Mini split lineset question

jerryh3 · 07-01-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beenthere

Dropped, or slammed it with something else.

They would have to use flare stubs to attach to the condenser. And then braze to the stubs.

But doesn't that double the number of connections? More chance of failures?

**beenthere** · 07-01-2009, 09:04 PM

I didn't say what they would have to do was a good thing.

Yes, it would have added more joints.

jerryh3 · 07-02-2009, 10:58 AM

Update. They're back. They have the correct lineset sizes and are going to flare everything. We'll see how the rest of the job goes...

**beenthere** · 07-02-2009, 04:18 PM

Cool.

Hope it goes better now.

jerryh3 · 07-02-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beenthere

Cool.

Hope it goes better now.

Well, after walking around and looking at a few more things-including the installers only using 1" sheet metal screws into the drywall to hold the mounting plates up, and no kind on sealant on the outside wall penetrations-I called the install manager and went off. I told him to have his guys pack everything up and get out of the house. He was at my house in 30 minutes. We walked the entire job and went through everything of concern. I think he put the installers on notice, and everything has seemed to go a little smoother today. The new outside unit should be delivered on Monday, so hopefully they'll be finished on Tuesday I can put this ordeal behind me. It's beer thirty.

**beenthere** · 07-02-2009, 06:06 PM

Good luck.

jerryh3 · 07-02-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beenthere

Good luck.

Thanks. I need it. I'm just going to relax for the weekend.

jerryh3 · 07-07-2009, 07:36 PM

Update. It's done. The system itself is great so far, just the installation left a lot to be desired. I guess I learned if you want something done right, do it yourself.

yuri · 07-07-2009, 07:43 PM

You may want to call another Mitsu dealer and have them check the unit without putting their gauges on. I would be very concerned these "installers" of yours may not know how to charge the unit properly or didn't do so. There is a way to test them if you can find a skilled service tech. Putting gauges on/off blows a few ounces of refrig out and is enough to affect the charge.

Good Luck

jerryh3 · 07-07-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuri

You may want to call another Mitsu dealer and have them check the unit without putting their gauges on. I would be very concerned these "installers" of yours may not know how to charge the unit properly or didn't do so. There is a way to test them if you can find a skilled service tech. Putting gauges on/off blows a few ounces of refrig out and is enough to affect the charge.

Good Luck

They didn't adjust the charge. All they did was vacuum for about an hour, blanked off the compound gauge and checked to see if the needle moved. No pressure test, no micron gauge, no triple evac. The linesets were right around 130' total, which is what the factory charge is calculated for. He did look at the low side pressure gauge after the unit had been running for a while and said it looked good.

yuri · 07-07-2009, 07:56 PM

I hate to be negative but if his pump had moisture laden/dirty oil you may not have gotten a 500 micron vacuum etc. I just want to have you get a system that works properly and I doubt these hacks knew what they were doing. Spending a few bucks more to get a real pro in may be worthwhile. I would not lose sleep over the 500 micron bit as the lines were clean and new but their "skillset" sounds questionable to me.

jerryh3 · 07-07-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuri

I hate to be negative but if his pump had moisture laden/dirty oil you may not have gotten a 500 micron vacuum etc. I just want to have you get a system that works properly and I doubt these hacks knew what they were doing. Spending a few bucks more to get a real pro in may be worthwhile. I would not lose sleep over the 500 micron bit as the lines were clean and new but their "skillset" sounds questionable to me.

The oil didn't look too dirty but I really have no reference to compare it to. It's a shame about the whole situation. I though I made a good choice in the company I chose. Local company that's been around for 35 years, A+ BBB rating. I might fire off a heads up letter to the owner to let him know what's going on in their install department.

**beenthere** · 07-07-2009, 08:13 PM

Fire one off the the BBB.

Then they will get a notice. And perhaps next time, they won't treat a Mini split so carelessly.

jerryh3 · 07-17-2009, 05:48 PM

Update. The saga continues... A few days after the install I notice some water water on the floor near one of the inside units. It seems that they did such a good job insulating the linesets, they are sweating where they run through the wall into the inside units. And since they didn't use wall sleeves like they were supposed too, I have damp drywall and insulation. I had the owner of the company over today and he is sending someone else over to correct all of the deficiencies. Stay tuned for the next chapter...

Enjoy the pics of their handywork.

Home Air Direct · 07-17-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryh3

Update. It's done. The system itself is great so far, just the installation left a lot to be desired. I guess I learned if you want something done right, do it yourself.

There is no doubt that you have a lot more at stake than a couple of hired wrenches when it comes to your home. There is no reason that you could not have done everything, including setting the outdoor unit, hang the air handler and run the lineset to your specifications (sans hook up and start up).

Sounds like the weak link in your project was the pros in this case. That is a shame. Just make sure and vote with your voice. If you get an opportunity to advise someone about the service and quality that you did not receive, let them know.

In defense of the sweating, that has been one of my biggest issues with the ductless heat pumps. The linesets sweat. But that is no excuse for the pictures you sent. I have a cat that could have done a better job than that.

07-01-2009, 09:04 PM	#32
beenthere An old Tradesmen Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PA Posts: 19,030	Mini split lineset question I didn't say what they would have to do was a good thing. Yes, it would have added more joints.

07-02-2009, 10:58 AM	#33
jerryh3 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 1,802	Mini split lineset question Update. They're back. They have the correct lineset sizes and are going to flare everything. We'll see how the rest of the job goes...

07-02-2009, 04:18 PM	#34
beenthere An old Tradesmen Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PA Posts: 19,030	Mini split lineset question Cool. Hope it goes better now.

07-02-2009, 06:06 PM	#36
beenthere An old Tradesmen Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PA Posts: 19,030	Mini split lineset question Good luck.

07-07-2009, 07:36 PM	#38
jerryh3 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 1,802	Mini split lineset question Update. It's done. The system itself is great so far, just the installation left a lot to be desired. I guess I learned if you want something done right, do it yourself.

Mini split lineset question