact, the warranty from eComfort was a major deciding factor. The only reason I added the note about not wanting to debate the warranty issue is that others felt that I was mistaken if I thought that I actually had a warranty... I contacted eComfort again earlier this week regarding purchasing another system.

The mark up from buying the same unit from eComfort versus from an authorized dealer was bagfuls of money$$$!

Seems like Greg's quote was not unusual....

I had an AC guy out yesterday to fix a Carrier unit that is still under warranty. I mentioned to him that I was considering a mini-split for my 800sf office space.

He took a look at the offices, looked through some papers he had in his truck, and told me that he should be able to do the job for about $6000.

[insert rolling eyes here]

Since a 2-ton unit is less than $3000, I just don't see them getting the job.

Unionaire Product Catalog - Multi Split - IHWM012R6/G+OHSM(12+12)R6

I haven't done any refrigeration work in about 13 years, and I don't think my 609 card will let me buy the 410 gas - but I bet for sure I can find somebody who wants some side-line work to do this job for a few hun.

Aren't they all pre-charged now?

Yes

All you really need to install them is a flare tool for the ends of the copper lines and a vacuum pump to evacuate the lines before you open the system valve to charge it.

You do have to get 220V power to it but we're all amateur electricians here right?

This is the only A/C work I've ever done in my life and my unit is still running great after several years of operation where I really only use it in the summer.

The web page did not specifically say the unit was pre-charged.... but if it is, woo hoo!
My building is already wired for a unit that used to be installed, so that is ez-pz.

I believe mine was precharged, and the lines were also. Or evacuated. Connect and go....

As a general rule the mini splits do come precharged. However that doesn't mean you might not need more gas. It all depends on the length of the line sets. Turns out my line sets only needed to be about 5 ' long. My installer said there would be no reason to have to add any refrigerant and that was verified via pressure gauges and performance. But if you need to run line sets 25 - 50 feet you will have to add some to make up the volume of the line sets.