Archived Thread

NFT: Any A/C Mini-Split Pros?

GruningsOnTheHill : 8/8/2022 6:00 pm

Hello--

I'm here on an island off the Gulf Coast of Florida (high humidity). Nine years ago I bought a mini split to cool the @250sq ft room behind the garage downstairs with 3 external cinderblock walls, and for the past 4 years, I have had to recharge it every April due to a slow leak. I've been told that these things are not worth repairing, and it's better to pay $100 every April to charge it until it gives out altogether. I think I'm at that point, as I charged it 2 months ago, but I found the room to be a balmy 82 degrees when I just got home from work and the fan in the condenser isn't spinning.

The unit is a Mitsubishi Mr Slim. Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable brand that will last me 12 years with little/no maintenance? Do I go with another Mr Slim? Does Gree make a decent product, as was just recommended by a neighbor?

I believe I paid $500 for the system to be installed in 2013. I know prices are up, but is it an easier job now that the existing condenser is wired and the bracket is already mounted outside?

I do have a dehumidifier in the room, and I do not need a unit with heating capability. Thanks for your suggestions/advice.

Not a pro - But I replaced one

Kev in Cali : 8/8/2022 7:23 pm : link

in my gun room w/Fujitsu 33 seer heat/cool. It's been great so far, and super efficient(runs year round). I installed myself and was fairly easy as I already had the wiring from the old one.

There are a couple simple things you can try before replacing:

- Replace the capacitor as these go bad in warm climates often. It's a $20 part you can likely replace yourself and may fix your condensor fan not spinning/unit not kicking on.

- Try some leak detector on your fittings/line set (the bubble stuff), to locate the leak. Then re-flare the lines or have someone flare them and fix the leak.

If you replace yourself you will need a harbor freight vacuum pump, and a decent hvac flare tool for the new lineset. New units come pre-charged, so once you vacuum the lines, you simply open a valve to charge the system. I installed mine from start to finish in about 4 hours (1 hr vacuum included).

Hope this helps.

Forgot to add.....

Kev in Cali : 8/8/2022 7:28 pm : link

My Fujitsu has been running problem free for about 7 years now.
Fujitsu Link - ( New Window )

Thanks Kev

GruningsOnTheHill : 8/8/2022 7:47 pm : link

This capacitor you speak of; where would it be located?

RE: Thanks Kev

Kev in Cali : 8/8/2022 7:53 pm : link

In comment 15775234 GruningsOnTheHill said:

Quote:

This capacitor you speak of; where would it be located?

Not sure...I've never opened my mini split.....but on my main condenser units its near where your wires go in, or that area. Just pull off a panel or two and take a look.

Caps look like these for mini-splits - ( New Window )

Had a Mistubishi SLIM split unit

jcp56 : 8/8/2022 11:12 pm : link

leaked after 12 years. Hawaii salt air is tough on metal. Freon price increased quite a bit over the last few years. Would have replaced with Mitsubishi, but they were on backorder. Replaced with Daikin units. So far, so good. They were about 10% less than Mitsubishi.

we have six Mitsubishi split heat pumps

ColHowPepper : 8/10/2022 4:20 pm : link

five are heat/cool dual modes. We had to replace all 3 that were installed in ~ 2008 because a motherboard for the external inverter was unavailable, anywhere and Mitsubishi no longer supported models that old. So, it's a risk, I think with any unit like that. Hoping our 2012 units last a bit longer.