3 DIY Mr Cool mini split failures

[minytrker]

I've had three units fail due to Freon leaks in the indoor coils—two 24K BTU and one 18K BTU. The first 24K unit lasted nearly five years before leaking. They replaced it under warranty, but only after I paid to have it refilled, confirmed it leaked again, and then covered around $800 for shipping, a service call, and Freon.

The 18K unit failed after just two years. This time, they let me leak test it on video, and after confirming the issue, they sent a replacement indoor unit, though I had to pay $65 for shipping. I then had to hire an HVAC company to refill it with 410A, which cost $600 for the service call and refrigerant.

Now, the 24K unit that was replaced under warranty a few years ago has failed again. I really like these units, but their longevity is disappointing. MrCool has been fairly easy to work with, but the warranty process is slow. I'm considering alternatives, but I’m not sure there's anything comparable at this price point.

 

[danski0224]

But think about all of the money that you saved...

 

[dcg9381]

Interesting. Buddy got 2-3 years out of his Mr. Cool in that BTU range. We didn't even chase it, just replaced after confirming leak and that the lines were good... Bought Daikin instead. It was disappointing.

The fact that they warranty them at all direct to consumer is what makes them unique.

 

[shade]

I've had quite the opposite experience.
2 24k units been running 365 days a year for 5 years so far. Arizona heat

 

[ToolsRCool]

4 channel Mitsubishi system here. Early failure of a thermocouple on the outdoor unit, was easy to diagnose (itself) and replace. No other issues so far, been 6-7 years. Use for cooling only.

 

[zcar751]

Just posted about my Mitsubishi failures. Three in a 28 month period. Last one cost me $500, while my house furnace has not had a blip in 16 years.

 

[minytrker]

The old mini split in game room was was from 1997, although it was a lot bigger it did last 25 years. Same as my house AC's, they were from 1986 and lasted till 2020. My "new ac's 2020" have broke twice already but luckily under warranty still.

 

[minytrker]

Got the new inside unit installed and hooked up and the compressor wont turn on now. On day 30 of dealing with mr cool warranty process. Now they are debating on sending a new outside unit. More badnews when I had the unit filled with freon I had my other mini split checked because it wasnt cooling or heating very well. It was 2lbs low on freon so it has a leak also. Just started the warranty process on it but dont know what they are going to do with it.

 

[bonneyman]

Sorry to hear about all the problems you're having guys.
I only installed one mini-split (an add-on to a computer room) and never heard anything about it. Guessing it worked fine. But after working on a few - and hearing the overall negative feedback from my friends who did them - I opted to stay away.

 

[minytrker]

So after 2 months, 22lbs of 410a, 2 inside air handlers, one outside unit, $100 shipping and 1 line set I have both my 18k and 24k mini splits working again. I had to really go argue with them about paying shipping, they wanted me to pay about $400 in shipping for all the parts they sent but in the end I paid $100. Not very happy it took 2 months for them to handle everything but in the end they did warranty everything. To date I have not a mr cool mini split last more than 3-4 years. I dont think I will buy another one.

 

[danski0224]

But, what about all of the money you saved?

 

[pcmeiners]

So after 2 months, 22lbs of 410a

That is a lot of 410, how many service calls did you have?

 

[minytrker]

It would have been 5 service calls but I happen to have a EPA license so they were fine with me putting Freon in it myself. Worst part is I only had about 20lbs of Freon so had to buy another 25lb bottle for 2lbs for them to warranty out the whole unit. The new unit comes with Freon in it already. So now I have a almost full bottle just sitting here.

 

[justinjoyal]

Why not do a nitrogen leak test instead of simply filling it back up with R410A when the coil failed ?

 

[PWC Repair]

It was posts and reviews like this that led me AWAY from Mr.Cool. I found good reviews on Sennville units and took a chance. That was October(ish) of '22..........knock on wood, zero issues thus far.

 

[minytrker]

Why not do a nitrogen leak test instead of simply filling it back up with R410A when the coil failed ?

They normally make you have a licensed AC tech come out and troubleshoot it at your expense. Since I had a license they have one of their techs call you and you just have to do what they say. They document everything really well and Im guessing they have to dot all the I's and cross all the T's before they "warranty" out the unit. They also assumed the new unit wouldn't be bad. I also had to video the leak detector going off to show them where the leak was. I didnt necessarily agree with everything but your kind of stuck following there rules for the warranty.

 

[stillnostrebor]

It was far easier to throw the Mr. COOL away and self-install a Senville unit, than it was to argue and wait and argue and wait for those jackwagons at Mr. COOL to warranty my 2yr old unit. They never did follow through after the compressor took a very loud dump on mine. It did not leak, it just failed.

The Senville just works.

 

[Donka22]

I have a 2019 Pioneer Inverter (17 SEER) (GMAC compressor) unit off Amazon. ($799+tax) , 1 ton 230/1/60 12,000 btu cooling converted garage in Texas (R10 insulation) and after 6 years still cools. I have a leaking hi side valve and for last 2 years i add 1.2 lbs every summer of 410. I replaced a noisy fan motor ($99) from mfr direct about a year ago. Sounds like MR Cool is underdesigned.

I recommend Lennox Mini splits by Samsung. Just because of the Lennox Dealer warranty and network. I also work in their Engineering dept, im amazed how well these thing are designed.