Senville Mini-Splits?

[Astro-Eric]

Anyone have any experience with the Senville units? I was looking at the "SENL-18CD Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump 18000 BTU 19 SEER" on amazon (can't post a link yet).

It indicates a precharged line but the instructions have evacuation instructions. I may be willing to purchase an AC service set in order to save a little money on the purchase. I was just wondering if there was anyone with feedback on these units...

 

[jjrbus]

No experience with Senville, a common issue with the off brands is the directions are horrible and even sometimes wrong, no technical backup and no parts. Buying online compounds the problem.

Most mini split failures are due to improper installation, takes more than a set of gauges to do a proper install.

 

[yeldogt]

Senville has been around ... It seems they have moved this name to a direct to consumer model --- but, they don't have a DIY offering.

They sell direct w/ warranty .... looks like they have two series w/ one working in lower temps.

Trying to understand what is what in the mini split world is difficult --- huge makers in China with lots of rebranding going on.

 

[bigdav160]

I emailed them once and got a prompt reply. I was a little shocked.

 

[biggziff]

Most of these brands are all coming out of the same factories with different stickers on them.

 

[Black Oak]

I just helped a friend install a 24,000 btu Senville 2 weeks ago . It came with a nice set of install instructions and manual . I thought it was a nice unit from a "fit & finish " aspect . I'd compare it to Pioneer , Blueridge , etc. How it will hold up , who can say ? Overall , I liked what I saw .

 

[Astro-Eric]

Thanks for the input.

Black Oak, How'd the install go? Were there any components that were pre-charged? Or did you have to do a complete vacuum purge?

The Mr Cool units are pretty popular, but about 2X the cost.

 

[biggziff]

Thanks for the input.

Black Oak, How'd the install go? Were there any components that were pre-charged? Or did you have to do a complete vacuum purge?

The Mr Cool units are pretty popular, but about 2X the cost.

The 24K Gen 3 MrCool DIY (precharged) is $80 more than this one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESNCX1Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Black Oak]

The " charge " is in the compressor . The line-sets were capped and filled with inert gas ( nitrogen ? ) . All pretty standard stuff . Yes , we pulled a vacuum . The only problem was the line set itself . My buddy already had the install started , and then found he couldn't get the tubing bender to the spot needed to put the radius in the correct orientation . He decided to cut it , add an elbow , re-attach it . Local pro , plumber and electrician , would do it for us . The problem was the 3/8" - 5/8" line set was a ******* size ( chinese ) , so the elbows had to be modified some . Could have all been avoided with a little planning .