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expired Posted by sapimati • Apr 18, 2023
expired Posted by sapimati • Apr 18, 2023

Costco Members: MrCool E Star DIY 12K BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump System

& More + Free Shipping

$1,200

$1,450

17% off
Costco Wholesale
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Deal Details
Costco Wholesale has for their Members: MrCool E Star DIY 4th Gen 12K BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System for $1,199.99. Shipping is free.

Costco Wholesale has for their Members: MrCool E Star DIY 4th Gen 18K BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System for $1,599.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member sapimati for finding this deal.

Note: A Costco Membership is required to purchase this item.

Features:
  • Up to 22 SEER
  • Gold Fin Condenser: Corrosion-Resistant Coastal Living
  • 4R-410A Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant
  • Standard 7-Year Compressor/5-Year Parts Warranty
  • Register for Limited Lifetime Compressor Warranty
  • Variable-Speed DC Inverter Compressor Technology Cuts Operating Costs

Editor's Notes

Written by SubZero5 | Staff
  • About this deal:
  • About this product:
    • Rating of 4.4 from over 110 Costco customer reviews.
  • Additional note:

Original Post

Written by sapimati
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Costco Wholesale has for their Members: MrCool E Star DIY 4th Gen 12K BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System for $1,199.99. Shipping is free.

Costco Wholesale has for their Members: MrCool E Star DIY 4th Gen 18K BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System for $1,599.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member sapimati for finding this deal.

Note: A Costco Membership is required to purchase this item.

Features:
  • Up to 22 SEER
  • Gold Fin Condenser: Corrosion-Resistant Coastal Living
  • 4R-410A Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant
  • Standard 7-Year Compressor/5-Year Parts Warranty
  • Register for Limited Lifetime Compressor Warranty
  • Variable-Speed DC Inverter Compressor Technology Cuts Operating Costs

Editor's Notes

Written by SubZero5 | Staff
  • About this deal:
  • About this product:
    • Rating of 4.4 from over 110 Costco customer reviews.
  • Additional note:

Original Post

Written by sapimati

Community Voting

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+57
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Top Comments

The HEEHRA is not related to the Residential Energy Credit. You could claim both for an installation next year. The HEEHRA is a point of sale rebate program and not a tax credit. It is for low and medium income households only (below 80% or below 150% of Area Median income). It is a very substantial rebate that covers up to 100% of the cost (upto $8000) for low income households and 50% of the costs for a medium income. It is not in place currently as the DOE takes its time figuring out the procedures but expected to be in place by mid 2024.
This is the HEEHRA rebate program. Was passed as part of IRA but the DOE taking its own time in setting guidelines. Expected to be available in mid 2024 and will be a point of sale rebate so you won't have to wait till tax time. https://www.rewiringamerica.org/p...rebate-act
These are the MrCool DIY units, so they are installable without a HVAC contractor to vacuum the lines, etc. The lines come pre-charged with coolant

190 Comments

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Apr 20, 2023
932 Posts
Joined Sep 2015
Apr 20, 2023
RyanJ7344
Apr 20, 2023
932 Posts
Quote from surefire2007 :
I just came from India and surprised that the US importers are selling these split systems at 2 to 3 hundreds percent of the their actual import cost.In India I priced for the 1.8Ton Mitsubishi split system for $800 installed. For reference check on the Amazon India and check the most recent prices!!!!Mad
It's crazy that you can go in to a Walmart or supermarket outside of the US and buy one of these for under 1K installed, and yet in the US you see 30k quotes for 3-4 unit systems.
Original Poster
Apr 20, 2023
82 Posts
Joined Oct 2008
Apr 20, 2023
sapimati
Original Poster
Apr 20, 2023
82 Posts
Quote from RyanJ7344 :
It's crazy that you can go in to a Walmart or supermarket outside of the US and buy one of these for under 1K installed, and yet in the US you see 30k quotes for 3-4 unit systems.
You have to make sure that you are comparing Apples to Apples, in third world countries, those are usually just Air Conditioners, with no heating function, also check the efficiency, the ones in the US are usually more efficient.
Given all that, I would not doubt that it's more expensive in the US given the same function and efficiency, but not 2-3 times.
Apr 20, 2023
10 Posts
Joined Dec 2007
Apr 20, 2023
karlanke
Apr 20, 2023
10 Posts
Quote from sdslicker :
Can the inside unit be mounted vertically? I have a narrow section of wall between a window and a corner where I'd like to put this standing up.
No, air conditioning generates condensate that must be drained, and the bottom of the unit is a drain pan
1
Apr 20, 2023
574 Posts
Joined May 2015
Apr 20, 2023
TL88
Apr 20, 2023
574 Posts
Quote from sapimati :
You have to make sure that you are comparing Apples to Apples, in third world countries, those are usually just Air Conditioners, with no heating function, also check the efficiency, the ones in the US are usually more efficient.
Given all that, I would not doubt that it's more expensive in the US given the same function and efficiency, but not 2-3 times.
The person was talking about full install quotes, not just the units. The full install quotes are batcrap insane in the US. In early 2020 the cheapest quote of four was $4500 for a single head 12k unit. I can only imagine what they are now, and I don't live in a crazy VHCOL place. It's why I went with one of these.
Original Poster
Apr 20, 2023
82 Posts
Joined Oct 2008
Apr 20, 2023
sapimati
Original Poster
Apr 20, 2023
82 Posts
Quote from TL88 :
The person was talking about full install quotes, not just the units. The full install quotes are batcrap insane in the US. In early 2020 the cheapest quote of four was $4500 for a single head 12k unit. I can only imagine what they are now, and I don't live in a crazy VHCOL place. It's why I went with one of these.
you are right about full installed cost, it's crazy here, because labor is more expensive, permit requirements, and license required to install, just too much red tape.
Apr 20, 2023
95 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Apr 20, 2023
surefire2007
Apr 20, 2023
95 Posts
Quote from RyanJ7344 :
Great deal . You can replace one of these about 3x for what HVAC pro install will charge you these days.
I just came from India and surprised that the US importers are selling these split systems at 2 to 3 hundreds percent of the their actual import cost.In India I priced for the 1.8Ton Mitsubishi split system for $800 installed. For reference check on the Amazon India and check the most recent prices!!!!Mad
Apr 20, 2023
705 Posts
Joined Feb 2010
Apr 20, 2023
sdslicker
Apr 20, 2023
705 Posts
Quote from karlanke :
No, air conditioning generates condensate that must be drained, and the bottom of the unit is a drain pan
Thanls. I wish they would start making these with.L shaped drain pans with the drain in the corner so they can be mounted either way.

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Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Apr 21, 2023
RyanL
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Quote from IamWU :
Dang, wish the 24k unit was on sale too-- That and the multizone haven't gone on sale w/ the 4th gen via costco (I don't think)...
Still looks like you can get the 24k unit 3rd gen via amazon @ 1500$.... 17 seer vs 20; tempting but would love to purchase through costco.

24k price is also hard to justify the price tag considering I 'could' just buy 2x 12's

Contemplating if the 18k would be big enough for a open living room... my entire downstairs is 1k sqft + though but I'm also in PNW... Might be ok.

-----------------------

Some other thoughts to share, but do your own homework...
Electrical conductors and breaker sizing for AC motors: TLDR use the nameplate. Obv NEC is 'minimum' required and you should consider voltage drop over longer distances.

Briefly looking at the '4th gen installation manual [mrcool.com]', pg 35, they sized the conductors based on the MOP vs MCA, which i think is a mistake.
Take a look at the '3rd gen installation manual [mrcool.com]' pg 34, they sized the conductors based on the MCA, more 'correct' to NEC.

In the 4th gen manual, the MCA of the 18k unit is 18A whereas the 12K unit is 19A; and yet they recommend a larger 10 awg for the 18K unit. Yes 120v vs 240v but voltage is irrelevant here beyond the additional conductor.
Some more reinforcement, cross reference 3rd gen recommendations for the 24K unit, MCA 18A, 14 awg! 36K unit, MCA 25A, 12 awg! ....

Also imo, spend the additional money to purchase a more premium accessories for installation.
Purchase a sturdy mounting bracket if wallmounting exterior unit. Purchase a thicker, larger lineset cover so you don't have to fight bend radiuses (i used a 4" for the 12k).
I purchased the above via amazon from mfg 'DuctlessAire'.
LOL, voltage is very relevant. If all things are equal (sizing of the unit and power usage in the is example), doubling the voltage would cut the current draw in half. Simple Ohms Law.
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Apr 21, 2023
RyanL
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Quote from surefire2007 :
I just came from India and surprised that the US importers are selling these split systems at 2 to 3 hundreds percent of the their actual import cost.In India I priced for the 1.8Ton Mitsubishi split system for $800 installed. For reference check on the Amazon India and check the most recent prices!!!!Mad
Are these the exact same units with the same effecincy rating?
Apr 21, 2023
247 Posts
Joined Jan 2017
Apr 21, 2023
IamWU
Apr 21, 2023
247 Posts
Quote from RyanL :
LOL, voltage is very relevant. If all things are equal (sizing of the unit and power usage in the is example), doubling the voltage would cut the current draw in half. Simple Ohms Law.
But does not change the mca stated. To your point it is why the larger unit in the comparison draws slightly less amps. So then why, do they recommend a larger gauge wire in table-- ohms law...? Lol
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Apr 21, 2023
RyanL
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Quote from Dr. J :
Any way you cut it, AC is going to have a unit outside. The only way you get out of having more visible inside units is if you already have forced air for heat. If you have baseboard, then you're stuck with inside units. I mean, I'd like to have AC and not have any physical evidence it's there, but you know physics and all. When you consider the alternative, which would be some sort of space heater and perhaps a window or standalone AC, minisplits are FAR more aesthetically appealing IMHO.
With most geothermal units it's all inside (condenser is in the air handler typically).
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Apr 21, 2023
RyanL
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Quote from Docnoq :
Your situation is almost the exact same as mine for my house. 1st year in my home last year and temps were hitting 80+ upstairs during the day in the summer while downstairs was staying around 72-73. Got quotes from a few local companies looking at $20-$25k for a multi zone system upstairs. I took a few different routes first to try and tackle the problem.

First, got my attic insulation updated and properly sealed off.

Second, I've got a home energy audit scheduled to check for any issues with ductwork, air leakages around problem areas, etc. Hoping that can help pinpoint any problem areas with the house itself. This is not exactly cheap at $850 since I'm going with a real inspector company but hoping it's worth it to learn more about my house. I already did a free one through my power company but it was crap. Guy just walked around the house looking at stuff but didn't actually test/measure anything.

Third, added some new smart sensors upstairs in the problem rooms to talk to the thermostat so it knows to keep the AC running even if downstairs is hitting the set temps.

Really hoping to avoid the $25k cost of the multi zone system but we'll see how it all shakes out this summer.
There's ways to tackle your issues and they're probably not too complicated. When I was using central air (single system) I would typically close off vents downstairs in the summer (at least most of them, most of the way) and close off vents upstairs in the winter. They make magnetic covers (kind of like giant fridge magnets) to totally block off vents. Another option would be to get a damper or two to put into the duct work to direct the airflow (have summer and winter settings). Another option would be to buy one of more in line booster blowers to go into the duct work to increase airflow to trouble areas. Also, how hot is your attic getting? Maybe an attic fan with a thermostat set to 120 would help with your problem too. IDK, without actually seeing your place it's hard to tell what's going on but it sounds like your system wasn't installed by anyone who has a lick of common sense.
Apr 21, 2023
2 Posts
Joined Nov 2019
Apr 21, 2023
MellowStar827
Apr 21, 2023
2 Posts
Hvac guy here , these units work really well, the " fly in the ointment " here is the flare seals on the lines . EVERY one I have ever used had poorly made flares on the lines , I usually cut them off and reflare with a good Hvac flare tool and have rarely ever had a problem after doing that
1
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Apr 21, 2023
RyanL
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Quote from IamWU :
But does not change the mca stated. To your point it is why the larger unit in the comparison draws slightly less amps. So then why, do they recommend a larger gauge wire in table-- ohms law...? Lol
I don't know what point is trying to be made about two different sized units operating at two possible different voltages. That's not even comparing apples to oranges. It's like comparing apples to potatoes since you're cross referencing different models across different generations along with having different voltages I assume. You don't know unless you're looking right at the actual unit in front of you that you're going to be installing, not some poorly translated owners manual. You always go by what's printed on the nameplate of the outdoor unit for obvious reasons. Hell, you could probably buy two of these and they might come with different specifications because they're different revisions (different compressors inside or whatever).
Last edited by RyanL April 20, 2023 at 07:37 PM.

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Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Apr 21, 2023
RyanL
Apr 21, 2023
6,272 Posts
Quote from TL88 :
The person was talking about full install quotes, not just the units. The full install quotes are batcrap insane in the US. In early 2020 the cheapest quote of four was $4500 for a single head 12k unit. I can only imagine what they are now, and I don't live in a crazy VHCOL place. It's why I went with one of these.
No they weren't, they even had a link to show you how cheap they are overseas at Amazon.

Edit, sorry, they didn't have a link but they did say to check out Amazon in India though.
2nd Edit: I went back and re-read a few pages and think the guy quoted the wrong person by accident who h is where the confusion started (the SD app always seems to do that crap).
Last edited by RyanL April 20, 2023 at 07:34 PM.

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