Gree mini split (high seer)

[PoorOwner]

I am getting this GREE 9000 BTU unit for a bedroom, just wanted to know what you guys think of the specs?

it has a 2 stage compressor, heats to -22

SEER is 38
HSPF is 15

It has AHRI certificate so hopefully the numbers are honest.
For AHRI it's only rated 5600 at 17F (rated input). But if needed, it can put about 12K almost all the way down.

 

[yeldogt]

I don't know anything about the Gree .. although I have seen the name around for quite a while ... they may have been the first unit mass marketed from China.

That's a fully modulating unit -- it uses a two stage compressor. Toshiba make a lot of the rotary compressors. I really don't know if they are all two stage or if that unusual. Some of the rotary have a scroll second stage .. so it get confusing.


The ones designed to work in cold weather typically have a heater --- most of the mini splits will continue to work as the temps drop. It's all about the output and efficiency .. you don't want a unit thats gong to freeze up or not work in the typical low temps for the area it's in .. or to be inefficient doing so. Obviously, you don't want to pay for a hyper heat unit if the temps never drop that low.

 

[OzarkMan]

Gree uses Toshiba compressors. Gree is actually a quality Chinese unit. Most knockoffs are patterned after the Gree. Specs look good for what you seem to need it for. The heating temp is really good and rivals that of Mitsubishi.

 

[PoorOwner]

this one uses a chinese compressor (their own?)


ZHUHAI LANDA COMPRESSOR CO., LTD
Compressor Model QXAT-B121zE070

it also uses PVE oil which is only found in the newer Mitsu / Daikin units.
it's a better oil that will release moisture under vacuum and less prone to acidic reaction.

both companies are in ZhuHai.


Here is a pic of the compressor from parts diagram, it's got a big and small cylinder to it.

I have not think with inverter you need 2 stage, sure is interesting and I wonder if the big 3 Japanese companies have any models that are also using 2 stage compressors.

(it seems to have a pretty good parts and service manual to it)

 

[PoorOwner]

My wife thinks because the louver is open and fan is blowing the AC is "ON" and using tons of power. I have to educate her about the modulation aspect of it.

Obviously where I live won't really need the extra low heating but the SEER is great if it delivers.

 

[OzarkMan]

My wife thinks the same thing with the garage ac. Granted that sucker is blasting out air, the compressor is hardly even turning.

 

[aunsafe2015]

That's a fully modulating unit -- it uses a two stage compressor.

That means it operates continually across it's entire min-max BTU heating and cooling ranges, correct? Rather than only at one low and one high output capacity which is what 2-stage typically means?

 

[theoldwizard1]

My biggest concern would be getting some one to repair it if it breaks and getting parts.

 

[OzarkMan]

Its not supposed to break down.

 

[PoorOwner]

They do seem lacking in terms of phone number or technical support number.
Although the parts diagram is not too many little pieces and all part numbers are there.

You have to realize besides duds and freight damage the installer is what makes or break the unit.

if it breaks down just buy another outdoor unit and swap it out.

 

[SALIV8]

I just purchased a Gree. Not yours, but another unit.

Their technical support is very good and responsive.

 

[yeldogt]

The cylinder on the side of the compressor is the accumulator --- two stage compressor is just what it says .... twin rotary compressors (series) inside.

Toshiba makes compressors in China -- they also sell large systems under the Toshiba name in many parts of the world. You would have to open the case to see if any Toshiba stuff inside. They also make them in Japan ... my Carrier unit uses a 5 speed Toshiba compressor.

Toshiba was the leader with the inverter technology -- this was 15 years ago -- so I'm sure there are copies being made in China.

Like anything else there are various flavors. Daikin uses a swing compressor and Toshiba used the rotary .. and then the scroll being the big USA design for homes split systems.

It looks like a nice unit -- and the specifications are good. I guess it's a question of how it performs vs others. With the unit pushing $1600 ... most likely I would spend the $200 and get the Mitsubishi Hyper heat ... since I have and like them.

 

[PoorOwner]

It looks like a nice unit -- and the specifications are good. I guess it's a question of how it performs vs others. With the unit pushing $1600 ... most likely I would spend the $200 and get the Mitsubishi Hyper heat ... since I have and like them.

I can tell you I pay a bit less than the common street price
The Mitsubishi has no haggle room and would have been hundreds more.
The Gree output is stable to go lower heat to -22 where as the Mitsubishi shuts at -15 and output starts to drops at 5F
The Mitsubishi has the eye but
Gree has WiFi And the vane is suppose to blow almost upwards.
Gree has base pan heater and crankcase heater standard where as Mitsubishi still has to add for a couple hundred more.

And this is GJ so we are allowed to shop and get excited by equipment weight the gree is 100 pounds and Mitsubishi is 80. Probably means the Gree is heavy duty with more coils


I love Mitsubishi too, have a couple of them already.

 

[yeldogt]

Mitsubishi does have $$ power ... using their perceived #1 position. With every new generation the systems become more alike ...

I spent the extra $$ on the Mitsubishi heads after seeing one. I spend a lot of time in Asia and Africa -- with most of the units -- lots of adjusting. It's a control problem vs operation problem. I found this to be more of an issue with heating because the units are high up and most use controls at the head unit ... single point heat source. But it happens in AC as well

I have some that with the Fujitsu when heating --- it's in the loft of a converted barn and I find that I have to bump it way up ... the Mitsubishi in a similar setting does not need to be played with.

 

[PoorOwner]

I have to agree with you the Mitsubishi happen to have the best software in terms of their control algorithm. It does not go over or under much and temperature is stable. It just works

 

[justinjoyal]

GREE make nice units. The Sapphire you are referring to is great!

I have installed many many Gree mini-splits with great performance and reliability.

 

[SALIV8]

GREE make nice units. The Sapphire you are referring to is great!

I have installed many many Gree mini-splits with great performance and reliability.

I would listen to him ^

Justin's a great guy and very helpful. It's a privilege having a pro that can steer you (and me) in the right direction!

 

[yeldogt]

I have to agree with you the Mitsubishi happen to have the best software in terms of their control algorithm. It does not go over or under much and temperature is stable. It just works

Your review will be welcome .. obviously, I don't need the same sophistication for my studio space. Please -- don't think I'm questioning your decision. Having knowledgable choices is what it's all about.

One thing I have discovered in my many years of building -- ofttimes the installers don't actually have much experience living with the equipment .. especially the more advanced stuff. They install it and are gone -- it's more of a call back review vs comparison.

 

[justinjoyal]

38 SEER sounds great. The price of $ 1,500 not so much. I did not hear these units before, I know more about AirCon, Midea, Senville, YMGI, Daikin, Goodman.

High efficiency has a price..

Midea, senville, goodman, entry level stuff. GREE is a huge company and my experience with hundreds of units installed is great.

 

[yeldogt]

High efficiency has a price..

Midea, senville, goodman, entry level stuff. GREE is a huge company and my experience with hundreds of units installed is great.

Gree is a huge company ... It's controlled by a women. Owned by the state .... it grew out of an amalgam of a couple companies -- one being Haley that I crossed paths with when they wanted to make cordless phones (remember them) .. I was in Singapore ... ATT had built a factory.