Maybe 3-5 years ago I installed a 12K "Pioneer" brand mini-split from https://www.highseer.com/ in my "barn." I too used a pro connect the refrigerant lines and do the initial startup. My outdoor unit is also mounted on the outside wall with brackets to keep it off the ground. As I recall, the equipment cost $600-700 (delivered) and the "pro" charged about $100-200 for startup.
Lessons learned: - My main install problem was a tight available space with non-standard stud spacing. I really had to hunt (and punch small holes) to find a location where the big hole missed all the studs. --On the outside I had to install horizontal two-by boards for the brackets, again the studs were in the wrong places. The brackets must align (horizontally) with the feet on the outdoor unit. --The "pro" routed the refrigerant lines between the wall and outdoor unit. When fall came leaves piled up on the lines blocking air flow. In winter Ice formed around the lines blocking air flow. The defrost cycle cleared the coils but I needed a heat gun or salamander to clear the ice behind the unit. This year I had another "pro" come back and reroute the lines. -- The initial "pro" did not understand that all expansion devices are in the outdoor unit and insisted on installing a service port in the liquid line (totally unnecessary). This appears to be a common misperception. At some point the Schrader valve in that added port began leaking. -- The outdoor unit of my Pioneer system looks exactly like the Mitsubishi unit later installed at our church. The indoor units look different. If you are looking at an generic brand, it is worthwhile (IMO) to call the suppliers to find out who actually makes their equipment. -- Other than the leaking Schrader valve and ice/leaf accumulation (both now corrected) I have had no problems with my mini-split system (knock wood). -- The plastic tubing for the condensate drain became brittle after long exposure to sunlight (UV). Protect it with some sort of cover or conduit. The outdoor unit is officially called a condenser, which is accurate during cooling but it becomes an evaporator during heating. So I just call it the outdoor unit. The "pros" I hired for this and other HVAC work have not been impressive. They had the tools and got the job done but I would have done it with more care. I had to cut and re-flare my refrigerant lines (way too long) and I didn't have a decent flare tool. That is the main reason I hired that done. My HighSEER kit came with a tiny tube of stuff to prevent leaks at the refrigerant tube flare connections. I can't swear it works but mine have never leaked. Scott -----Original Message----- From: Mercedes On Behalf Of Buggered Benzmail via Mercedes Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2020 11:24 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> Cc: Buggered Benzmail <buggeredbenzm...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT - Mini Split AC Units I have put in 3 LG heat/cool systems, total 8 head units, ordered from AC Wholesalers in FL somewhere. Easy install, 20A or 30A 220V circuits. (Don’t forget a power shutoff at the condenser) Nothing difficult about the install if you can get the lines in or through the wall (2” hole) and power to the condenser. The only real work is drilling the line hole and running power and mounting the unit brackets. I hang the condenser on the outside wall because of storm surge flooding concerns. I have my AC guy come to pull down the lines and charge the system. I think for the warranty you need that. I put in a 24k BTU system with 2 12k heads last summer, I think with all the lines and such it was about $2200 or so plus a coupla hundred for my guy to spend a coupla hours fooling with it. A single unit will be much less. Look on their website and order one. Mitsubishi is supposedly “the best” but these LGs have been fine though I have fried 2 controller boards in the big system due to lightning hits nearby. You might consider a surge protector in your system somewhere. --FT Sent from iPhone > On Jun 27, 2020, at 9:06 AM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes <mercedes@okiebenz.com> > wrote: > > As my standby generator install is wrapping up and a new 4 ton Lennox AC > system is going into the house, I’m getting close to the point of installing > a mini split system to take the edge off the heat and humidity so I can work > in the garage without sweating buckets. > > I got a quote from my AC guys for a Lennox 12,000 BTU system, which I knew > would be expensive - $3200 expensive. Ouch. Not an option at that price. > > So I’m left with sourcing my own and having a local installer finish it out, > or DIY it. We’ve had these conversations here before about various brands, > which I would enjoy hearing the latest information anyone has in this regard, > but I’m also intrigued but the HUGE range of mini splits I see locally on FB > and Craigslist. The number of manufacturers is nothing short of astounding, > and they sound like a day’s search through AliBabba: > > Boreal > Daikin > Dazuki > Everwell > Pioneer > Premium > Confortotal > Gree > Delta > Mirage > Air-Con > > I have to believe there are just a few companies actually making these and > most of what’s in this market is just being brand labeled. > > I’m looking for a 9,000-12,000 BTU unit so it will run on a single (120V) > circuit. Install will be a piece of cake as it will be on the garage wall and > the condensor right outside. > > -D > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
