DIY Ductless Mini Split systems at Lowes, come Pre-charged with freon.

[arutkow]

I saw this Lowes ad pop up in my Facebook feed (don't you love how cookies work on your computer).

Apparently you can get Ductless Mini Split AC units at Lowes that you can install yourself. Plus they come pre-charged with R410-A refrigerant.

https://www.lowes.com/pl/Ductless-mini-splits-Room-air-conditioners-Air-conditioners-fans-Heating-cooling/3538099968

They even have the ability to be controlled by an app on your phone.  The look pretty sweet.

[DoubleEagle]

Yep, they might cool for a while, if you are lucky, but don't count on great warranty service or parts availability. Both brands (Mr. Cool and Celiera) are Chinese brands. They use some Japanese brand components, but the situation is sort of like cheap Chinese generators: They are okay as long as they run, but when they die, you might as well bury them. I'm surprised that Harbor Freight does not carry them. It would be best to stick with name brands that have good reviews and good warranties, and parts availability for DIY'ers.

[Oonrahnjay]

  Yep, they might cool for a while, if you are lucky, but don't count on great warranty service or parts availability. Both brands (Mr. Cool and Celiera) are Chinese brands. They use some Japanese brand components, but the situation is sort of like cheap Chinese generators: They are okay as long as they run, but when they die, you might as well bury them. I'm surprised that Harbor Freight does not carry them. It would be best to stick with name brands that have good reviews and good warranties, and parts availability for DIY'ers. 

      They vary a bit but most "MrCool" units that I looked at had SEER ratings in the 9.0 - 9.6 range.  The only thing that is less efficient if hiring a coolie with a fan to waft air over you.

[birdarchitect26]

I picked up this guy:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DVW6G06/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works good, I haven't put it to work for more than a day or two at a time so please don't hold my advice, but its cheaper, better rated, and fairly name brand. You'll have to find a buddy with a vacuum pump to properly get it set up, but other than that its an easy DIY.

J

[Lin]

I did a lot of research on one ton mini splits when I was considering putting one in a porch that we enclosed.  I never did buy it though since the house AC works okay with the help of a small fan.  I did consider the Mr Cool but ,as mentioned, you would need a clear record of wonderful customer care to make buying a Chinese unit safe.  Several Japanese brands have great reputations that could make them worth the extra cost.  But one thing to be aware of is that most do not honor their warranties unless the unit is professionally installed. By that I mean that you can hang the equipment yourself, but a licensed HVAC guy does evac and hookup.

I am not sure if Pioneer does that, but one would want to check.

[DoubleEagle]

Pioneer & Senville require an installer to sign off for the warranty to be valid, and probably many others. The lines need to be vacuumed and tested prior to releasing the freon. You can do it if you have the knowledge & tools, but there will be no warranty.

[ol713]

   HI;
     Just looked at the specs for this unit.  Looks good until I noticed
     it needs 230vac.  Won"t work for me. I only have 115vac.
                                         Merle.

[ArtGill]

I used Dankin? unit because parts are available.  I also used a transformer to run a 220vac unit on 110vac power.  Inverter technology in the mini split is a great help.  Slow ramp up in current draw prevents power surges.  Also consider a mini split with dual heads.  I'll be glad to share my experience, just PM me.
Art

[chessie4905]

If Harbor freight sold them, they would be a great buy, especially with extended warranty. How many window air conditioners come from China now?

[TomC]

Even my Dometic Penguin has overseas parts. It is "assembled in US". But still has Chinese fan motor, Mexico compressor, etc. Good Luck, TomC

[bigred]

The Dometics Camping World installed on my coach plainly said on the box's that they were made in China!!

[TomC]

Looks like they're not even trying to hide it anymore

[DoubleEagle]

The three Penguin's I bought in 1996 did not mention any foreign countries (and they still work fine). It has been a gradual progression from part foreign to totally foreign. Of course, back in the fifties, Japanese stuff was regarded as cheap and flimsy, look at them now. I wonder if China will make the progression to higher quality, or are they keeping the good stuff for themselves and giving us stuff that snaps, pops, and crackles? 

[chessie4905]

Well, Harbor Freight stuff keeps getting better, except the stuff Cliff buys there.lol

[Jeremy]

The three Penguin's I bought in 1996 did not mention any foreign countries (and they still work fine). It has been a gradual progression from part foreign to totally foreign. Of course, back in the fifties, Japanese stuff was regarded as cheap and flimsy, look at them now. I wonder if China will make the progression to higher quality, or are they keeping the good stuff for themselves and giving us stuff that snaps, pops, and crackles? 

China already makes most of the very best stuff on the market. Where do you think your very expensive state-of-the-art all-American iPhone is made?

They make some crap as well to be sure - it's the consumer's job to make intelligent choices rather than just having a dumb "all things domestic good, all things foreign bad" mindset

Jeremy