Requesting Reviews on Mini Split HP
 

I am in need of adding and replacing a mini split. I got caught in the LG Art Cool which been discontinued, and I think I know why. I am looking for reviews from people here on manufactures. There are so many out there now, I wonder who really make the units. As a DIYer information and manuals are most important. Let me know the good experiences you have had with which units.
Love to hear your thoughts

Most of the run of the mill units are 99 percent the same on the inside. The majority of the individual units are built on the same assembly line in china by gree, midea,shinco, or one of their suppliers. The differences in performance are not striking, mostly limited to minor details such as fit and finish, case plastic aesthetics, and how they programmed the embedded controller. The Chinese has done a good job of pirating other designs, so no matter what brand the thing is, it doesn't take much diligence to find out what the mutt was descended from.

With mini split units in general, warranty support consists of the manufacturer sending the end user a new indoor or outdoor unit in most cases. If you have any questions or concerns about the system and do not need a new one, the only lifeline you have is usually the installer or phone support. The units are considered inferior to the full size systems and not worthy of proper or extensive support. Due to the embedded software, they don't all work the same, even though the hardwares are identical between units. The phone support guy isn't going to know if, how or what will happen in strange situations. The expensive brands are not much better than the cheap brands about this, but at least you know someone will answer the phone when you call...

I think the most reliable systems come from the bigger manufacturers like Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, and Daikin. These are also some of the most efficient units as well. Usually the cheaper units such as the GREE, Shinco, Madea, Aircon, YMGI, Comfortstar, etc aren't as reliable or efficient but come at a lower cost. Some of the lower cost units don't produce heat as well in areas that drop below the 17 degree F temperature range in colder climates. I think it is a big disservice for someone to get anything that doesn't have an inverter because nearly all of these units are 13 SEER, have a low HSPF and depending on sizing will likely need to cycle on and off often.

I personally go through the AHRI Directory ahridirectory.org site. They have a section for variable speed mini-splits that allows you to find which ones have the highest HSPF and SEER ratings. Some of the most efficient units made by the bigger manufacturers are roughly $1500 +/- $500. My opinion, it's worth the extra cost over a no-name China clone for the extra efficiency and reliability. ..not saying someone wouldn't be happy with a less efficient model but for the effort of installing one I think getting one of the best is worth it.

Where are you located that would help.
As stated above some units do much better in the very cold.

Pinballlooking yes Good Point, Phl,PA 19123

I am not sure what BTU system you are looking for but I have three of these.
GREE Terra 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split AC FREE 25' Line Set
GREE Terra Superior Efficient 9,000 BTU 27 SEER
But they only heat down to 5 deg. They have Mitsubishi compressors.
We are very happy with these you can change the room temp one degree at a time.
They put out 120 deg heat right at the unit.

Here is my review between LG and Gree
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/33739-post115.html

I used AHRI Directory ahridirectory.org to pick these out. Just like the advice above.


They have a new unit that will provide heat at -20 and is still 30.5 SEER
http://www.comfortup.com/gree-crown-...em-208-230-vac

It adds Wi Fi Control from your phone.

By no means an expert, I can share my conclusions from reading a fair amount recently:

1. For cold climates, CO2 refrigerant. This has meant Japanese brands for the most part, but I think some German also. I presume Chinese copycat brands will reach the market sooner or later.

2. Proper maintenance, design and installation that avoids ice build-up is KEY to avoiding early failure.

(2) is actually why I hesitate, because my local AC people do not know these units yet. So you either learn enough to do it right yourself or I suggest you avoid these units for now

Are CO2 unit legal in US?

I have a couple of dedicated 120V circuits already run. Any suggestions on 120V units?
I am in the puget sound area, so not too cold. I also have an electric furnace as primary now so backup is not an issue.

120V?

You have not yet mentioned how much heat you will need.

120V may not provide the required voltage with units that supply more heat.

-AC