expired Posted by momoneylessprob • Aug 17, 2024
Aug 17, 2024 3:58 PM
Item 1 of 2
Item 1 of 2
expired Posted by momoneylessprob • Aug 17, 2024
Aug 17, 2024 3:58 PM
Costco Members: MrCool E Star DIY 12K BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump System
+ Free Shipping$1,200
$1,400
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Because I evacuated all 410a with a recovery machine, I wanted to add the right amount of refrigerant to each unit (the weight is written on the compressor). You also need to account for the lineset (length and diameter). Actually, this is normally the right way to do this (but see below).
1- I did not add all the refrigerant (about 25% less in weight) because my PSI was getting too high. The sweet spot for those mini split is about 117-120 PSI. I was getting to 125 PSI, so I stopped adding refrigerant. I had very good differential, so I did not feel that I needed to add more refrigerant. Those variable speed units are much more difficult to add refrigerant than conventional AC units. So, just be aware of that. Also, one of my unit had a bad valve at the compressor side (this got a bit trickier for that one).
2- What is remarkable is that, after the work, my electricity bill went down by about $100-$120 a month (compared to the average three years of when I used the AC). So, I suspect that the two DIY units installed had already a leak in refrigerant and that, as such, they had to work harder to cool my place. I live in south Fl. and only use the units 5 months a year. So, over three years, that is about $1500 that I have spent extra. If you have a gauge, do yourself a favor and check the PSI on the low side port to make sure you have adequate amount of refrigerant.
Other than that, the units work as advertised but I feel bad that I lost about two full loads of refrigerants in the atmosphere. Also, get your section 608 certification. As I see that the price of those AC units go down, I see a lot a misinformation (some don't even vaccum the lines for non DIY units!). It is not being they are cheap and easily replacable that you should not care of the planet. The whole investment for a non professional HVAC equipment is about $1000. Just saying, but you will save a bunch. If I had gone with mitsubishi mini splits or Daikin, the bill would have been about 7000 to 10000 for each unit. They are better units though (thicker copper gauge and all). HVAC guys charge about $80-$85 an hour and those units must be installed by a HVAC guy to be warranted.
The DIY MrCool also are eligible for the warranty when installed by the homeowner and the rebate (I did not get one because it was a new construction and it was complicated, owner builder).
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I'm super happy with the result, keeps the room very comfortable. Overall it was pretty straight forward but I will say that being super gentle with the metal lines and routing them was tricky. I didn't buy the cover for them and it doesn't look awesome but it doesn't look bad.
It's an afternoon job with a friend for sure, but the result is excellent. Having done it now, I sort of wish I would have gotten a two zone and put the other zone in my garage :/
Because I evacuated all 410a with a recovery machine, I wanted to add the right amount of refrigerant to each unit (the weight is written on the compressor). You also need to account for the lineset (length and diameter). Actually, this is normally the right way to do this (but see below).
1- I did not add all the refrigerant (about 25% less in weight) because my PSI was getting too high. The sweet spot for those mini split is about 117-120 PSI. I was getting to 125 PSI, so I stopped adding refrigerant. I had very good differential, so I did not feel that I needed to add more refrigerant. Those variable speed units are much more difficult to add refrigerant than conventional AC units. So, just be aware of that. Also, one of my unit had a bad valve at the compressor side (this got a bit trickier for that one).
2- What is remarkable is that, after the work, my electricity bill went down by about $100-$120 a month (compared to the average three years of when I used the AC). So, I suspect that the two DIY units installed had already a leak in refrigerant and that, as such, they had to work harder to cool my place. I live in south Fl. and only use the units 5 months a year. So, over three years, that is about $1500 that I have spent extra. If you have a gauge, do yourself a favor and check the PSI on the low side port to make sure you have adequate amount of refrigerant.
Other than that, the units work as advertised but I feel bad that I lost about two full loads of refrigerants in the atmosphere. Also, get your section 608 certification. As I see that the price of those AC units go down, I see a lot a misinformation (some don't even vaccum the lines for non DIY units!). It is not being they are cheap and easily replacable that you should not care of the planet. The whole investment for a non professional HVAC equipment is about $1000. Just saying, but you will save a bunch. If I had gone with mitsubishi mini splits or Daikin, the bill would have been about 7000 to 10000 for each unit. They are better units though (thicker copper gauge and all). HVAC guys charge about $80-$85 an hour and those units must be installed by a HVAC guy to be warranted.
The DIY MrCool also are eligible for the warranty when installed by the homeowner and the rebate (I did not get one because it was a new construction and it was complicated, owner builder).
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I'm no HVAC pro, but if possible, I'd still want the line vacuumed out as according to some, it helps with longevity.
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