Fujitsu or Mitsubishi mini split

[Cruisinthe34]

I have quotes for both a Mitsubishi 18,000 BTU and a Fujitsu 18,000. Warranties on both appear comparable. I know the Mitsubishi is supposed to be the 'recognized leader'. But I respect the Fujitsu name.

Any input, particularly on the Fujitsu is appreciated.

 

[jad3675]

I have quotes for both a Mitsubishi 18,000 BTU and a Fujitsu 18,000. Warranties on both appear comparable. I know the Mitsubishi is supposed to be the 'recognized leader'. But I respect the Fujitsu name.

Any input, particularly on the Fujitsu is appreciated.

You can'y go wrong with either brand. It's all about the installer. Ask if they can show your their previous installs and give you references. Call around, and find out which one has the better reputation. Angie's list, yelp, whatever you can find.

Failing that...flip a coin.

I only have experience with the Fujitsu I recently installed - and I only went with them because they have a presence in my area. The closest Mitsu dealer is over 75 miles away.

John

 

[dellwas]

Fuji comes with a 10 year across the board warranty (labor, parts, compressor). But that is with a gold star dealer, and it ain't cheap. I've been hanging on the HVAC pro forums and the one name mentioned more than any other for quality is Daiken, followed by Mitsi and Fuji. LG is getting some good reviews too, that's what we went with. However our installer sells Daiken and LG and we went back and forth on it. Daiken was about $1k more.

 

[Cruisinthe34]

Thanks for the feedback. I have two well established companies to choose between. The Fuji dealler is right down the hill from me, I'm thinking that will be y smarter choice.

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

Warranties have little to do with quality and everything to do with marketing. And it obviously is working.

Sizing is the first and most important part of any HVAC system. Reliable service is just as important as a reliable appliance.

Mitsubishi is the undisputed leader in the US and I have one in my own home.

Fuji will work and usually cheaper for non-critical residential applications, I would not be afraid of one.

 

[walrus]

In Maine Fujitsu seems to be leading the way, whether thats marketing or reputation I'm not sure. I've heard of a study done by some gov't agency that said Fujitsu was a more efficient unit but I've been unable to find it online.

 

[Jackfre]

I was the Fujitsu Rep in New England and Maine for years. Bangor Hydro has done some recent studies on mini splits. I'm no longer there and haven't followed it closely. Fujitsu is every bit the unit Mitsubishi is and so is Daiken. Fujitsu does beat them both efficiency wise and generally cost wise as well. That is especially the case in the larger sizes. Mitsubishi is competitive in the lower btu ranges but get really pricey as the sizes get up there. You will not be hurt with any of the three top brands.

 

[JakeKohl]

In Maine Fujitsu seems to be leading the way, whether thats marketing or reputation I'm not sure. I've heard of a study done by some gov't agency that said Fujitsu was a more efficient unit but I've been unable to find it online.

http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/52175.pdf

 

[CJCar]

I was the Fujitsu Rep in New England and Maine for years. Bangor Hydro has done some recent studies on mini splits. I'm no longer there and haven't followed it closely. Fujitsu is every bit the unit Mitsubishi is and so is Daiken. Fujitsu does beat them both efficiency wise and generally cost wise as well. That is especially the case in the larger sizes. Mitsubishi is competitive in the lower btu ranges but get really pricey as the sizes get up there. You will not be hurt with any of the three top brands.

Jackfre, In your experience, is supplemental heat needed with a mini-split?

Don't mean to hijack, but you would have first hand knowledge of mini-splits in a cold climate and others that are contemplating going mini-split could benefit from the info as well.

I'm looking to replace a heat pump with a multi-zone mini-split. The existing 20k resistive heat pack kicks on around 35 degrees. In reading the temp charts (Mitsu, Fujitsu, Daikon, and LG) all can make heat down to the single digits.

 

[Jackfre]

You have to be careful which unit you buy. For instance, I have a dual unit which is listed to heat down to 32*, while my 12RLS will go down to 5*. The new RLS2H units go down to -15*. I would suggest you go to Fujitsu's web site and click Contractor. You can download the entire 2013 catalog with all specs and a lot of info to compare and contrast. I supplement with Rinnai Energysavers. That gives me "net to the space" heating totally ductless heating and cooling.

I found that from a cost standpoint I could buy the dual at 16 seer and the single at 25 seer for the same price as a tri system. I run the dual upstairs and the real hi eff unit in the main living are where we really live. It is the ideal combination for our home/lifestyle. I'm currently adding a new 15 RLS in the new kitchen, laundry and bath addition.

I did what you are proposing by eliminating the ductwork and central system. It is one of the best mods you can make,IMHO, and experience. I believe that with care in the selection process you will be able to heat your home solely with today's mini-splits. Make sure you have an experienced mini split guy do the install.

 

[JakeKohl]

You have to be careful which unit you buy. For instance, I have a dual unit which is listed to heat down to 32*, while my 12RLS will go down to 5*. The new RLS2H units go down to -15*. I would suggest you go to Fujitsu's web site and click Contractor. You can download the entire 2013 catalog with all specs and a lot of info to compare and contrast. I supplement with Rinnai Energysavers. That gives me "net to the space" heating totally ductless heating and cooling.

I found that from a cost standpoint I could buy the dual at 16 seer and the single at 25 seer for the same price as a tri system. I run the dual upstairs and the real hi eff unit in the main living are where we really live. It is the ideal combination for our home/lifestyle. I'm currently adding a new 15 RLS in the new kitchen, laundry and bath addition.

I did what you are proposing by eliminating the ductwork and central system. It is one of the best mods you can make,IMHO, and experience. I believe that with care in the selection process you will be able to heat your home solely with today's mini-splits. Make sure you have an experienced mini split guy do the install.

I considered that in my house but the two (small) bathrooms leave a bit of a conundrum. They wouldn't get enough heat/cool unless I ducted them somehow and if I did that, what's the point?

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

That is what bathroom fans are for. In cold climates the efficiency of a mini-split suffers as the temperature drops. Here in Minneapolis we turn our radiant floors on when is gets in the 20's even though the Mitsubishi is more "efficient than our electric boiler. Most of my customers here have a similar arrangement.

In warmer climes a air-to-air mini-split is certainly all you need. Jack has it right. It is the installation that matters most.

 

[walrus]

In Maine they say to keep your existing heating systems for the 10 days you'll need it, as when it gets below 10 or so the mini split may not keep up.

I'm about ready to put one in and when I do it will be a Fujitsu

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

In Maine they say to keep your existing heating systems for the 10 days you'll need it, as when it gets below 10 or so the mini split may not keep up.

I'm about ready to put one in and when I do it will be a Fujitsu

Hey, but "Mainers" are different....

 

[Cruisinthe34]

I went with the Fujitsu and it is FABULOUS...... 18,000 BTU Love the way the vents sweep left and right and up and down. Was over 90 today, plan to be out there tomorrow working on the floor. Actually looking forward to it

 

[big Doug]

you made the right choice but both are the same potato- potatto