MRCOOL

MRCOOL DIY 5th Gen 3-Zone 18K Multi-Zone Condenser (DIY-MULTI3-18HP230D-O)

Zero problems, quality where it matters

I bought 2 condenser units (5th Gen 2 zone, 5th Gen 3 zone) and 5 heads (12k, 6k, 6k, 6k, 6k) for a house built in 1889. HVAC company quoted me $26k for a heat pump connected to the pre-existing central ducting, so I found Mr Cool. I did the entire install myself. The scariest part of the installation was joining the precharged lineset ends to the condensers and the head units, because there are all of these intimidating torque specs for the fittings. However, the lineset fittings are solid brass (like high quality plumbing fitting, which most people rarely see), with high quality pressure release mechanisms internal to the fittings. So basically, you just tighten them until they are joined flush, and they work like a charm. I started the first connection using a torque wrench and was stressed out. By the final connection I was using 2 pairs of pliers- haha. With these fittings, "it's not that deep", as the kids say. These high quality fittings cost Mr Cool far more than cheap flare connections, or cheaper screw connections, but the fittings made all the difference in making sure that the riskiest part of the install went smoothly. I appreciate that. The units cool like crazy, and we had a VERY hot summer this year. The condensers are super quiet- nothing like what most Americans are used to with the junk condensers most of us have sitting outside our houses making lots of noise. For multi-zone, pay close attention to the wiring diagram to ensure the correct head is getting the correct comms with the condenser (again, not that complex, but does require attention). If there are any points I would critique it would be: 1. the thermostats on the head units can be a little weird, but that's likely due to airflow and stratification the rooms- so use the "follow me" function, which makes the system use the thermostats in the remote controls instead (how cool is that?). 2. Not Mr Cool's fault, but house guests need to be trained on these things. If a guest has lived outside the US, I don't need to train them (since everywhere in the world uses mini splits except the US), but most people need a little class on how the system works.