Evlme2, any idea on the outside compressor size of this unit?
I'd have to squeeze it into a small opening in my crawlspace (an outdoor unit is not an option, unfortunately - but my crawlspace stays cool year round - 65-70F when it's 100F outside, so the AC wouldn't be able to get it up to 90F, methinks).
Also, how often do minis crap out? I see a lot of talk of warranties and whatnot - I don't do warranties, so if mine craps out I'm shit outta luck - what kind of odds are we looking at with that?
And how "easy" are we talking for a DIY install? I'm an absolute retard and can fuck up most anything - is it as simple as attaching lines via some connectors, plugging it in and calling it a day?
Seems like my watercooling idea isn't gonna work so now we're on mini-splits.
Oh, last question - it says it's only recommended for 120 square feet? I have a small heat load (4 600s air-cooled), and a 400HPS non air-cooled (along with some fluoros and a chiller or two) in a 14x10x8 heavily insulated room in a non-insulated garage - yay or nay on it being able to cool that?
Finally, the outside unit leaks water, correct? So there would be water exhausted into my crawlspace (where the outside unit is) whenever it's running?
Sorry for the long question(s).
Sorry my man, didn't see you had asked me a question...
All single zone mini splits are no bigger than the large size suit cases allowed on a plane. And you can carry one by yourself.
The inside part is about about 2 1/2 ' long and weighs40 lbs.
These are the brands generally considered to be on top of the game;
Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Lg, Sanyo, Friedrich, Daikon.
I try and stay away from any company that doesn't make their own compressors. (Don't let anyone tell you they're all the same, THEY ARE NOT THE SAME)
Anything other than a name brand is a a gamble.
In the AC world, you truly get what you pay for. I have a few dead mini splits in my garage to prove it.
If you cannot afford top of the line then go with a supplier that has good customer service because you will be calling them for parts.
As for warranties, I don't do them either. Another reason I buy the most reliable I can afford. But I do take into consideration the warranty offered.
Mitsubishi has one of the longest warranties, and thats because they are that reliable.
I do my own installs so that voids warranties anyway, but at least I can remove/replace it myself.
Cheap brands are getting better, but be weary.
But I will admit this, if those cheap units keep progressing the way they are then I may consider one again. Seeing as how I know how to install them myself now then I have no problem removing/replacing them if the price is right. But for now, nothing touches my Mr.Slim. Expensive, yes. Peace of mind when I have 20 grand worth of plants depending on it, PRICELESS!
There are true diy models available now but none of the major brands make them. I heard that Friedrich is supposed to come out with a true DIY model but nothing from them so far.
On a regular mini split, the install part is easy (mounting the units, wiring them ,etc) but you need to vacuum the lines and thats where most people stop because you need a vacuum pump.
I got tired of having to break down in the middle of a grow and have a tech out to install a new unit so I learned how to do it myself. Bought a pump (JB DV-85N) and have done 6 so far and they're all working perfectly.
(You might be asking yourself why choose a non diy model. For me it's because the diy models are not from a major manufacturer. My friend has one and it's been running flawlessly but it is not as quiet as my Mitsu. It is particularly loud when the compressor slows down.)
So if can fuck things up that easy then you're only two options are a true DIY model, here->
Or have a tech come out and vacuum the lines OR learn to do it yourself.
It is the inside unit that produces water. The outside makes water when the heat pump is on, if you got one with heat.
The inside unit uses a drain hose attached to it. I ran mine outside thru the same hole I made for the lineset and power cables. You could drop the hose in a 5 gallon bucket and empty when full etc. Lots of ways to deal with that easily.
I think your space is slightly too big for that unit. If their are no lights in the room then you could cool and area twice what they recommend but it's the lights that really add heat.
Also, because you'll be mounting the outside unit in an attic then it will not run as efficiently as if it were outside. It will run, and it will cool, just not a good as if it were mounted outside.
I think an 18k would be perfect for you.
Some people can get away with a small unit but then it never stops running at max so all inverter benefits are lost.
Any other questions, ask away. I love sharing what I learned about mini splits, they are gaining popularity here in the U.S. (everyone is Europe has them) and growers are getting hip to them to the point where growing supply companies are selling them. Things will only get better technology and price wise!:RastaBong: