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Old 05-06-18, 03:22 PM   #1
CrankyDoug
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Default Mini-splits - cheap vs not cheap

I am considering a 12K mini-split heat pump for the great room. They range from $479 to $1195 online, both with free shipping. Any suggestions or comments on getting what you pay for?

Even $479 is more than what I pay for three window shakers. These typically last about four years and seem to be impervious to lightning. I am mainly interested in getting the mini for its heat pump function as I am currently wasting a lot of money on resistance heat in the winter.

I am not excited about punching holes and running wire and lines if I have to replace it in 2-3 years.

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Old 05-07-18, 08:57 AM   #2
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I have three Gree Terra series we use them every day and they have performed well. They are very quite and with AC use very little power.
Terra Series - Ductless Wall Mount Heating and Cooling | Gree Comfort
If you are in GA I am in SC so we probably have a similar climate.
Here is my install a few years ago.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/geothe...t-install.html
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Last edited by pinballlooking; 05-07-18 at 01:39 PM..
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Old 05-07-18, 11:56 AM   #3
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There is value in going with a recognized brand. The low price ebay units are completely different than those listed a year ago. My guess is that finding parts for them will be a problem next year when the listed brands change again.
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Old 05-09-18, 05:54 PM   #4
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Pinball - where did you but the Gree Terra from?

Great review that I was hoping to get a few weeks ago. Will get one - but from whom?

Thanks!!
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Old 05-09-18, 06:12 PM   #5
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Steve I thought you had already seen my review i also thought you were looking at larger systems.

I bought the first one’s from here.
https://www.acwholesalers.com/

The second ones I bought from here they were cheaper. They had good deals where they combined line set and unit.
https://www.comfortup.com/

If you want lower heating temps go with these units they heat down to -22 mine only heat down 5 degrees.
Crown | Gree Comfort

I really like mine but if I replaced them I would get the crown it has wifi remote control and heats much lower temp they are about the price I paid.

I have never bought form these guys but they have good prices.
http://www.energyconscious.com/hvac/...tml?brand=4575
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Old 06-13-18, 08:05 AM   #6
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From my research , one thing your money buys ( potentially ) on the more expensive units is a higher SEER rating . My advice is to buy the highest SEER rating you can afford .

We self installed 2 low cost units . Glad we did .

I would not count on finding parts on any of them . We had the circuit board go out on a Fedrich unit during a brown out . They replaced it under warranty & I installed it myself . No problems with the circuit board since .

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Old 06-13-18, 08:27 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WyrTwister View Post
From my research , one thing your money buys ( potentially ) on the more expensive units is a higher SEER rating . My advice is to buy the highest SEER rating you can afford .

We self installed 2 low cost units . Glad we did .

I would not count on finding parts on any of them . We had the circuit board go out on a Fedrich unit during a brown out . They replaced it under warranty & I installed it myself . No problems with the circuit board since .

Wyr
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That is great to hear they warrenty it.
Where did you buy it and who took care of the warrenty?
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Old 06-13-18, 08:44 AM   #8
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Bought it at Johnstone Supply . The company I work for has an account with them . So , I paid wholesale .

Went back to them to get the replacement board .

I did the repair .

I was expecting more than one circuit board , but everything was on the single board . I am running this ~ 12,000 BTU unit on 120 VAC . Apparently , the board converts the power to something similar to 3 phase .

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Old 06-13-18, 10:06 AM   #9
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Variable speed inverter drive compressor equals super SEER ratings and heavenly energy efficiency. Unless you turn on the super cool or hyper turbo heat, then efficiency drops to single speed compressor value.
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Old 06-13-18, 11:10 AM   #10
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The Fredrich we installed has inverter drive & 16 SEER , best I remember .

SEER in the 20's was available , last time I looked . Probably higher now .

The 1st one we installed was 13 SEER & the compressor cycles off & on , as was SOP for older units .

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