[cleosmum]

I love my mini split! Munn’s installed it, and the Solar Guys did the insulation above my lanai. Worth every penny because now I have all that extra space that’s livable. And not a noticeable difference at all on my electric bill.

[NoMoSno]

What is the typical maintenance on a mini-split?
Can it be done DIY?
Does the condensate line require periodic cleaning?

[ithos]

Originally Posted by NoMoSno

What is the typical maintenance on a mini-split?
Can it be done DIY?
Does the condensate line require periodic cleaning?

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...rchid=27590124

There have been several DIY threads. Also YouTube has several good threads.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...rchid=27590124

[CosmicTrucker]

I'm running a two-head Mitsubishi Mini Split system that was installed by M&S—one unit is in the garage, and the other is in the main bedroom.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned that it’s best to set a specific temperature and leave it. I initially tried programming an on/off schedule, but I discovered that leaving the unit set at a constant temperature is more efficient.

[thelegges]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

In my opinion, Mitsubishi & Dalkin make the best mini-split. I used a lot of them, in commercial applications.

One of the biggest advantage of mini-splits, is the remote control. They provide nearly instant heat or air conditioning. There's generally no reason to keep them running or constantly managed ... they're not designed for that purpose, they are "on demand HVAC". In my experience, the useful life when used "on demand" is likely to be 10-12 years. Constantly managed/used, more like 6-8 years.

You seem to have the most hands on experience. Adding a Mini-split to garage should only be used on demand, or managed? Not so much cost effective, but keeping a south facing garage cooler. Which is recommended especially for EVs.

[Monarei]

We recently got turned down when trying to pull a permit to install a mini split in our lanai. We live in Marion County and they require glass windows in the lanai. Does anybody have a good alternative to the mini split to both heat and cool to make the lanai useable all year long??

[ResQme]

Originally Posted by rsmurano

The mini split is an heat pump which is very energy efficient. Adding a mini split to our enclosed lanai actually dropped the price of our electric bill compared to having our main hvac system try to heat and cool our lanai.
Also, throw away the cheap remote that you control the mini split and get a real thermostat that you can program, like the newer ecobee or nest thermostats used in your home. They cost $100 on sale and I put mine in the 1st day I got the mini installed

I just had a Mitsubishi mini split, with the cheap remote, installed three days ago. How difficult is it to install an Ecobee to control it? I'm not even sure how I would wire it. Do I need an electrician to do this? Thanks!

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by Will.S

New to Florida & Mini Splits. Are these Mitsubishi Mr Cool Mini Splits energy hogs or are they pretty efficient and electrical bill friendly ? We want to close up the Lanai and set Mr Cools thermostat & forget it.. unless it is going to double our electric bill .
Any experience comments welcome.

They say that the mini splits are much more energy efficient. Different manufacturers could have different specifications.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by thelegges

You seem to have the most hands on experience. Adding a Mini-split to garage should only be used on demand, or managed? Not so much cost effective, but keeping a south facing garage cooler. Which is recommended especially for EVs.

I'm far from an HVAC expert, but I used mini-splits fairly often It used to be, large roof top units would last 15-20 years. The new ones from China last about 5 years, so it's usually a better investment to split up HVAC into smaller components. Splits work well for that application.

I don't think mini-splits were designed for the application you have in mind, but there's no reason a split wouldn't do the job. I would set it on a reasonable temp and just let it run seasonally.

Your application is different than "personal comfort". Your unit will never be used for heat.

If I were using one in a garage, I wouldn't worry about buying "the best" ... I'd look for a reasonably priced one. I'm fan of Jujitsu. I've found they're less expensive and almost as good as Mitsubishi or Dalken.

I'm guessing TV has a prohibition against "wall mounted" a/c units?

[Spartan86]

Originally Posted by Monarei

We recently got turned down when trying to pull a permit to install a mini split in our lanai. We live in Marion County and they require glass windows in the lanai. Does anybody have a good alternative to the mini split to both heat and cool to make the lanai useable all year long??

As our installer and I believe most pull a permit for “dehumidification“ installation, it would make sense that a screened lanai would not meet spec- I assumed screened from your post. I’m not sure why you would put one in that setting, but you might look into an outdoor unit like many restaurants and bars use in their outdoor spaces. Only problem is I think most of them are what you would call swamp coolers and rely on evaporative cooling, which is more a dry air solution.

[uprights]

Just got two quotes. Don't consider 8 and $10,000 ridiculously cheap.

[LoisR]

Love ours. Hardly uses any electricity. We used Daniel's Heat/Ac About $1200 less than all others. Great install. The're in Inverness.

[Innserelli]

Originally Posted by Will.S

New to Florida & Mini Splits. Are these Mitsubishi Mr Cool Mini Splits energy hogs or are they pretty efficient and electrical bill friendly ? We want to close up the Lanai and set Mr Cools thermostat & forget it.. unless it is going to double our electric bill .
Any experience comments welcome.

I actually ended up buying two Mitsubishi units from air balance systems in Ocala a little over a year ago. I have not noticed a great change in our electrical usage but if anything it has gone down a little bit. We used to cool the whole house at night. Now we just close the bedroom door, turn on the mini split and have a constant cool temperature all night. Perfect. ABS gave us a great price and great service. I’ve had them out twice a year as recommended,, but I think really once a year would be fine. Highly recommend.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by uprights

Just got two quotes. Don't consider 8 and $10,000 ridiculously cheap.

DIY!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvFKD95z7IM
How to Install a Mr Cool 18,000 BTU AC in Just 1 Day!

Permits needed.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by uprights

Just got two quotes. Don't consider 8 and $10,000 ridiculously cheap.

I replaced one 6 months ago. Heating & Cooling Fujitsu Unit.

Your number sound high. Mine was probably a little light, as this was a replacement unit, so a lot of the work was done.

Seems ridiculously cheap, in comparison to the other options.