Friedrich Mini Split Reviews? (not the Breeze version)

[DB2]

I'm putting three 24k mini split heat pumps in my build rooms at my company. I have a buddy who has an a/c company and he lets me buy on his account (with his discount) at the supply houses.

Both the major supply house chains in town are pushing Friedrich mini splits, and say Friedrich's support has been great. One supply house also sells Fujitsu and the other sells Mitsubishi...and they are both ~$750 more than the Friedrich.

Has anyone put in Friedrichs "conventional" mini-splits, i.e., not the DIY Breeze versions? I'm finding it hard to justify the added cost of the Fujitsu or Mitsu. We currently have a few Sanyo/Panasonic units, which have been problematic. Sanyo's tech support is great, but getting parts can be very difficult, and I don't want to get in that situation again.

 

[yeldogt]

I did a three head Mitsubishi last year -- At that time everyone agreed that Mitsubishi was leading the pack ... especially with support factored in. A few years back (6) when most coming to the USA were single head, everyone was pushing Fujitsu as they had the inverters longer .. I installed a LG art cool (cost and looks) -- have had zero issues. I had to rent a cottage 3.5 years ago when my house had a fire and the owner installed a Fujitsu HP --- the unit worked flawlessly for both AC and Heat

The low temp heat pump operation of the Mitsubishi was a big factor for me this time. I was also impressed with the ease of service -- I did two ceiling units and the most advanced wall unit available.

From all discussions -- people have less concern about single head units .. especially with simple back to back wall installations. The Mitsubishi has very advanced controls -- this may or may not be of importance to you ... the people sensor and the dehumidification make the system work better vs the LG or even the newer Fujitsu. The better Mitsubishi has a split front so the air flow control is much better. I also found the flatter wider head style of the Mitsubishi allowed for quite air flow on high.

In a work situation -- these may be used on and off .. so less important vs in a home. It becomes question of maintenance/ longevity and the cost of replacement should one of the units fail early.

 

[Gerald O]

I installed a Friedrich 24k multizone 2 years ago in my shop. It's got ceiling cassettes for the indoor units, and only one zone is installed so far. But it's been running 24/7 for 2 years with no problems.
It turns out that the Friedrich is actually a rebadged LG except sold and supported by Friedrich. So you might consider reviews on LG hardware to also apply.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262539

 

[justinjoyal]

Friedrich used to be made by Fujitsu, great units. Now they're rebranded LGs, not sure how they evolved. I wouldn't be too worried.

 

[rlitman]

I put in an 18k Freidrich made by Fujitsu in 2007 and it's been great to me.
As for the leader of the pack, I'd say it's Daikin.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I put in an 18k Freidrich made by Fujitsu in 2007 and it's been great to me.
As for the leader of the pack, I'd say it's Daikin.

In terms of sales, maybe. Both Mitusbishi & Fujitsu are higher quality units. Daikin is the "Goodman" of minisplits.

Tommy