[Simbilis]

I'm getting estimates for having a mini-split system installed. I'm reasonably handy, but except for the branch circuit to the pad, this is out of my league. The vendor who seems best to me submitted this proposal - is there anything crucial missing or that seems not right?

Proposal for Provision and Installation of

a 4 zone Fujitsu split ductless air conditioning/heat pump system.

Installation Features Include

• Indoor units as follows:
• ASU12RLF - first floor wall panel.
  ASU7RLF - 1st bedroom wall panel.
  AUU9RLF - 2nd bedroom ceiling cassette.
  AUU9RLF - master bedroom ceiling cassette.
• Condensate lines shall be piped to outside.
• All copper refrigerant lines including insulation and initial system charge.
• Installation of a AOU36RLXFZ air conditioning condensor/compressor on a base.
• 230 volt wiring from panel to outdoor unit supplied by homeowner. Contractor will provide all other wiring.
• Clean up guarantee. Contractor will broom clean the work site each day and at the completion of the project.
• System start up and customer review.

Notes

• Any changes required due to pre-existing faulty parts, materials or conditions, not expressly covered by the scope of work in this proposal are extra.
• All work shall meet or exceed current residential building energy code requirements, including ventilation and combustion air.

Terms

We propose hereby to furnish material and labor - complete in accordance with the above specifications, for the sum of: $(ouch)
Payment to be made as follows:
30% deposit, 70% upon completion.

Installation Guarantee

Contractor guarantees for one year the installation of your energy system or service. If within one year of installation there is found a defect in the workmanship or materials used in the installation, contractor will repair or at its option, replace defective components and/or parts at no charge.
This guarantee covers defects in the materials or workmanship of the installation only. It does not apply to conditions resulting from lack of maintenance, misuse, abuse, negligence, accident or alteration. This guarantee does not extend to the heating/energy equipment itself. The equipment is covered by warranties of the manufacturer only. Unless otherwise stated manufacturers warranty service will be performed by contractor.

Additional Information

All material is guaranteed to be as specified. All work to be completed in a professional manner according to standard practices. Any alteration or deviation from above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate. All agreements contingent upon delays beyond our control. Purchaser agrees to pay all costs of collection, including attorney's fees.

 

[yuri]

Sounds normal to me. Fujitsu is a VERY good unit and #1 IMO. I would check into an extended parts and labor warranty. Must be bought at the time of install/purchase. They are VERY high end units with a very good track record but all minisplits are very expensive to fix and complicated especially the high end units so a extended warranty is a very good idea. I do service work and know the cost of repairs.

Make sure they put lots of crushed gravel under the base if it is sitting in a muddy or soft area so it does not settle/shift and get that in writing if necessary. Then make a border with landscaping ties or plastic edging so the gravel does not wash away in the rain.

 

[vsheetz]

Any cosmetic trim or something similar going over the lines from the inside air handlers to the outside condensor unit?

Nice system.

These are not hard to physically install. The air handlers simply hang or attach to a bracket screwed to the interior wall. A 2-3" hole is made in the wall for the lines and wiring to the condensor. Run the lines and wiring to the condensor. Mount the condensor on some sort of pad. Usually the manufacturers documentation is pretty clear and detailed. Some of the on-line resellers provide installation tech support.

You need a HVAC tech to do the final connection to the condensor and bring-up of the system - about $300-$400 is charged for this service here in SoCal.

 

[Simbilis]

The contractor will drop off the line wrap a day early so I can paint it to match the siding. If that looks bad, I'll make some trim to cover it.

The physical installation I could possibly take on. It's the associated risks and costs (finding a tech, getting the warranty honored, negotiating future parts and repairs, insurance liability, effect on home value, etc.) that are sending me to the experts this time. Somebody else can climb in the roof trusses and breath the blown-in cellulose...

Not to mention I still have a fence, deck, and poolhouse to build this year.

 

[beenthere]

Not to mention I still have a fence, deck, and poolhouse to build this year.

So what projects are you going to do after you finish all that this month. :laughing:

Sounds like you got quiet a year ahead of you.

 

[Simbilis]

So what projects are you going to do after you finish all that this month. :laughing:

Let's see. Hernia repair, joint replacements, back surgery, physical therapy... Yeah, this summer is all booked up :jester:

 

[Simbilis]

Update: Contractor says they can't get hold of the Fujitsu condenser until July at the earliest. They may be able to get the Mitsubishi MXZ-4B36NA condenser, with 2xMSZ-GE06NA, MSZ-GE09NA, and MSZ-GE12NA wall units for $700 more than a comparable Fujitsu install. Does this sound like a reasonable alternative for the cost delta?