Midea 12K window Unit vs a single 18K mini split

[garretts]

I was planning to do an 18K mini split on my new garage on the back wall above this window, but Costco has these for $280/each:

Midea 12K U-shaped AC

Seems to be a decent cheap solution vs even the cheapest mini splits - anyone run something similar? (437 sq ft, high ceilings, Tampa Florida)

 

[WisJim]

Being in Florida, I assume you don't need heating so that advantage of a mini-split isn't needed. You should probably insulate first before spending money on cooling the space.

 

[gamp945]

You have very little to lose by trying the Midea window unit first. If you try it out and it doesn't work well for your space, you can easily repurpose it to another building or room, or just sell it on local classifieds for a bit less than you paid. Then buy a ductless mini-split for $1K - $2K.

 

[bonneyman]

When Midea were first introduced stateside (say 2015 or so), I took a look at a condensing unit at the local warehouse. I thought they were fairly decent. Fairly thick metal cabinet, stainless steel assembly screws, blue coated coils. As I recall the blue coating was for corrosion protection during shipping/storage. I though that was a nice feature.
But within 3 years the coil leak problem reports started coming in. And they just kept happening. Don't know if they ever solved the issues, but with 410a pressures I stayed clear.
Don't know if things are any better with the brand new units, so I'd do some deep research before grabbing one.

 

[chinboys]

Costco has a very liberal return policy as their members gain at the cost of any manufacturer's loss to sell their product in Costco. Costco makes these vendors take back anything in any condition if you aren't happy.
But you really need to get a manual J heat load as well as an pyschrometric analysis done to get the right amount of cooling. Too much cooling, but means short cycling and clamy conditions. Too little and you never lower the temp as the unit struggles with the latent heat removal from the relative humidity.
Next year, 410 based equipment will be replaced by equipment using R 454 which performs better and has less greenhouse global warming potential.

 

[fitter30]

This unit you don't lose the window use.

Amazon.com

 

[garretts]

This unit you don't lose the window use.

Amazon.com

those look pretty cool!

 

[jlv03]

Bit more $, but here's a similar "saddle" style that is also an inverter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVGJ1Q4G?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rpcraft]

I've been contemplating getting one of those for my garage window as well. I wish there was a way to test fit without the hassle of buying and returning if it doesn't.