Neighbor selling their pioneer mini split

[PCustoms]

Just saw a neighbor post their Pioneer mini split up for sale, 1 year old.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't you have to vacuum/recover and then properly recharge the new install?

Price is OK, compared to what they paid last year, but I'm betting once you factor in an HVAC technician it's a waste of money.

 

[Firebrick43]

Nothing is needed other than gauges and shutting the valves in the correct order it uses the pump to pull everything back into the outside unit.

 

[PCustoms]

Nothing is needed other than gauges and shutting the valves in the correct order it uses the pump to pull everything back into the outside unit.

Are the lines open to the atmosphere after?

 

[PoorUB]

It depends on how well of a job was done when it was removed. Reclaim the refrigerant, close off the service valves, tape off the lines yo the indoor unit and it should be ok.
Cut the lines off and never seal anything up, no valves closed, no tape over the lines, I wouldn't touch it.
Installing isn't too tough but pressure testing it and getting R410 for a home owner can be difficult unless you have connections. Anyone can buy a vacuum pump and gauges.

 

[PCustoms]

It depends on how well of a job was done when it was removed. Reclaim the refrigerant, close off the service valves, tape off the lines yo the indoor unit and it should be ok.
Cut the lines off and never seal anything up, no valves closed, no tape over the lines, I wouldn't touch it.
Installing isn't too tough but pressure testing it and getting R410 for a home owner can be difficult unless you have connections. Anyone can buy a vacuum pump and gauges.

2 responses and 2 conflicting answers....

 

[PoorUB]

2 responses and 2 conflicting answers....

I am not certain they were conflicting, other than the pump down versus reclaim part. Some mini splits you can not pump down. No idea if the one he is asking about can or not. Different models in the same brand, same year can be different.

Simply said, if it wasn't removed properly I would not touch it.

I have seen guys take a saws all, cut the lines, blow the charge and toss the unit off to the side and never seal it up.

 

[pcmeiners]

"Just saw a neighbor post their Pioneer mini split up for sale, 1 year old."

Why are they selling it ? Noise level ? low efficiency? constant issues? etc. With the previous posted info above, I would not go near it.

 

[PCustoms]

"Just saw a neighbor post their Pioneer mini split up for sale, 1 year old."

Why are they selling it ? Noise level ? low efficiency? constant issues? etc. With the previous posted info above, I would not go near it.

She doesn't need it anymore (was for an outbuilding/office) and hasn't been removed yet.

 

[chinboys]

Just saw a neighbor post their Pioneer mini split up for sale, 1 year old.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't you have to vacuum/recover and then properly recharge the new install?

Price is OK, compared to what they paid last year, but I'm betting once you factor in an HVAC technician it's a waste of money.

I would find a HVAC resource to inspect the system, and get quotes for decommissioning as well as install to see if it makes sense to buy the unit.
Most of the problems with used systems is the biology experiment found on the indoor evaporator wall or ceiling heads. The filters are not cleaned resulting in organic matter being sucked in and stuck on the evaporator coil, or pooling up on the condensate pan.

 

[bonneyman]

I would find a HVAC resource to inspect the system, and get quotes for decommissioning as well as install to see if it makes sense to buy the unit.
Most of the problems with used systems is the biology experiment found on the indoor evaporator wall or ceiling heads. The filters are not cleaned resulting in organic matter being sucked in and stuck on the evaporator coil, or pooling up on the condensate pan.

Good point!
That's the problem with buying used stuff - what you're getting with the "deal". It's why certain things are OK to buy used (books, tools, trinkets, etc.) and other things never buy used (shoes and underwear). Just saying.
A device that circulates thousands of cubic feet of air daily that you and your family will be exposed to requires special cleaning - and then it's still a gamble.

 

[Firebrick43]

2 responses and 2 conflicting answers....

I agree with poorUB, not conflicting at all.

 

[PCustoms]

Well for $800 and an HVAC tech I would be saving anything over buying new.

 

[Firebrick43]

Well for $800 and an HVAC tech I would be saving anything over buying new.

You can buy a new pioneer mini split between 750 and 1300 dollars depending on what size. No way I would spend that much on a used unit.

 

[PCustoms]

You can buy a new pioneer mini split between 750 and 1300 dollars depending on what size. No way I would spend that much on a used unit.

Exactly

 

[PoorUB]

Personally, a used mini split has little value, maybe $200 if you are certain of the condition, and can install it yourself. If you have to pay an HVAC company to install it, I wouldn't bother. It might turn into an expensive lesson.

When I worked in HVAC, we normally refused to install used equipment. There was always something wrong with it, perhaps minor. Some times we installed a piece of equipment and it wouldn't run and the repair was costly. Then the customer was pointing fingers at us because "it worked when we took it out!" It got to the point it was better just to refuse to do it.

 

[Gila Monster]

They're such a cheap unit new anyways, it would have to be basically free for me to want to fool with it. Not worth my time to get a used unit all to save like $400.