Pioneer vs Mr Cool

[Gigemags05]

I have used the search function and read reviews of both of these brands of mini splits, both seem to have decent reviews around here and on amazon.

They are priced within $100 of each other for similarly spec'ed models.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether one is better than the other? I am not necessarily sold on either brand, but cost is a major factor. It won't be used on a daily basis, so I can't justify paying the money for one of the top end brands.

 

[SALIV8]

Im not much help, but I emailed Mr. Cool two or three times with a basic question because I was going to purchase one of their mini splits. Never responded what so ever. I dont feel terrific about a company that ignores customers.

 

[alanbillips]

I just installed a mr cool diy.
Are you going to do it yourself ? I would guess yes since you are concerned about $100.
Most mini splits have the refrigerant in the unit. BUT not all have the lines already in a vacuum. The Mr cool is a diy, but you cannot cut the lines to length.
The others, you will need to but a vacuum on the lines before releasing the refrigerant.
Meaning that you need the equipment, or pay someone.
( note: technically, the lines should also be cleaned with nitrogen , but we wont go there )
So, does the pioneer have lines like this ? check their installation manual.

 

[Gigemags05]

No it isn't the Mr Cool DIY system, just the regular advantage. I have a friend who is an HVAC guy so he can come over and put the vacuum on the lines.

The reason I have honed in on Mr Cool vs Pioneer is because of reviews that I have read on this forum and others. The cost difference between those two isn't an issue, really. However, the bump in price to go to an LG, Mitsubishi, etc is too much.

 

[Warrenator]

I installed a 24k btu Pioneer at my old house, thought the install went well and the shipping pallet was well organized. I had to call them about an extra part (not their problem, but mine) and they were very knowledgeable and helpful. The unit cooled beautifully and was very quiet. I also bought another 3 zone system from Pioneer but haven't installed it yet at the new house, snow on the ground still.

 

[alanbillips]

I did a search for 24k Pioneer. don't know which one if they have different models.
Anyways, I linked to the install manual.
The Manual looked to be an exact copy of the Mr Cool.
??? maybe made by the same people ???

 

[Gigemags05]

That is interesting. It would explain the near identical specs and pricing.

If that were the case, I guess I'd go with the one who has a better reputation for customer service. From the responses on this thread it seems that Pioneer may be better in that department.

 

[Gigemags05]

One last bump for this...

I need to order my unit tomorrow and am still going back and forth.

 

[Gigemags05]

Just as an update: I ended up going with Pioneer. Amazon had a 3 yr replacement warranty for $68 and it was still a little less than the mr cool. Reviews are great for it, whereas I couldn't find reviews for the mr cool (non diy) set. Lastly, the pioneer will be here a week sooner.

I'll try to remember to update the thread with results and a review.

 

[softailtom]

Just as an update: I ended up going with Pioneer. Amazon had a 3 yr replacement warranty for $68 and it was still a little less than the mr cool. Reviews are great for it, whereas I couldn't find reviews for the mr cool (non diy) set. Lastly, the pioneer will be here a week sooner.

I'll try to remember to update the thread with results and a review.

Which Pioneer did you go with?

 

[Gigemags05]

Pioneer 18,000 btu inverter+.

 

[softailtom]

I see a lot of different seer ratings on the 18000 unit what seer did you go with?

 

[Gigemags05]

17.7 seer

 

[cre73]

A little late now, I installed a Mr.Cool DIY last spring. Customer service was pretty good with my stupid questions. Phone calls took some time for someone to return call but emails were answered promptly and very detailed. I plan to install a second one this spring.

 

[softailtom]

A little late now, I installed a Mr.Cool DIY last spring. Customer service was pretty good with my stupid questions. Phone calls took some time for someone to return call but emails were answered promptly and very detailed. I plan to install a second one this spring.

Which Mr Cool did you install? Hows it work and do you use the WiFi on it?

 

[cre73]

Which Mr Cool did you install? Hows it work and do you use the WiFi on it?

18K BTU DIY model was installed. So far I am happy with it. Beats the heck out of the old window unit we used. Haven't tried the Wifi cant say why just haven't. Heat hasn't been used much but does work. cooling worked great through the summer. As said I am happy enough that I will be installing another at the other end of the house this spring. the only drawback is the 26ft of lines. I wish they would offer a shorter line set.

 

[cagullett1]

I'll be following this. I'm located in Melissa, TX and will most likely be doing a Pioneer install. Still trying to decide if I want to get a 12k or 18k unit. I know they're variable speed, so oversizing shouldn't be an issue. Will be cooling 400sqft garage with insulation all the way around besides the east wall.

 

[slodat]

I have had two of the Pioneer 24k systems in my shop for about 18 months. Very happy with them. They don't heat below about 35F outside, but that's not a negative on them..

 

[cre73]

Thought I would revisit this thread. I am still happy with the Mr.Cool, we have used the heat a little this winter not much. I have decided to go with the pioneer for our second one this spring. HighSeer has very good prices on them and even purchasing the vacuum pump it will be less than the MrCool. The second reason for going to the pioneer is I can get a shorter line set with it. The next install I only need about 8 feet of line. So wrapping up that 26ft lineset would ****.

 

[justinjoyal]

I'll be following this. I'm located in Melissa, TX and will most likely be doing a Pioneer install. Still trying to decide if I want to get a 12k or 18k unit. I know they're variable speed, so oversizing shouldn't be an issue. Will be cooling 400sqft garage with insulation all the way around besides the east wall.

An inverter unit is not a free pass to oversizing.

The inverter doesn't react that fast, so oversizing issues can happen. I've seen it happen many times.

 

[cagullett1]

An inverter unit is not a free pass to oversizing.

The inverter doesn't react that fast, so oversizing issues can happen. I've seen it happen many times.

I agree. For a 400sqft attached garage that won't be continuously cooled with mediocre insulation, would an 18k unit become an oversizing issue?

 

[jcthorne]

I agree. For a 400sqft attached garage that won't be continuously cooled with mediocre insulation, would an 18k unit become an oversizing issue?

No, it will not. Dare say you could use the 24k unit for those hot days and quicker recovery after opening and closing the garage door. The inverter units turn down to about 20% of capacity before shutting down completely. Both fans and the compressor are all variable speed and computer controlled. When first turned on they ramp up to full speed in less than 60 seconds. If they slow down and stop on temp control, they restart at low speed so as not to over correct. They also keep the indoor fan running very slow for a long time when they compressor shuts off to keep temps even and measured correctly. The newer inverter units react very well to changing air temps. Not nearly as susceptible to minor oversizing.

 

[dnwong]

I have a 18x29x12high attached garage with r-19 walls and r-38 ceiling. Should I get with an 18K or 24K unit?

I also have 2 stories of unfinished space above the garage that I plan to finish in the future. Should I have a single unit for all 3 levels or separate units for the garage? The garage will only heated/cooled when occupied.

I see the Pioneer units come as seer 17 and seer 22. Is it worth the extra costs for the 22 seer?

 

[pantsmaker]

I know it's an old thread (sorry), but did you ever get the 3-zone installed?

I installed a 24k btu Pioneer at my old house, thought the install went well and the shipping pallet was well organized. I had to call them about an extra part (not their problem, but mine) and they were very knowledgeable and helpful. The unit cooled beautifully and was very quiet. I also bought another 3 zone system from Pioneer but haven't installed it yet at the new house, snow on the ground still.