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What Brand Mini Split?

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Jackfre

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Dec 26, 2010
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4,406
Location
N CA
Brands in order of market share in the US: Mitsu, Fujitsu, Daikin, Sanyo, LG, Samsung. There are a lot of others but these are the primaries. For ongoing support, I would stick with a major brand.

Be aware that the tsunami has put a hurt on production on some of these companies, so if there is a particular model/manuf you want don't dawdle. Supplies are tight and tightening, as it stands now.
 

Rosco

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Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
1,140
Location
South Georgia
I researched for over 2 years. Kept wanting a budget mini-split. Ended up saving and postponing a few projects and bought a mitsubishi heat pump with inverter. Spent over twice what I originally intended and so far it has been a great investment. Cools like a freezer, heats like hell, and the energy savings and quiet operation are awesome. The back of my garage is 35' from the rear property line and the rear neighbor said he has never heard it running, but he can hear my house a/c kick on late at night. I have it in the apartment over my garage so future operating cost and quietness were a major consideration.
 
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Chris05gto

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Nov 17, 2009
Messages
463
Location
Shinnston WV
I researched for over 2 years. Kept wanting a budget mini-split. Ended up saving and postponing a few projects and bought a mitsubishi heat pump with inverter. Spent over twice what I originally intended and so far it has been a great investment. Cools like a freezer, heats like hell, and the energy savings and quiet operation are awesome. The back of my garage is 35' from the rear property line and the rear neighbor said he has never heard it running, but he can hear my house a/c kick on late at night. I have it in the apartment over my garage so future operating cost and quietness were a major consideration.

What does inverter mean?
Thanks, Chris
 

kyron

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Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
5
Location
Notcal Az
What does inverter mean?
Thanks, Chris

Means the compressor and fan are running off of DC ......

The advantage is that it can run at variable speeds.

The negative is that it costs more.


I've installed a few of the Fujitsu (with the inverter) units and watched them run pretty much non-stop for the last 2-3years ........ that's what I'd put in my garage :thumbup:
 
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Chris05gto

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Nov 17, 2009
Messages
463
Location
Shinnston WV
I think I am going to go with this one, MSZGE24NA / MUZGE24NA - Mitsubishi Mr. Slim 22,000 BTU 19 SEER Heat Pump Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
 

Vicegrip

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Mar 9, 2007
Messages
1,187
Location
NoVA.
I have two of them running. One on an addition on the house and one on the shop. Both have been working well without any issues.
 

padstack

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Joined
Feb 25, 2010
Messages
246
I installed this one and I love it. Main reason I went with it is it has a toshiba compressor and is intended to be installed by a homeowner (and warranty stays intact). Also doesn't require a vacuum pump to install, and has english speaking tech support that will help with any installation issues. This is the first one I ever did and it went up in about 2 hours (not counting the electrical run). The only difference is mine is the 110v version. Cools like crazy and heats well too. All in all it was under $1K delivered with the 25' lineset. I absolutely love it and would buy another one in a heartbeat. Plus, they're mfg in MI so at least SOMEONE in the US is getting paid.

Also, the guy on the phone even haggled a couple bucks with me. Probably does with everyone else too, but it made me feel special at the moment! ;)

http://ramsond.com/proddetail.php?prod=R37GW&cat=Ductless Mini Split AC Systems
 

sneezer41

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Joined
Oct 8, 2007
Messages
407
Location
People's Republic of Mass
Mfg in MI? MI, Canton China......

Nothing against the unit but you will know your investment in 5-7 years, if it is still running then, you probably did ok

I have the Mitsubishi mentioned, it is great
 

surfer8210

Active member
Joined
Nov 12, 2006
Messages
44
Location
Merrick NY
I have the Mistu Mr. Slim with two units running off of my compressor. My entire family and I love this thing.

The night it was installed there was a violent thunderstorm, I woke up the next day and the unit wasn't working whatsoever.

After numerous techs came by the scratch their heads and figure out what went wrong, it was determined the each computer board was somehow fried by the the lightning which struck just outside my house during the night.

I remember waking up after hearing the loud explosion and realizing how close it was. Well after about six different boards were procured from Mitsubishi (it took awhile too..!) I finally had the system that I had wanted and I would recommend it to anyone despite my ordeal.
 

Jackfre

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Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Messages
4,406
Location
N CA
I have the Mistu Mr. Slim with two units running off of my compressor. My entire family and I love this thing.

The night it was installed there was a violent thunderstorm, I woke up the next day and the unit wasn't working whatsoever.

After numerous techs came by the scratch their heads and figure out what went wrong, it was determined the each computer board was somehow fried by the the lightning which struck just outside my house during the night.

I remember waking up after hearing the loud explosion and realizing how close it was. Well after about six different boards were procured from Mitsubishi (it took awhile too..!) I finally had the system that I had wanted and I would recommend it to anyone despite my ordeal.


Post lightening strike, regardless of the manuf or type of equipment, I advise my customers to not repair, but to replace the unit with your homeowners insurance. With lightening that doesn't go directly to ground, you have so much power squirting around in there that I've never had confidence in the equipment afterward. Some equipment will do ok with repairs but you end up with a lot of time/effort/energy/$ spent and you just never know how the rest of the unit, windings, etc have been weakened. Congrats on getting it running and may it last a long time and give you the value you deserve.:thumbup:
 

surfer8210

Active member
Joined
Nov 12, 2006
Messages
44
Location
Merrick NY
Post lightening strike, regardless of the manuf or type of equipment, I advise my customers to not repair, but to replace the unit with your homeowners insurance. With lightening that doesn't go directly to ground, you have so much power squirting around in there that I've never had confidence in the equipment afterward. Some equipment will do ok with repairs but you end up with a lot of time/effort/energy/$ spent and you just never know how the rest of the unit, windings, etc have been weakened. Congrats on getting it running and may it last a long time and give you the value you deserve.:thumbup:

Excellent advice and I sure hope that I don't regret doing this. I can tell you one thing though, if lightning ever strikes twice this is what I'll end up doing.

Interesting to add that I once did work on a house that was struck by lightning twice. House caught on fire, engine stops and hits the hydrant which was right in front of the house only to find that it was defective.

I wonder if the strike somehow contributed to the hydrant being defective.


Anyway OP, sorry for the threadjack.
 

alecmcmahon

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Joined
May 20, 2010
Messages
233
Location
Woodbridge NJ
I installed this one and I love it. Main reason I went with it is it has a toshiba compressor and is intended to be installed by a homeowner (and warranty stays intact). Also doesn't require a vacuum pump to install, and has english speaking tech support that will help with any installation issues. This is the first one I ever did and it went up in about 2 hours (not counting the electrical run). The only difference is mine is the 110v version. Cools like crazy and heats well too. All in all it was under $1K delivered with the 25' lineset. I absolutely love it and would buy another one in a heartbeat. Plus, they're mfg in MI so at least SOMEONE in the US is getting paid.

Also, the guy on the phone even haggled a couple bucks with me. Probably does with everyone else too, but it made me feel special at the moment! ;)

http://ramsond.com/proddetail.php?prod=R37GW&cat=Ductless Mini Split AC Systems



I had my eye on this for when the time comes, but Im just not grasping how this can be installed without pumping down the system before letting the refrigerant into the lines.
 
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Rosco

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Jan 4, 2009
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Location
South Georgia
I had my eye on this for when the time comes, but Im just not grasping how this can be installed without pumping down the system before letting the refrigerant into the lines.

I watched a youtube video on this. They basically open up the pressure side and then vent the return side valve a few times (looked like letting the air out of a tire to lower the psi). Not a good alternative to the vaccum pump and guages, but I have seen this done in Iraq when my mini-split unit was replaced. Took the guys all of 15 minutes to change the compressor unit.
 

padstack

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Joined
Feb 25, 2010
Messages
246
I watched a youtube video on this. They basically open up the pressure side and then vent the return side valve a few times (looked like letting the air out of a tire to lower the psi). Not a good alternative to the vaccum pump and guages, but I have seen this done in Iraq when my mini-split unit was replaced. Took the guys all of 15 minutes to change the compressor unit.

Yep. I doubt it's 100% perfect. The selling point for me was that the warranty was still valid if I installed it. I could install it and then have an HVAC contractor come pull a vacuum and that would be all I had to pay them for. FWIW, I have yet to do this, but it works great.
 
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Chris05gto

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Nov 17, 2009
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463
Location
Shinnston WV
I decided to go with a Mitsubishi Mr. Slim, it is keeping my garage nice and cool, and is super quiet! Here are a couple pics!
 

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Chris05gto

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Nov 17, 2009
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463
Location
Shinnston WV
My garage is 26' x 28' it is the 24,000 (2 ton) Heat Pump, without going out to the garage I am not sure what the model # is.
 

redi

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2011
Messages
6
Location
dfw, tx
I have an 800sq ft garage that is reasonably insulated, but in TX. Any recommendataions as to size and features to look for that would do this job?

I am not terribly interested in heat as it rarely gets too cold for working (for me) unless it is essentially "free". I am intrigued by the 110v idea (presumably a 20a dedicated circuit?) idea and had thought a 220 run would be required.

I am also intrigued with the diy installation if the pre-charge vac requirement is not necessary with come units.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.
 

Rosco

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Jan 4, 2009
Messages
1,140
Location
South Georgia
I have an 800sq ft garage that is reasonably insulated, but in TX. Any recommendataions as to size and features to look for that would do this job?

I am not terribly interested in heat as it rarely gets too cold for working (for me) unless it is essentially "free". I am intrigued by the 110v idea (presumably a 20a dedicated circuit?) idea and had thought a 220 run would be required.

I am also intrigued with the diy installation if the pre-charge vac requirement is not necessary with come units.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

You will need a double pole breaker, but will probably get away with 12 guage wire depending on the unit.

How high is the cieling? Any windows? How many/type doors? Just with the info you provided, in Texas I would not go under 24,000 BTU. If you purchase an inverter system you will not have to worry about it being a little oversized.
 

paris_tj

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Joined
Nov 8, 2010
Messages
137
Location
Paris, Texas
I have a 30x40x10 shop with a 24k btu mini split, works great. Yours is about 2/3 the size of mine so a 18k or even 24k would do a very good job I think. Really depends on insulation. I got mine from the DFW area, best deal I could find and working good.

http://www.bestpriceminisplits.com
 

CCShopgirl

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Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
39
Location
New York
Thanks , I would love the Mistu Mr. Slim , but I can't run a 220 line so I need an AC that can run off 110 volt and wanted a mini split . I was really happy you posted and this is going to be it~! I wonder if I need to get someone here on Long Island to install for me? will be keeping cool soon, CC
 
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Chris05gto

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Joined
Nov 17, 2009
Messages
463
Location
Shinnston WV
Thanks , I would love the Mistu Mr. Slim , but I can't run a 220 line so I need an AC that can run off 110 volt and wanted a mini split . I was really happy you posted and this is going to be it~! I wonder if I need to get someone here on Long Island to install for me? will be keeping cool soon, CC

Why can't you run 220?
 

JMURiz

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Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
1,483
Location
NoVA
I have two of them running. One on an addition on the house and one on the shop. Both have been working well without any issues.

I took Vicegrip's advice and he helped me with a Mitsu Mr Slim unit. I love it. Currently have it running in dehumidifier mode, really makes it pleasant to work in the humid swap area we live in.
 

Duane

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Joined
Feb 19, 2010
Messages
50
Location
Ontario Canada
In my first full season of use, I am having very good results so far with
an Alen 12,000 btu mini split in my 20 by 30 ft garage. Keeping up very well with 90 plus degree weather here in Ontario Canada the last few weeks.
Bought mine last fall for $500.00 US dollars delivered and with a 15 ft line set. Did the install all myself. Both the inside unit and surprisingly, the outside unit as well, are extremely quiet to boot. Very impressed so far.
You have to walk right up to the outside unit to tell if it is running.
This unit uses the same Toshiba compressor as the major brands and is way less money.

:beer:
 

badgerboiler

Active member
Joined
Sep 8, 2007
Messages
40
Location
Minneapolis
I installed a Mitsubishi heat pump in my own house (and soon in my own garage/office) and then for my customers. There is no equal.
 

tatra

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Joined
Dec 2, 2007
Messages
4,785
Location
pirate contest city
how many indoor modules can one hook up to a single compressor?..........i would imagine the more inside heads you have the larger the unit............for example , if i wanted5 in my house and 2 in my shop, could that be done?...........
 

NoSloCoupes

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Joined
Jan 5, 2011
Messages
196
Location
IL
How well do these work in taller ceiling shops? Mine is 30x32 with 14' ceilings, insulated of course. No windows, only man door and a 10x12 garage door. I'm guessing i'll need fans for it to have an impact? Many 90+ degree days here.
 

Duane

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Joined
Feb 19, 2010
Messages
50
Location
Ontario Canada
The Alen is a 110 volt dedicated unit with cool only. No heat. That is part of the reason for the much lower price than some other makes is that it is cool only.
I needed a dedicated furnace to keep up with the sub zero temps we get here in Ontario
Canada in January and February. A heat pump would not cut it here, so cool only mini split was OK for me.

Duane
 
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