Mini split

[Bpracing1127]

Are all mini split the same? I see some going for $3k and some as little as $800. Obviously the cheaper ones are Chinese but then again so are the pricey ones.

What is needed to wire them in?

 

[Outdrive1]

Following

 

[CLdrinker]

I have a cheap one in my office I built. Runs off of 110v does heat and cool.
Heat is weak sauce but ac is good. Think inside $700 but it was the second smallest they made.

 

[Englewood]

I bought a cheap off of Ebay for $700 for a small commercial building...Still running 3 years later.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Ian….this is RDP we don’t talk about going cheap. Man up and over pay sucker!!!!!

 

[Riverbound]

there’s only a handful of manufacturers and hundreds of brands.

the bigger names will be easier to service and get parts for later on down the road. whereas the cheap stuff you find online treat as if it’s a throw away item when something goes wrong.

the install plays a MUCH bigger part in ot then the name silkscreened on the front.

 

[bk2drvr]

I just installed one in my garage at the river. It’s life changing. I bought the Ductless Aire brand. It had great reviews and their customer service is easily accessible (the reviews said, I never called them). I bought mine from Home Depot, 2ton, 24k BTUs, WIFI, for $1700. My power company is giving me a $500 cash rebate so $1200ish total. I did the complete install myself. I’m a DIY warrior though. Only thing I paid for was to have an AC friend come pressure test and evacuate the lines. My flares were solid, no leaks and it’s blowing nice and cold. It was 114 at my house last week and the garage was 72 degrees. Like I said it’s life changing if you want to spend time in your garage in the summer.

 

[Bpracing1127]

To add this is for my house in St. George Utah. I spend a lot of time in my garage so it’s kinda a must. I need to check my panel to see if I can support it tho

 

[SoCalDave]

Some less than 9btu you can get with a 120vac input but most everything above that is 220. I've installed several 9-12btu units with no issues to date. All were precharged with a couple being evacuate line set for leaks to prechared and run units.
Go cheap and hope it don't breakdown...LOL

 

[boatpi]

A number of people on the boards have Daikin mini splits. I’ve had one for five years, a 2 ton heat pump unit in my garage in Vegas. It has been perfect since day one. eBay like 1500.

 

[702sandman]

I’m a fan of the Mitsubishi brand for mini splits, they are more expensive but you do get what you pay for.

 

[SoCalDave]

Yeah most definitely go with an inverter heat pump unit, they're super efficient.

 

[SoCalDave]

I’m a fan of the Mitsubishi brand for mini splits, they are more expensive but you do get what you pay for.

Yeah those things are super quite. My buddy installed one at his place. Hell ya can't really hear the condenser it's even running.

 

[Todd Mohr]

I have a MR Cool unit in my garage, came pre charged and I installed myself, total game changer. Mine runs off 220 but I had an outlet and wired it myself. Instructions are pretty good.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

I have a Home Depot Hessaire 1800 btu 1.5t in my garage, it’s too small but it gets the job done, keeps the garage at 78° but it hates when we pull the boat out. But the dogs love it.

 

[PaPaG]

I have 2 mini split air pro 3-tons in each garage, it was 110 yesterday in the shade and I did some work on one of my projects in 74 degrees with a smile on my face. I can get it down to 70 on a 120 degree day, a little overkill for the garage but I would have not been happy spending that much $$ and not getting it as cold as I could or wanted while working on projects in the crazy heat out here.

 

[NicPaus]

ADU I finished a few months ago required 22 seer unit. This one is 23 seer. Used a regular line set. So if either unit inside or out takes a shit. Can easily change them out. I paid $3000 a thousand more than the 16 seer. Had to order it from the supply house. LA county required the 22 seer. Building in LA city and if I recall it's a 18 seer whole house heat pump setup. Was $2600 for both units from AC Pro.

 

[bowtiejunkie]

Are you guys doing any special insulation for garage, other than wall insulation and insulated doors? Any sealing around the garage doors?

 

[Mandelon]

I put one in my daughter's place. I think it was like $900 on Amazon. Della maybe? Had to buy the vaccum pump and a few trinkets but following the directions it was easy and works great.

Another option is PTAC but they aren't quiet like mini splits.

 

[Socalx09]

We have a senville mini split for our havasu garage. It has lasted many years and it gets ice cold. We paid around $800 for it. Whenever it dies, I’ll just get another cheap model like that one.

 

[Cole Trickle]

I bought the 24k home depot version (ductless air) and its been running daily for 2 years. Did the install myself and just paid a guy like $200 to handle the vacuum part of the install. I think it was like $1300 on sale.

game changer. Set it to 80 in the summer and 70 in the winter.

 

[Bpracing1127]

I bought the 24k home depot version (ductless air) and its been running daily for 2 years. Did the install myself and just paid a guy like $200 to handle the vacuum part of the install. I think it was like $1300 on sale.

game changer. Set it to 80 in the summer and 70 in the winter.

Yep that’s what I need. And plan to do

 

[bk2drvr]

Are you guys doing any special insulation for garage, other than wall insulation and insulated doors? Any sealing around the garage doors?

My garage walls are insulated, garage door is insulated and ceiling/rafters insulated. My house was built this way 18 years ago. It’s not a given that your garage is all insulated. I’ve met several people recently looking at a mini spilt for their garage and their garage is not insulated anywhere. I guess I got lucky. So ya insulation should be a consideration if installing a mini split. Seal up wherever you can. Outside the garage doors is typically weather stripping along the sides and above the door. If you have windows in your garage a window covering of some sort is a good idea - blinds, cellular shade, etc.. anything. And check the man door seal.

 

[Outdrive1]

After reading this thread I ordered one. I have a swamp cooler on the roof, which keeps the garage cool except in July and August. Garage and door are insulated, might as well get a mini split for those humid summer months. I went online to Home Depot and ended up ordering a Panasonic 24000. I’ll do all the install and have someone come out and get it running. I need someone to run some 220 in conduit over to the unit as well.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Yep that’s what I need. And plan to do

You won’t need a 24k

18k would be plenty for your garage. I think they work on 110.

 

[TrojanDan]

Isn't there an inmate in Havasu that will do the evac line, charge lines, leak test on some of theses non-do it yourself units? I didn't save his contact info. I plan on installing a Mitsubishi multi-zone unit since my master bedroom is close to my garage and the house T-stat is on the opposite side of the house. I already ran the 220v power to a disconnect.

 

[Bpracing1127]

You won’t need a 24k

18k would be plenty for your garage. I think they work on 110.

12k is the best you can get for 110v. Not sure tho

 

[SoCalDave]

12k is the best you can get for 110v. Not sure tho

Yeah 110vac only supports up to 12k units.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Like RB said, if you go off brand, good luck getting it serviced if or when something comes up. I would stick to any of the bigger names. LG, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Carrier/Toshiba, Samsung, etc.

If you want to buy one yourself, Supplyhouse.com has pretty good packages for decent pricing.https://www.supplyhouse.com/Single-Zone-Mini-Split-Air-Conditioners-1668000

 

[JayBreww]

Isn't there an inmate in Havasu that will do the evac line, charge lines, leak test on some of theses non-do it yourself units? I didn't save his contact info. I plan on installing a Mitsubishi multi-zone unit since my master bedroom is close to my garage and the house T-stat is on the opposite side of the house. I already ran the 220v power to a disconnect.

Probably Mission Accomplished.

 

[lenmann]

there’s only a handful of manufacturers and hundreds of brands.

the bigger names will be easier to service and get parts for later on down the road. whereas the cheap stuff you find online treat as if it’s a throw away item when something goes wrong.

the install plays a MUCH bigger part in ot then the name silkscreened on the front.

Can you share a little more on this? Based on (not so) intensive RDP and internet research the install doesn't look that hard.

I can see that getting an HVAC guy out to evacuate and charge may be challenging given that they are all busy AF.

I am looking to install a 30k unit in my 1500 sq ft garage and am seeing quotes in the $6-7,000 which seems pretty high, but I may be under estimating the details of the install.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Are you guys doing any special insulation for garage, other than wall insulation and insulated doors? Any sealing around the garage doors?

Wall & ceiling Insulation, multiple layers of r tech in all windows. 95% screens on the two
Windows. Insulated doors…. We keep it shut and it’s very efficient.

 

[Riverbound]

Can you share a little more on this? Based on (not so) intensive RDP and internet research the install doesn't look that hard.

I can see that getting an HVAC guy out to evacuate and charge may be challenging given that they are all busy AF.

I am looking to install a 30k unit in my 1500 sq ft garage and am seeing quotes in the $6-7,000 which seems pretty high, but I may be under estimating the details of the install.

yes…..the isntall plays a far bigger part of the longevity of the unit than the name silkscrrened on the cover.

keep in mind these things should run for 10-15 years trouble free. most DIY are proud to see 3-5 years.

if you know someone or if you are capable of performing the install and start up correctly you can save yourself a considerable amount of money. truth is most DIY systems are far from properly installed and most if not all contractors won’t touch them. the install is more than just mounting some things to the wall and connecting pipes. In ca permits and inspections are required as well which adds to the cost to have it done correctly.

the most common install issues are improper flares, not correctly torqued fittings, contaminants in refrigerant, incorrect drains, and don’t even get me started on refrigerant lines and electrical we see.

most people are proud of the fact they hooked it up and it kind of blows cold/hot air. when we see their work of art we politely step away and decline any type of service as we don’t want to inherit the longe temp problems and warranty issues.

 

[stonehenge]

Can you share a little more on this? Based on (not so) intensive RDP and internet research the install doesn't look that hard.

I can see that getting an HVAC guy out to evacuate and charge may be challenging given that they are all busy AF.

I am looking to install a 30k unit in my 1500 sq ft garage and am seeing quotes in the $6-7,000 which seems pretty high, but I may be under estimating the details of the install.

is the 6 to 7 grand, parts and labor? or just to install? thx

 

[lenmann]

is the 6 to 7 grand, parts and labor? or just to install? thx

Complete install including parts, labor and taxes.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Well I need a new sub panel to support the mini split and future spa.

$1500 for that.

Once we pull that trigger, I’m looking at a Mr cool 18000 btu for 1200$

Spa used are all over the place. Do you need a drain or water line for the spa or just electrical?

 

[SoCalDave]

Spa used are all over the place. Do you need a drain or water line for the spa or just electrical?

Just 220.

 

[Outdrive1]

My biggest dilemma is where to mount it. The garage is 25x40. The cars park on the side with the panel. Flat roof. So I’d have to run conduit to the other side where my tv is. I can’t see how that looks good. But would it cool from the other side??? I bought a 24k unit.

 

[hallett21]

Well I need a new sub panel to support the mini split and future spa.

$1500 for that.

Once we pull that trigger, I’m looking at a Mr cool 18000 btu for 1200$

Spa used are all over the place. Do you need a drain or water line for the spa or just electrical?

Photo of main?

 

[hallett21]

My biggest dilemma is where to mount it. The garage is 25x40. The cars park on the side with the panel. Flat roof. So I’d have to run conduit to the other side where my tv is. I can’t see how that looks good. But would it cool from the other side??? I bought a 24k unit.

With the cost of conduit and rain tight fittings I’d considered opening up the drywall.

Patching honestly might be the same cost as pipe and wire.

 

[SoCalDave]

With the cost of conduit and rain tight fittings I’d considered opening up the drywall.

Patching honestly might be the same cost as pipe and wire.

I'd go with conduit...patching always looks like patching to me...
JM.02

 

[hallett21]

I'd go with conduit...patching always looks like patching to me...
JM.02

It always depends on who put it back lol.

And you absolutely get what you pay for.

 

[Outdrive1]

It always depends on who put it back lol.

And you absolutely get what you pay for.

Fuck That brings another trade to install. Which is impossible in parker

 

[riverbrian]

Just got my 36k Mr Cool
I will be installing it myself $2,800

 

[SoCalDave]

It always depends on who put it back lol.

And you absolutely get what you pay for.

True dat...

 

[Paradox]

2 ton unit web enabled with remote hand held. 750 sq. ft. garage. Works amazing. I’m not much of a do it yourselfer so I had it done by Sunrise AC. Powered to the panel on the opposite side of the house through the attic. While not cheap at $4500, I thought it was a reasonable value.

 

[Javajoe]

How do you calculate size of fan coils needed?
I have a 19x16x59’ 2 year old RV Garage add-on

 

[Bigbore500r]

Like RB said, if you go off brand, good luck getting it serviced if or when something comes up. I would stick to any of the bigger names. LG, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Carrier/Toshiba, Samsung, etc.

If you want to buy one yourself, Supplyhouse.com has pretty good packages for decent pricing.https://www.supplyhouse.com/Single-Zone-Mini-Split-Air-Conditioners-1668000

Our mini split died at the river, it's a Daikin 24k / 2 ton unit. Probably 13+ years old.
Its just blinking and wont kick the outside unit on, tried all the self diagnostics, disconnecting power for 30 minutes, making sure filters are clean / etc but nothing has worked. Local AC guy said he can check capacitor and evac / recharge it to check freon, but theres no place for gauges to be hooked up so the only way to do the freon is to weight it in like a fridge.

Should I bother spending the $500 to have him mess with it and roll the dice, or should we just get a complete new unit?

 

[dezertrider]

After reading this thread I ordered one. I have a swamp cooler on the roof, which keeps the garage cool except in July and August. Garage and door are insulated, might as well get a mini split for those humid summer months. I went online to Home Depot and ended up ordering a Panasonic 24000. I’ll do all the install and have someone come out and get it running. I need someone to run some 220 in conduit over to the unit as well.

That should be big enough for your garage. If you have any issues let us know. I can have Ethan swing by and help if its simple

 

[hallett21]

Our mini split died at the river, it's a Daikin 24k / 2 ton unit. Probably 13+ years old.
Its just blinking and wont kick the outside unit on, tried all the self diagnostics, disconnecting power for 30 minutes, making sure filters are clean / etc but nothing has worked. Local AC guy said he can check capacitor and evac / recharge it to check freon, but theres no place for gauges to be hooked up so the only way to do the freon is to weight it in like a fridge.

Should I bother spending the $500 to have him mess with it and roll the dice, or should we just get a complete new unit?

If there’s no way to hook up gauges how could it be charged?