Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Mini Split

Name:  Carol

Problem: I am pretty handy around the house and after getting several quotes from ductless installers. I will probably install the units myself. I was told that Panasonic is affiliated with the company that makes the Mr Slim units and they are the best. Is this true. Also, the Panasonic condensor that I priced has the old type freon. The discounted price is 2199 and supplies (2) inside units with free shipping and includes the installation kit.

Solution:  Mitsubishi makes the line of Mr. Slim air conditioners.  Panasonic is a pretty popular compressor for most mini split air conditioner lines, so there is a good chance that the system you are looking at has a Panasonic compressor.  If you are looking for a good deal on a dual mini split air conditioner with the new R410 refrigerant and an inverter compressor check out this unit:  AmericAire ACDE12HP220I.

This unit has a Sanyo inverter compressor and qualifies for a 30% tax credit.

Mini Split Air Conditioner Leaking from the Indoor Unit.

First Name:  Eric

Last Initial:  B

Equipment:  Mitsubishi Mini Split Air Conditioner

Problem:

The mini split AC unit cools beautifully.  However, anytime we set the temperature below 70 degrees, we will get water dripping from the inside unit.  This is not condensation water dripping from the vents - it is water coming out from the unit.  This unit does have a drain tube to the outside and it does work properly.  Could this water problem simply be a result of the drainage tube freezing?  If so, is there a solution.  It defeats the purpose of the AC unit if you cannot make it cool in the house.  Any responses are appreciated.

Solution:

There are two possible solutions to prevent leaking from a mini split air conditioner indoor unit.  One:  There is a blockage in the drain line or the drain line is not installed properly and gravity cannot rid the system of the condensation build up.  Two:  The drain pan inside the indoor unit is level and water cannot drain, via gravity, out the back of the system and down the drain line.  Most units will need to be installed with a slight declination towards the drain line side.  This lets the water flow downward and out of your conditioned area.  People see leaking indoor units on very humid days when the drain pan fills more quickly and cannot terminate the water fast enough because of the drain pan being level.  I tell my customers to tilt the indoor system 1/8″ down towards the drain line at the time of installation.

Problem with Air Conditioner Freezing

First Name:  Gregory

Last Initial:  L

Problem: It’s a mini-split A/C.  Has worked perfectly for seven years.  This week I noticed that the brass coupling or valve cap that attaches the tubing to the outside unit is developing frost, and while the unit cools the house fine, it runs constantly; that is, the fan (which appears to run slower than it used to) never turns off.  Had it checked and the freon topped off, but the problem is still there.

Solution:  Most mini split air conditioner evaporators run constantly.   They are designed that way to continually bring in air through the indoor unit to monitor the air temperature for the thermostat.  Freezing of components in mini split air conditioners is usually contributed to a leak at the connection point or too low of refrigerant.  Make sure the proper amount of refrigerant is in the system.  Most manuals will tell you the amount needed for proper pressure settings.  Make sure to use a R22 or R410 gauge to monitor this pressure.  Pressures get low and air conditioners show freezing.

Can I house my mini split outside condenser indoors?

First Name:  Max

Problem: Hello I’m looking to invest in an mini split to help cool a data / server room that will require ~24000 BTU of cooling year round.  The climate here can be below zero degrees F here at points in the winter.   I’m wondering about the potential of keeping the “outside” portion of the mini split in a basement room below the server room, and using a combination of a ducted blower fan / high velocity floor  fan to exchange the air in this space, which is ~ 8′ X 7′.  Would this keep the condenser / compressor cool enough to run the a/c ?   At what temperatures do the condenser and compressor function most efficiently?   thanks for your advice! Max

Solution:  Some new mini split air conditioners have inverter compressors that can operate to temperatures around -5 degrees Fahrenheit.  The only issue is that they start to lose efficiency when temperatures drop below freezing.  I have had customers who have placed their outdoor condenser in a warehouse or other large open area.  The only concern for the condenser is to not be installed in an area with very limited airflow or where dirt or debris can enter the unit.

Here is a link to some inverter mini split air conditioners.

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=1

Can I run my lineset inside an existing wall?

First Name:  Gene

Problem: With the sheet rock removed can the line sets be installed in the 2×4 walls near floor level and travel up to the attic to the wall units?  The line set would then drop out of the attic to the upper wall and not go outside. Is that doable or a bad idea? Thanks GT

Solution:  There shouldn’t be a problem with running the line set within a wall.  Make sure that the line set is insulated properly because they will sweat from the internal refrigerant gases.  Use 3/8″ or 1/2″ foam liner around the copper lines.  Make sure you install the condensation line properly at the top as well.  The condensation line uses gravity to expel water.  If you cannot expel the water downward, purchase a condensation pump to move the water to an appropriate outside area.

Mini split auto restart and connecting an additional thermostat

First Name:  Don

Last Initial:  M

Problem: Our split system is controlled by a remote. Every time the power goes out the system has to be manually turned on.This is a problem because our power goes out quite frequently and we have pets and are not always home to turn the unit back on.Can a thermostat be hard wired or is there some other solution?  Thanks

Solution:  Most mini split air conditioners have an “auto restart” function that turns the evaporator back on after a power failure.  When power returns the indoor evaporator’s electric circuit board will restart the system to the last setting before the power failure.  If you had the unit set at 77 degrees before the power failure it will return to 77 degrees at restart.  Make sure your equipment has the “auto restart” feature.  If it does you probably need the indoor evaporator circuit board replaced.

Mini split air conditioners are not built to have an external thermostat.  In order to attach a thermostat they would need to have an extra wire built into the circuit board.  They do not, therefore it is not possible..

Can you convert a single mini split air conditioner to a dual air conditioner?

From:  Chris M

Problem:  Hi. Is it possible to add indoor units to a compressor initially set up for only one indoor unit? Or put a different way: Could I install a compressor with the capacity for more indoor units than initially installed? Thanks.

Solution:  I get asked this question on a weekly basis so it is probably a good idea to address it to the public.  Mini split air conditioner are manufactured as either a singe (1 evaporator to 1 condenser) or multi-head systems (1-4 evaporators to one condenser).  When a multi-head system is manufactured it is built with a larger compressor that can handle multiple evaporators.  Trying to add a second evaporator to a single condenser would drastically effect the output size.  An even larger problem with trying to add an extra evaporator is that all the wiring and circuit boards are only installed for a single system.  There is no place to wire in a second evaporator.  And lastly, you would have to add two more copper line sets into the condenser which it is not set up for.  In short, there is no way to add more evaporators to an existing single mini split air conditioner.

Mini Split Air Conditioner Remote Not Working.

First Name:  Phyllis

Last Initial:  B

Equipment Type:  Samsung AM18B109 KCV

Problem:  The remote control will not operate the unit.  The battery has been checked and the unit was shut off to try and reset.  I suspect lightning.  Can the sensor in the unit react this way and can it be reset?

Solution:  Usually with remote control problems it stems from a broken controller.  The mini split remotes just don’t hold up to a lot of abuse.  I would think that a new remote would be the first step in problem solving.  If that does not work than I would have the sensor replaced.  The sensor is the device that receives the remote control signal.  Also, make sure that all the wires are connected to the control board (circuit board).  Evaporator circuit boards are usually located under the cover below the temperature display.  Sometimes they are behind a separate panel.  Check this first.

High Efficient Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioner

Problem: I have a 3 season porch that is glass from ceiling to floor and is constructed with double pane low E glass windows. I live in the Kansas City area. It has a northern exposure and is 14 X 20  sq.ft.with 9.5 ceilings.  My goal is to install a heat pump with the evaporator section recessed into the ceiling. I do currently have a gas fire place that is rated for 30,000 btu/hr and I am able to heat the space, but would like to consider a heat pump if possible. I would be willing to pass on the heat pump if a cool only system would qualify for the energy credit.  Is there a manufacturer who makes a ceiling cassette model that qualifies for the energy tax credit?  I understand that the SEER must be a minimum of 15, the EER must meet 12.5 and the HSPS 8.5.  Do all three efficiency ratings need to be met in order to qualify for the 30 credit?   Thanks–Mark

Solution:  Hello Mark, searching around I see Friedrich has a 15 SEER cassette air conditioner with an HSPF of 8.5.  I am sure that other brands as well will follow with the inverter compressor ceiling cassette units.  Prices seem to start around $3100.00 for an 18,000 btu. ceiling cassette system.  You can probably find a lesser SEER rated unit for much less money.  Make sure to contact the manufacturer to make sure their system qualifies for the 30% tax credit.  Remember all three numbers must be obtained for the tax credit.  15 SEER, 12.5 EER, and 8.5 HSPF.

Replacing and Sizing an Air Conditioner for a Sunroom

First Name:  Chuck

Last Initial:  H

Friedrich 12,000 Through The Wall

Problem:  We have a 21′ x 14′ sunroom addition that sits between our basement and the first floor. A few years ago we had a Unico a/c system installed in our first floor. When they did it, they ran 3 outlets through the garage window into the sunroom. The 3 outlets don’t help much in the intense afternoon sun. The room is poorly insulated with big windows. My wife wants to tear it down completely and re-build, but I don’t think we can do that for another 5-7 years. The room also has an older model Freidrich through the wall air conditioner (12,000 BTUs). Of course more insulation would help, but for the next 5-7 years is it worth getting a split a/c system, replacing the Freidrich wall unit with another, more efficient through-the-wall unit, or just leave it alone until we do the room.

Answer:  Chuck you have a bad case scenario for an air conditioner.  A 300 square foot room with lots of windows and poor insulation will need an air conditioner with approximately 18,000 btu.’s.  I would recommend replacing the Freidrich 12,000 with a Unionaire 20,000 btu. through the wall air conditioner.  You will be able to use approximately the same size hole and reduce your utility cost with a 220 volt air conditioner.  A mini split air conditioner, although very efficient, will cost much more to install and purchase.  Here is a link to view the Unionaire specifications:

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=16

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