LG Mini Split for Garage - Any feedback?

[Slowbra]

After the great feedback here I ended up ordering my Mr.Cool unit from Costco.

I’ll create a new post when the project begins. Thanks to all for the feedback and advice. Stay tuned!

— original message below —

After 5yrs of procrastinating I am finally ordering a mini split for my garage.

Through all of my online research, and going over my needs/requirements with experts and friends, I believe I've found the system that will work for me. Before I pull the trigger I wanted to get advice from others on here - to either support the purchase listed below or suggest an alternative if one should be considered.

My 1st choice:

• LG Wall Mounted 2-Zone System - 48,000 BTU, 19.5 SEER
  
  
  [*]2 X 24K indoor LMN249HVT units
  [*]1 x LMU480HV condenser​
• JMF Mini Split Line Set - 1/2" EZ Pull Insulation - Factory Flared
• LG Multi F Branch Box
• Electrical/Breaker, etc.
• A few large fans in the vaulted portion of the garage (open to suggestions)

This unit is sized just a hair over what the experts calculated that I need (don’t want to go any lower per the expert so no need to debate this). I also wanted control via an app/WIFI, which this LG unit offers.

For background the garage is ~2000 sq/ft, mostly 12' ceilings with a section that is vaulted at 18.5', fully insulated including insulated Clopay doors, etc.). It's unlikely I'll run the units all the time (I mainly want them to take the edge off in the summer/winter. However, I have read these units are good at removing humidity so that may be something I consider even if I don't want the garage completely conditioned/heated.

I am open to feedback/suggestions or a pat on the back on selecting a decent unit. My budget was around $5K and this is right at it. My buddies and I will do the install - they have experience and I have the funds ).

 

[SALIV8]

I can't help with the sizing but I used the JMF ez pull on one of my two mini split installs and will use nothing else in the future. Good choice there.

 

[Toomanytools?]

After 5yrs of procrastinating I am finally ordering a mini split for my garage.

Through all of my online research, and going over my needs/requirements with experts and friends, I believe I've found the system that will work for me. Before I pull the trigger I wanted to get advice from others on here - to either support the purchase listed below or suggest an alternative if one should be considered.

My 1st choice:

• LG Wall Mounted 2-Zone System - 48,000 BTU, 19.5 SEER
  
  
  [*]2 X 24K indoor LMN249HVT units
  [*]1 x LMU480HV condenser​
• JMF Mini Split Line Set - 1/2" EZ Pull Insulation - Factory Flared
• LG Multi F Branch Box
• Electrical/Breaker, etc.
• A few large fans in the vaulted portion of the garage (open to suggestions)

This unit is sized just a hair over what the experts calculated that I need (don’t want to go any lower per the expert so no need to debate this). I also wanted control via an app/WIFI, which this LG unit offers.

For background the garage is ~2000 sq/ft, mostly 12' ceilings with a section that is vaulted at 22', fully insulated including insulated Clopay doors, etc.). It's unlikely I'll run the units all the time (I mainly want them to take the edge off in the summer/winter. However, I have read these units are good at removing humidity so that may be something I consider even if I don't want the garage completely conditioned/heated.

I am open to feedback/suggestions or a pat on the back on selecting a decent unit. My budget was around $5K and this is right at it. My buddies and I will do the install - they have experience and I have the funds ).

Well as a procrastinator myself, I believe you are procrastinating still!
You show your 1st choice, where is the 2nd choice? Don't have one so that's your only choice, order it already.

I'm just saying stop looking for a better system or deal, or suggestions from a forum. LG is in the top 5 of mini splits, if you have had a system calculated for your place by a pro HVAC guy you should be good.

 

[Slowbra]

Well as a procrastinator myself, I believe you are procrastinating still!

You show your 1st choice, where is the 2nd choice? Don't have one so that's your only choice, order it already.



I'm just saying stop looking for a better system or deal, or suggestions from a forum. LG is in the top 5 of mini splits, if you have had a system calculated for your place by a pro HVAC guy you should be good.

You are spot on with the procrastination. This was a final attempt to do just that as I am second guessing always! Thanks for the push

 

[Aerospace Eng]

I'm not sure if LG offers them, but in my smaller box hangars (50x41) I put in ceiling cassettes (designed for drop ceilings, but I just have them on threaded rod). I mounted them on the centerline, about 1/4 of the way in from the walls. I set the vanes to direct air downward as much as possible, and the fans on high. That way I didn't need separate ceiling fans.

Worked well.

 

[Slowbra]

I'm not sure if LG offers them, but in my smaller box hangars (50x41) I put in ceiling cassettes (designed for drop ceilings, but I just have them on threaded rod). I mounted them on the centerline, about 1/4 of the way in from the walls. I set the vanes to direct air downward as much as possible, and the fans on high. That way I didn't need separate ceiling fans.

Worked well.

LG has the cassettes as well. I’m going with wall mount for my finished garage, but I can definitely see the appeal of a cassette

 

[yeldogt]

The LG compressor needs the branch box? Why not go with a compressor with the direct connections for two heads?

 

[bzinsky]

After 5yrs of procrastinating I am finally ordering a mini split for my garage.

Through all of my online research, and going over my needs/requirements with experts and friends, I believe I've found the system that will work for me. Before I pull the trigger I wanted to get advice from others on here - to either support the purchase listed below or suggest an alternative if one should be considered.

My 1st choice:

• LG Wall Mounted 2-Zone System - 48,000 BTU, 19.5 SEER
  
  
  [*]2 X 24K indoor LMN249HVT units
  [*]1 x LMU480HV condenser​
• JMF Mini Split Line Set - 1/2" EZ Pull Insulation - Factory Flared
• LG Multi F Branch Box
• Electrical/Breaker, etc.
• A few large fans in the vaulted portion of the garage (open to suggestions)

This unit is sized just a hair over what the experts calculated that I need (donÂ’t want to go any lower per the expert so no need to debate this). I also wanted control via an app/WIFI, which this LG unit offers.

For background the garage is ~2000 sq/ft, mostly 12' ceilings with a section that is vaulted at 22', fully insulated including insulated Clopay doors, etc.). It's unlikely I'll run the units all the time (I mainly want them to take the edge off in the summer/winter. However, I have read these units are good at removing humidity so that may be something I consider even if I don't want the garage completely conditioned/heated.

I am open to feedback/suggestions or a pat on the back on selecting a decent unit. My budget was around $5K and this is right at it. My buddies and I will do the install - they have experience and I have the funds ).

I have 20 LG units that I personally installed at my apartment building.

LG offers almost 0 support if you have a problem. Nobody knows how to repair them. I have spent well over 50 hours of my time trying to get support for the few that have broken down. Instead of repairing them I'm just using different brands. I've had 3 out of the 20 replaced in 3 years. I have also had several veteran hvac techs attempt to repair them. So if you go with LG, just be prepared to replace entire units, assuming they are not discontinued and you can get an individual air handler or compressor, which they will be in a couple years.

Example of LG Tech support = follow all the steps, says to replace main board, ok $250, not the end of the world. Oh but wait, nobody has the main board in stock because they for some reason changed the part number. Spend 3 hours figureing out what the correct part to order is, and nobody has that in stock either. Oh it takes 10 days to ship. Get board in finally, replace it, no fix at all. Call LG support (this is literally your only repair resource BTW), what do they say, replace main board again. They literally told me to replace the same part twice, the part that was impossible to find and costed me $250, which I just ended up paying for because the parts warranty process was literally not worth the hassle and I chose to pay $250 instead of spend more time on the phone.

That is just an example of one of the units that went down, the other 2 were similar results. This is all with hvac techs doing the repair and me helping. Just complete hell.

Basically I do not recommend LG at all. They do have some nice stats for the money though.

If you do go with LG, I'd recommend 2x single zones so you are not stuck replacing a $3k outdoor unit. The cost for 2x single zone is very similar to a dual zone. And you don't have to screw around with that branch box. You also can replace an individual system.

Also you have to flare your own lines with LG. I tried using the factory lineset flares and 50% of them leaked, and that's with using Nylog. You have to use the lineset nuts that come with the minisplits. The only way to attach them to the linesets is by cutting the factory flare off your linesets, putting the nut on the line, and then reflaring them.

 

[Slowbra]

I have 20 LG units that I personally installed at my apartment building.



LG offers almost 0 support if you have a problem. Nobody knows how to repair them. I have spent well over 50 hours of my time trying to get support for the few that have broken down. Instead of repairing them I'm just using different brands. I've had 3 out of the 20 replaced in 3 years. So if you go with LG, just be prepared to replace entire units, assuming they are not discontinued and you can get an individual air handler or compressor, which they will be in a couple years.



Basically I do not recommend LG at all. They do have some nice stats for the money though.



If you do go with LG, I'd recommend 2x single zones so you are not stuck replacing a $3k outdoor unit. The cost for 2x single zone is very similar to a dual zone. And you don't have to screw around with that branch box. You also can replace an individual system.



Also you have to flare your own lines with LG. I tried using the factory lineset flares and 50% of them leaked, and that's with using Nylog. You have to use the lineset nuts that come with the minisplits. The only way to attach them to the linesets is by cutting the factory flare off your linesets, putting the nut on the line, and then reflaring them.

This was the feedback I was hoping to get as I really couldn’t find much info on the LG’s. I am a bit bummed - I certainly don’t want a unit that will be difficult to troubleshoot/support.

The pricing for 2 single zones vs a dual zone is similar. However, I remember something about total line length being a factor in my situation since the line sets will be fairly far (will look into that again). It sounds like I need to look at other manufacturers that are likely a bit more $$, which isn’t ideal since $5K is already a bit much for me.

 

[mike93lx]

This was the feedback I was hoping to get as I really couldn’t find much info on the LG’s. I am a bit bummed - I certainly don’t want a unit that will be difficult to troubleshoot/support.

The pricing for 2 single zones vs a dual zone is similar. However, I remember something about total line length being a factor in my situation since the line sets will be fairly far (will look into that again). It sounds like I need to look at other manufacturers that are likely a bit more $$, which isn’t ideal since $5K is already a bit much for me.

Maybe start with a single 24k or 36k unit and then add as needed?

Either way, budget for overruns.

 

[jetnow1]

I will second the lack of support from LG, will never use them again.

 

[bzinsky]

This was the feedback I was hoping to get as I really couldn’t find much info on the LG’s. I am a bit bummed - I certainly don’t want a unit that will be difficult to troubleshoot/support.

The pricing for 2 single zones vs a dual zone is similar. However, I remember something about total line length being a factor in my situation since the line sets will be fairly far (will look into that again). It sounds like I need to look at other manufacturers that are likely a bit more $$, which isn’t ideal since $5K is already a bit much for me.

knowing all that I know,

I'd either spend $5-6k on a mitsu or fujitsu
or
$2000-$2500 on two single zone gree's
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GREE-LI...emote-208-230V-60Hz-LIVS24HP230V1BW/301983314

Keep in mind since this is for garage use, you're not running it 24/7. What's 20 seer vs 16 seer going to save you in the long run. Not that much. Payback time is probably decades.

Being in NC your cold extremes are not that cold, so you certainly don't NEED the high dollar versions that heat and cool in extreme temps.

I'd try to keep it cheap, and atleast with Gree you have a big box store as some sort of recourse.

Max lineset length of that gree is 82ft, that's pretty far. I have several units at max length and I don't notice a difference in output.

 

[Slowbra]

knowing all that I know,



I'd either spend $5-6k on a mitsu or fujitsu

or

$2000-$2500 on two single zone gree's

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GREE-LI...emote-208-230V-60Hz-LIVS24HP230V1BW/301983314



Keep in mind since this is for garage use, you're not running it 24/7. What's 20 seer vs 16 seer going to save you in the long run. Not that much. Payback time is probably decades.



Being in NC your cold extremes are not that cold, so you certainly don't NEED the high dollar versions that heat and cool in extreme temps.



I'd try to keep it cheap, and atleast with Gree you have a big box store as some sort of recourse.



Max lineset length of that gree is 82ft, that's pretty far. I have several units at max length and I don't notice a difference in output.

Appreciate the advice. I started my research with Greer and Mr. Cool as the price was nice, but there was always something that was questionable (I think max lineset lengths or features).

I’m definitely not looking at features that enable the unit to run in the extreme weather conditions. I simply won’t use the units much especially at those temps. Also agree about the SEER ratings.

From what I recall the max lineset length is the issue with most of the units I looked a before. The distance I am dealing with is 90-100’ - from the condenser to the heads. I want a clean install with the condenser sitting next to the other units I have so this is a fixed distance.

What sites do you “shop” at for units? I’ve restarted my search for a unit as this is meant to be a onetime purchase.

 

[bzinsky]

Appreciate the advice. I started my research with Greer and Mr. Cool as the price was nice, but there was always something that was questionable (I think max lineset lengths or features).

IÂ’m definitely not looking at features that enable the unit to run in the extreme weather conditions. I simply wonÂ’t use the units much especially at those temps. Also agree about the SEER ratings.

From what I recall the max lineset length is the issue with most of the units I looked a before. The distance I am dealing with is 90-100Â’ - from the condenser to the heads. I want a clean install with the condenser sitting next to the other units I have so this is a fixed distance.

What sites do you “shop” at for units? I’ve restarted my search for a unit as this is meant to be a onetime purchase.

no specific search place, not partial to any retailer.

If you need a longer line set length you could always go with the higher end gree. This one seems to allow a 164ft lineset length. Still cheaper than the LG for two of them and higher performing to boot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GREE-Sa...8-Volt-230-Volt-60Hz-SAP24HP230V1AW/303540385

When I was mentioning extreme temps, I mention it because there are essentially tiers of these things, and you can judge them by their performance in extreme temps. The efficiency and extreme temp handling go hand in hand. Seems like all the manufacturers have these "tiers" of units with similar specs, kinda like a bmw 3, 5, and 7 series.

They have old non-inverter units that heat down to 5 degrees. (garbage imo)
They have basic inverter units that heat down to -5ish degrees (fine for most people)
They have the best units that general fall in between -15 to -30 degrees heating.

There is clearly a different sort of hardware or tech that seperates the medium and best tier of units, I never figured out what it was, but there's a clear performance gap and not a gradual thing.

The first Gree I posted and the LG you posted, are both are basic inverter units. The multi f-max LG you were thinking about, it's primary advantage is that you can hook up 8 indoor units to it. Which makes it one of the few solutions out there if you want one compressor powering 8 different rooms in a house.

The second gree, the one in this post, is the next tier of units. As you can see it has longer line lengths, more efficiency, and performs in more extreme temps.

Also keep in mind, I don't know what your house looks like so this may be useless advice, but don't forget minisplit compressors have more flexibility in mounting solutions. You can wall mount them. Not sure if there is a better and closer place than your current air handlers. Maybe a wall hidden by trees or something. Also because their exhaust is horizontal, you could mount them under a deck or something.

 

[bzinsky]

damn, gree sapphire is actually pretty impressive
https://www.greecomfort.com/wp-cont...EE_SAPPHIRE_A_SUBMITTAL_24MBH_230V_080118.pdf

 

[Slowbra]

damn, gree sapphire is actually pretty impressive
https://www.greecomfort.com/wp-cont...EE_SAPPHIRE_A_SUBMITTAL_24MBH_230V_080118.pdf

Definitely good specs on those units. I’m reading up on them to see what folks are saying about them.

 

[MattT]

Maybe start with a single 24k or 36k unit and then add as needed?

Starting with one 2 ton is what I'd do personally. I think it might be enough cooling to "take the edge off" and contol humidity. Then depending on how it does then make a decision on what to do about heating.

They have basic inverter units that heat down to -5ish degrees (fine for most people)
They have the best units that general fall in between -15 to -30 degrees heating.

There is clearly a different sort of hardware or tech that seperates the medium and best tier of units, I never figured out what it was, but there's a clear performance gap and not a gradual thing.

Good job on steering the OP away from lg

Conventional/basic inverters will output some heat down to +/- 5*, depending on the unit, but it won't be full nameplate output. If they're correctly sized for cooling they're gonna need help from another heat source in the OPs climate. And that may be a lot of help with that high ceiling.

The best, "hyperheat", units will output full nameplate heat down to 0*ish then output drops off down to their lower operating limit. How I've been told they do this is basically build an oversized unit and limit it's output at milder temperatures with software. I suspect they're also using different inverters and compressors with a wider speed range capability too.

 

[yeldogt]

I have a LG in my little guest shack -- it was a writers studio. Working since 2006 .. It was my first mini, After install I heard a lot about leaking coils w. LG and went Fujitsu after and Mitsubishi recently

Shame to hear they don't have good Customer service/ tech support. Silly for any company not to support the products

 

[mpire]

I haven't had issues repairing MY LGs that I installed a while back.

I have had several evaporator leaks though, so I replaced the head.

Then the main board in the outside unit went bad, that cost me a couple hundred to replace.

So 8 years in and its saved me a ton of money on cooling, but if I had to do it again I would have bought the cheapest one or the ones on super sale at home depot and then just replaced the whole unit when something broke.

My buddy got these gree livo things at HD for a really good deal plus he used a 10% off coupon. So I would put that into your consideration. Plus they do WIFI which is nice.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GREE-LI...and-Remote-230V-60Hz-LIVS30HP230V1A/301548223

 

[Jackfre]

Having been the Fujitsu rep in Six States I used to look for LG contractors. They were easy to pick off and it was all based upon poor support. My daughter just bought an LG refrigerator and was told by the place that with LG you absolutely want the extended warranty. Now, it has been a few years, but nothing I have heard would change that opinion. Jroyal, here has had good luck with Gree. I'm 8 & 10 yrs in with my Fujitsu's with no problems. I would say, anything but LG. If you are going with a contractor, find out if they have attended the factory SERVICE training. If it has not been offered or is not available, go with another brand. There are about a million brands of these things today. If you are looking for price, then have a ball. My experience says go with either Fujitsu or Mitsu. They are the top brands with the best support.

 

[Slowbra]

Having been the Fujitsu rep in Six States I used to look for LG contractors. They were easy to pick off and it was all based upon poor support. My daughter just bought an LG refrigerator and was told by the place that with LG you absolutely want the extended warranty. Now, it has been a few years, but nothing I have heard would change that opinion. Jroyal, here has had good luck with Gree. I'm 8 & 10 yrs in with my Fujitsu's with no problems. I would say, anything but LG. If you are going with a contractor, find out if they have attended the factory SERVICE training. If it has not been offered or is not available, go with another brand. There are about a million brands of these things today. If you are looking for price, then have a ball. My experience says go with either Fujitsu or Mitsu. They are the top brands with the best support.

I've been looking at options online for the past couple of days now.. Sort of feels like I'm back to the drawing board, but I'm looking at single units of 24K or higher vs. the multi-zone systems. Daikin, Fujitsu, and Mitsubishi come up quite often in my searches. Gree doesn't come up on any of the online retailers I've been looking at - I only find info on it via Home Deport websites so a direct comparison isn't as easy.

I will not be paying a contractor for the installation, which I understand matters quite a bit from a warranty perspective for some manufacturers. Wonder what brands have this limitation so I can avoid them?

 

[Slowbra]

no specific search place, not partial to any retailer.

If you need a longer line set length you could always go with the higher end gree. This one seems to allow a 164ft lineset length. Still cheaper than the LG for two of them and higher performing to boot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GREE-Sa...8-Volt-230-Volt-60Hz-SAP24HP230V1AW/303540385

When I was mentioning extreme temps, I mention it because there are essentially tiers of these things, and you can judge them by their performance in extreme temps. The efficiency and extreme temp handling go hand in hand. Seems like all the manufacturers have these "tiers" of units with similar specs, kinda like a bmw 3, 5, and 7 series.

They have old non-inverter units that heat down to 5 degrees. (garbage imo)
They have basic inverter units that heat down to -5ish degrees (fine for most people)
They have the best units that general fall in between -15 to -30 degrees heating.

There is clearly a different sort of hardware or tech that seperates the medium and best tier of units, I never figured out what it was, but there's a clear performance gap and not a gradual thing.

The first Gree I posted and the LG you posted, are both are basic inverter units. The multi f-max LG you were thinking about, it's primary advantage is that you can hook up 8 indoor units to it. Which makes it one of the few solutions out there if you want one compressor powering 8 different rooms in a house.

The second gree, the one in this post, is the next tier of units. As you can see it has longer line lengths, more efficiency, and performs in more extreme temps.

Also keep in mind, I don't know what your house looks like so this may be useless advice, but don't forget minisplit compressors have more flexibility in mounting solutions. You can wall mount them. Not sure if there is a better and closer place than your current air handlers. Maybe a wall hidden by trees or something. Also because their exhaust is horizontal, you could mount them under a deck or something.

The specs on that Gree are good. Price seems to have changed overnight back to $2200.

I did find this Daikin last night. https://www.ecomfort.com/Daikin-XB24AXVJU/p92460.html

They say it's an inverter, but only heats down to 5deg. I don't need a unit to heat down to 5, but per your post about units that only heat down to 5 deg I'm guessing this is one of the units to avoid.

 

[bzinsky]

The specs on that Gree are good. Price seems to have changed overnight back to $2200.

I did find this Daikin last night. https://www.ecomfort.com/Daikin-XB24AXVJU/p92460.html

They say it's an inverter, but only heats down to 5deg. I don't need a unit to heat down to 5, but per your post about units that only heat down to 5 deg I'm guessing this is one of the units to avoid.

damn that stinks it went up in price

yeah it does say that the daiken is an inverter, but those specs are pretty weak. I always look at the engineering submittals.

Realistically it should be fine, does seems like some older hardware though.

While it does heat down to 5, the only ones I think you should just flat out avoid is units that are non-invertor units. So it's not ideal, but it's still a viable options.

walmart has the gree for less than home depot fyi
https://www.walmart.com/ip/GREE-SAP...u0FgV52UgvCsgnybb-tyGygyyszrL3qhoCtQ4QAvD_BwE

 

[Slowbra]

damn that stinks it went up in price



yeah it does say that the daiken is an inverter, but those specs are pretty weak. I always look at the engineering submittals.



Realistically it should be fine, does seems like some older hardware though.



While it does heat down to 5, the only ones I think you should just flat out avoid is units that are non-invertor units. So it's not ideal, but it's still a viable options.

I have decided to get a single 24K (or 36K) unit to start with. This will keep within my budget for now and I can focus on getting a quality unit. I’m certain anything will be better than what I have now, which is nothing!

I don’t want to “cheap” out per say and get something I’d regret. So I’ll focus on the specs you mentioned and post up what I’m thinking.

The only bummer about the Gree is that only Home Depot appears to have the unit you posted. I can’t find any decent reviews or other retailers.

Are you aware of the brands that give self-installers a hard time with warranty?

 

[bzinsky]

I have decided to get a single 24K (or 36K) unit to start with. This will keep within my budget for now and I can focus on getting a quality unit. I’m certain anything will be better than what I have now, which is nothing!

I don’t want to “cheap” out per say and get something I’d regret. So I’ll focus on the specs you mentioned and post up what I’m thinking.

The only bummer about the Gree is that only Home Depot appears to have the unit you posted. I can’t find any decent reviews or other retailers.

Are you aware of the brands that give self-installers a hard time with warranty?

I am a big online review guy, but I've found the online reviews to be almost worthless in regards to mini splits. The type of people who buy mini-splits online at these retailers on a percentage basis are not hvac pros or GJ level DIY people. I'd value GJ reviews much more, and there are a lot of people satisfied with gree as a brand.

Yeah I think it's a good move to try one at a time.

If you need another one maybe you can get away with only a 9-12k btu unit.

BTW 9k btu and 12k btu units are insanely efficient for some reason. So 24k and 9k might be a good option. The 9k btu of the gree sapphire line is an absurd 38 seer rating.

9k btu gree unit pumps out 8166 btu's of heat when it's -22 outside, that is just incredible.

 

[bzinsky]

Here's why I look at the submittals
Lets compare the gree sapphire 22k vs the gree sapphire 9k

9k
https://www.greecomfort.com/wp-cont...EE_SAPPHIRE_A_SUBMITTAL_09MBH_230V_111617.pdf


22k
https://www.greecomfort.com/wp-cont...EE_SAPPHIRE_A_SUBMITTAL_24MBH_230V_111617.pdf

You can look at the cooling and heating charts.
The 9k is 38 seer, the 22k is 21.5 seer.
Cooling performance - situation: It's 95 degrees outside and your indoor air temperature is 73 degrees.
-9k unit is capable of cooling at 12966 btu's (40% higher than 9btu rating!)
-24k unit is capable of cooling at 20093 btu's (9% lower than 9kbtu rating!)

I never figured out why there is such huge differences in 9 and 12k btu units.

 

[Slowbra]

I am a big online review guy, but I've found the online reviews to be almost worthless in regards to mini splits. The type of people who buy mini-splits online at these retailers on a percentage basis are not hvac pros or GJ level DIY people. I'd value GJ reviews much more, and there are a lot of people satisfied with gree as a brand.



Yeah I think it's a good move to try one at a time.



If you need another one maybe you can get away with only a 9-12k btu unit.



BTW 9k btu and 12k btu units are insanely efficient for some reason. So 24k and 9k might be a good option. The 9k btu of the gree sapphire line is an absurd 38 seer rating.



9k btu gree unit pumps out 8166 btu's of heat when it's -22 outside, that is just incredible.

When all is said and done I’m going to owe a drink.

Reviews are important, but I absolutely trust what other GJ guys with experience post up. Hence this post. It saved me a potential pain point.

The Gree Sapphire you posted will likely be my purchase once the price point gets back to where it was. In the meantime I’m seeing what Fujitsu, Daikin and Mitsubishi options I have around the same price point.

I’ll post up what I’m thinking shortly.

 

[Toomanytools?]

Slowbra: I know you want to install DIY, but have you had an HVAC company give you a quote? Call up someone that carries Daikin, or Mitsubishi, Fuji, just get an idea.
I'm looking at a Daikin unit and had only one quote for a 2 ton, their 19 series unit I believe. Installed was around $2400, my space is 1000sft, 10'6" ceiling.
Just saying with your $5000 budget you might be there for a dealer install and don't worry about warranty issues.

 

[American Locomotive]

LG's entire corporate culture is garbage top to bottom. They do not care about their customers, or building quality equipment.

I worked for a company with a 40-Ton LG MultiV system (basically a minisplit in concept, but turned up to 11), and it was an absolute utter nightmare. Zero support, they'd come out take a look, and then go back and never call. We escalated and escalated and escalated, and they still didn't care. The whole system has been sitting years with the power turned off. $100,000+ paperweight.

Avoid LG HVAC products at all costs. If you want to spend LG money, I'd say Mitsubishi or Fujitsu are the way to go.

 

[Slowbra]

Slowbra: I know you want to install DIY, but have you had an HVAC company give you a quote? Call up someone that carries Daikin, or Mitsubishi, Fuji, just get an idea.
I'm looking at a Daikin unit and had only one quote for a 2 ton, their 19 series unit I believe. Installed was around $2400, my space is 1000sft, 10'6" ceiling.
Just saying with your $5000 budget you might be there for a dealer install and don't worry about warranty issues.

I casually discussed it with one, but frankly don’t trust anyone or any company unless my builder manages the relationship. For this project I don’t want to bother my builder.

My friends have experience and will handle the install. I do appreciate your thoughts on the matter, but I’m not hiring anyone.

 

[bzinsky]

Slowbra: I know you want to install DIY, but have you had an HVAC company give you a quote? Call up someone that carries Daikin, or Mitsubishi, Fuji, just get an idea.
I'm looking at a Daikin unit and had only one quote for a 2 ton, their 19 series unit I believe. Installed was around $2400, my space is 1000sft, 10'6" ceiling.
Just saying with your $5000 budget you might be there for a dealer install and don't worry about warranty issues.

I’ve had several installed by contractors and talked to a lot of them.

I cannot find one that does a thorough job with the nitrogen, vacuuming down, and charge.

The mini splits are sensitive to that. A lot of hvac contractors do not place an importance on efficiency. 20 years of installing and not getting call backs will do that to a man. Nobody is going to call them back if their 25 seer mini split is only operating like a 13 seer and instead of pumping out 13k btu’s is pumping out 8k btu’s.

Not all are like that for sure, but I sure couldn’t find one that was as meticulous as myself (or as meticulous as most GJ members for that matter) that wasn’t outrageous in price.

 

[Slowbra]

LG's entire corporate culture is garbage top to bottom. They do not care about their customers, or building quality equipment.

I worked for a company with a 40-Ton LG MultiV system (basically a minisplit in concept, but turned up to 11), and it was an absolute utter nightmare. Zero support, they'd come out take a look, and then go back and never call. We escalated and escalated and escalated, and they still didn't care. The whole system has been sitting years with the power turned off. $100,000+ paperweight.

Avoid LG HVAC products at all costs. If you want to spend LG money, I'd say Mitsubishi or Fujitsu are the way to go.

I am definitely avoiding it!

 

[KenC]

I will second the lack of support from LG, will never use them again.

I'll third that. Never again. I had one. Needed a simple thermister to replace a suspected bad one. Suspected as the local 'support' wasn't sure of the problem. Waited almost two months for it? And this was a purchase, not a warranty repair. And that didn't fix it. More tests etc determined that the main control board was 'probably' bad. 600 bucks + labor. No thanks.

Bought a Pioneer. Installed myself. 900 bucks.
Funny thing about Pioneer though, they like most, don't warrant self-installs.

edit to add: The parts wait was through the regional distributor. No stock in the US or Japan. Had to wait for manufacturing, in China!! So much for support

But the instructions are clearly written for DIY.

And, after a couple of weeks the inside unit's blower motor failed. Called 'em and they overnighted a replacement. No charge, even though it was a self install.

No problems since.

My thoughts at this point: Either pay the premium for a Mitsubishi and installation or buy a Pioneer or similar and DIY.

In my case it was easy: Mits for $4K or Pioneer for 900.

 

[Slowbra]

I looked up the Gree’s warranty and looks like it’s only applicable if installed by a licensed HVAC. Interesting note given it’s sold at HD.

 

[dcg9381]

That's the general "gotcha" on almost all of these units. HD will happily provide you with a licensed installer.

Use the Mr. Cool DIY units if you want to DIY and have a functional warranty. Cost a little more, but not nearly as much as a licensed install does.

 

[Slowbra]

That's the general "gotcha" on almost all of these units. HD will happily provide you with a licensed installer.

Use the Mr. Cool DIY units if you want to DIY and have a functional warranty. Cost a little more, but not nearly as much as a licensed install does.

Interesting. So the only DIY option with a warranty is Mr. Cool?

 

[MattT]

That's the general "gotcha" on almost all of these units. HD will happily provide you with a licensed installer.

Use the Mr. Cool DIY units if you want to DIY and have a functional warranty. Cost a little more, but not nearly as much as a licensed install does.

Seems to be a double "gotcha" with most warrantys. First you've got to pay for a "professional" install to get warranty coverage. Then pay again for a service call to actually get a part warrantied.

Interesting. So the only DIY option with a warranty is Mr. Cool?

They're the only ones I'm aware of with a formal warranty that covers DIYers.

 

[Slowbra]

Seems to be a double "gotcha" with most warrantys. First you've got to pay for a "professional" install to get warranty coverage. Then pay again for a service call to actually get a part warrantied.



They're the only ones I'm aware of with a formal warranty that covers DIYers.

Bummer. I don’t know much about Mr.Cool, but not sure I want to be forced to look at one manufacturer. Sounds like this potential project may be coming to an end before it even started. I’m not paying someone to install a system and I’m not paying for an item without a warranty.

 

[KenC]

Bummer. I don’t know much about Mr.Cool, but not sure I want to be forced to look at one manufacturer. Sounds like this potential project may be coming to an end before it even started. I’m not paying someone to install a system and I’m not paying for an item without a warranty.

That is sort of my reasoning (in addition to LG BS) in purchasing the Pioneer. Could have been any one of several units, I just settle on Pioneer because I could get it through eBay/Paypal. That covers DOA problems, eBay/Paypal would step up would cover it as a 'not as described' product.

The higher priced units are that way because of advertising, multi-level distribution chains, warranty, profit margins and to some extent, a higher quality product. IMO, the last item is a small portion of the price differential. But, the price gap would allow one to purchase a number of replacements over the expected life span and still be ahead.


Especially when you consider that most warranties only cover parts after a specified time, a year is common. Most failures require much more in labor than parts. So the warranty is not as valuable as it initially seems.

Add to that, my experience with Pioneer where they actually provided the part for my DIY system.

 

[shade]

I just installed 2 24k Mr Cool units in my garage.
I got to say they are badass units.
Install is simple
Units work great and are efficient
I don't think there's any other manufacturers that have the same warranty.
Support from reading these forums appears to be excellent.