Senville Initial Experience

[Raymond_B]

I thought I would pass on my initial thoughts and experience with a Senville 24K BTU 20.5 seer Aura mini split. The unit is oversize for what I have presently, but at some point I will be adding to my 21x22 garage.

I ordered the unit from Amazon and they shipped within a week. It actually surprised me when FedEx showed up. Install was dead simple, hardest part was lifting the outdoor unit up on the flat roof of my adjacent carport (the things we do for wives who don't want to see "machinery" in the back yard). After that wiring was straightforward and the unit is now up and running. Here in North Texas it's been hot and very humid. I've been keeping the garage 72-75 depending what I am doing and I've seen the humidity drop down to around 45%.

The unit comes with a basic remote that works fine anywhere in the garage. I also downloaded their app iPhone app which is clearly written by non-native English speakers, but once I got through the install it works well.

Time will tell on reliability, but so far so good **fingers crossed**

 

[yeldogt]

Most of those asian units are fine -- they are used all over the world.

Basic units .. care needs to be taken when installing and they are not as robust.

 

[Bolson32]

What's the lowest setting on the thermostat for the heat function? I live in Minnesota and am seriously considering one as the primary source of heat.

How long did the install take?

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[Raymond_B]

What's the lowest setting on the thermostat for the heat function? I live in Minnesota and am seriously considering one as the primary source of heat.

How long did the install take?

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Altogether mounting the interior unit, hoisting the compressor on the roof, running wiring out to the disconnect from the breaker, running drain line, and assorted food and beverage breaks we did it in about 2/3 of a day. Part of that was me having to go to Home Depot to pickup 10/3 wiring as I accidentally had bought 12/2

Honestly it's very straightforward. Is the attached picture what you are looking for?

 

[Bolson32]

No I'm curious how low you can set the remote. Or if there's a vacation mode or something that will just keep the garage at like 45 degrees.

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[Raymond_B]

Oh gotcha. I just tried the phone app, on heat it let me set it to 62

 

[nadogail]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Bert_]

Altogether mounting the interior unit, hoisting the compressor on the roof, running wiring out to the disconnect from the breaker, running drain line, and assorted food and beverage breaks we did it in about 2/3 of a day. Part of that was me having to go to Home Depot to pickup 10/3 wiring as I accidentally had bought 12/2

Honestly it's very straightforward. Is the attached picture what you are looking for?

I don't think I've ever seen a mini split that needs #10 wire.

 

[Raymond_B]

I don't think I've ever seen a mini split that needs #10 wire.

Unit requires a 30A breaker.

 

[TTTTTT]

I'm going on 5 years for my senville 18000 BTU unit. For a 1000 sq ' loft area. The same Aura one. I ordered from a supplier in Quebec. Did the install myself. Bought a vac unit and gauge set. I'm very happy with it , no issues, although its more for supplemental heat and occasional AC. And not full time use. And yes used 10 ga wire on a 30 amp breaker also.

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[Bolson32]

I'm going on 5 years for my senville 18000 BTU unit. For a 1000 sq ' loft area. The same Aura one. I ordered from a supplier in Quebec. Did the install myself. Bought a vac unit and gauge set. I'm very happy with it , no issues, although its more for supplemental heat and occasional AC. And not full time use. And yes used 10 ga wire on a 30 amp breaker also.

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What's yours rated down to and how well does it work below freezing?

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[TTTTTT]

I believe I have the similar 20 seer unit as yours. Can't recall the rating I'm about 3hrs NE of Toronto. It actually does a pretty good job below freezing. Even at -15C or so. It will cycle on and off as the coils freeze up and then are heated to thaw out. Generally it blows pretty warm air. Of course the colder it goes the less efficient. Overall happy with the performance.

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[k1rodeoboater]

Personally if you're below freezing you probably want to get the standard cooling only mini split and then get a heater installed in the garage. They don't work efficiently below freezing.

 

[Bert_]

Unit requires a 30A breaker.

Doesn't mean it needs#10. Their website lists minimum circuit ampacity of 20A. 12-2 would be perfect.

 

[Raymond_B]

Doesn't mean it needs#10. Their website lists minimum circuit ampacity of 20A. 12-2 would be perfect.

Gotcha, I feel if I am putting in a 30A breaker I needed to size the wire per the breaker size.

 

[Terry D]

Gotcha, I feel if I am putting in a 30A breaker I needed to size the wire per the breaker size.

It will not hurt a thing with that 30 amp breaker and # 10 wire if you already have it installed. If you don't have it installed, then go with the #12 and a 20 amp breaker, there is not really and big cost difference for that install. I will say #12 is easier to work with. Plus a neutral is not required.

 

[Movover]

I have one senville LETO 18K that's 5 years old and just bought an Aura dual 18k for a rental property. After installing Pioneer, Senville, and Innoavir I am happiest with the Senville for quietness and the install was cake as I already have the tools. The hardest part is running the lines and making it look nice

 

[Bert_]

Gotcha, I feel if I am putting in a 30A breaker I needed to size the wire per the breaker size.

You can if you want. Code and the manufacturer says you don't need to though