Sharkaire mini-split

[kckndrgn]

Hey all, yet another mini-split thread

I just stumbled upon this brand/unit:
Sharkaire MS

For this 24k unit, it's only about $100 more than the 18k MrCool DIY from Costco.

Here is a video showing the installation of the Sharkaire (not mine):

Looks to me like the only difference on the install is that the Sharkaire requires you to pull a vacuum on the line first.

Here's the run down on my shop. 24'x48', split into 2 areas. The shop portion is 20'x24' and the garage portion is 28'x24'. The shop area is insulated (r-30 ceiling and r-13 walls) and has an 8x8 door opening to the garage. The garage only has ceiling insulation.

After doing an online calculation for keeping my shop cool/warm I was going to order the 18k MrCool DIY unit (in a couple of months with my next bonus). Now this has me thinking of upping to the 24K. It would be overkill for the shop area, but there are times, usually once or twice a month, that I would want to cool or warm the garage area.

Would the 24k unit be too much overkill in the shop for the occasional cooling/heating of the entire garage?
Thoughts about this unit/manufacturer.

I already have a 240V line run to a disconnect box for the AC and the 12k unit (from both MrCool and Sharkaire) are 120.
Sharkaire has a 16' lineset or 26', MrCool is 25' only
Sharkaire requires a vacuum to be pulled, I have a pump, just need the gauge set.

Looking forward to your replies.
Thanks

 

[Fueler]

DIY will always be more expensive than one you have to do the charging work on.
Did you check MrCools NON DIY units for comparison?

 

[danb35]

The Pioneer 24k unit is $200 cheaper and higher SEER, though it doesn't have free shipping. I bought one last week but don't have it installed yet, so I can't speak to performance, but everything's looking good so far.

Edit: Another difference between the MrCool DIY units and most others (including the SharkAire and the Pioneer) is that most units use standard copper tubing and flare fittings, so you can cut the line set to whatever length you like as long as you can flare it properly once you've cut it. With the MrCool units, the line set is much more flexible, but you can't cut it to fit--you just need to come up with something to do with 25' or line.

A standard manifold gauge set will give you a rough indication of vacuum (and "30 inches vacuum" is the only thing the Pioneer manual mentions), but the HVAC pros will tell you need a micron gauge to get it right. I've ordered one to be on the safe side.

 

[therest]

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[redxiii75159]

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