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Anyone have suggestions for a quality installer for one or more mini-split AC units? Sizing for large master suite about 225sf and if I do the other one, large living room about 450sf. Have seen some units that use one condenser for two separate units.
Have plenty of electrical capacity in the breaker box. Will need to run about 75 feet for the electric. Walk-able under the house for that portion.
Any brands to avoid or ones to choose? Same with contractors?
Local costs?
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Mr. Cool (brand) sells pre-charged DIY plug-and-play kits with special connectors so the refrigerant doesn't disappear during installation. Last I looked they could be ordered at HD and shipped to store in Hilo. I watched their install video and it did look like a DIY project for someone with that inclination.
If not into DIY, I saw this reply to a very similar question to yours on nextdoor:
John Hobson
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Orchidland Estates
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18w
I sell Mr Cool products and install them alongside my handyman/carpentry buisness. I could take a look at your installation needs (Pioneer) and possibly get you some pricing for an installation. I don't charge a deposit, I'm insured, have EPA certification, and all my work backed by a workmanship satisfaction guarantee. (You don't like it you don't pay)
808-345-5600
Handyman808.com
And at sales@mrcoolhawaii.com
if anyone else reading this interested in MrCool products please reach out. My prices are lower than I can advertise on my website so please ask for a personal quote. I have been meaning to make a post here about my new up starting buisness. I'm based here in Orchidland.
Aloha,
John Hobson
I don't know the guy or his work so can't comments on your "quality installer" request but if he's the Mr. Cool rep maybe they have a vetting process for that.
Also, this might require a permit.
I've been on the fence for a mini split unit myself and don't have time to add another project to my exponentially growing list of DIY projects so if you could post the end of the story it would be appreciated.
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My prices are lower than I can advertise on my website
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These statements always raise the spidey senses.
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I used Hilo Air. They installed a Fugitsu system.
They don't do the 220 wiring themselves but recommended and used a good contractor.
It was all done in one day 465 sq ft main house and 700 sq ft garage,
It was not cheap but service has been great. I have the indoor units cleaned once a year using a rebate from Hawaii Energy.
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(04-23-2025, 07:33 PM)Obie Wrote: I used Hilo Air. They installed a Fugitsu system.
They don't do the 220 wiring themselves but recommended and used a good contractor.
It was all done in one day 465 sq ft main house and 700 sq ft garage,
It was not cheap but service has been great. I have the indoor units cleaned once a year using a rebate from Hawaii Energy.
Did you need to get a permit for electrical and the AC units?
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I didn't get one and they didn't either.
It is all done to code and they were both licensed contractors so I'm not concerned.
I had 220 for a drier that I no longer needed.
My neighbor did have to get permits but he needed to upgrade his service from Helco.
The electrical contractor was Hirayama Brothers.
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(04-23-2025, 06:55 PM)leilanidude Wrote: My prices are lower than I can advertise on my website
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These statements always raise the spidey senses.
Yeah I get that too... but also distributors are frequently prohibited from advertising below MSRP even though they are allowed to charge less, and that's pretty standard in a lot of industries, especially when the manufacturer sells directly to the public. We used to operate a retail store and there were some brands that we were not allowed to advertise below MSRP, and sometimes we weren't allowed to charge less either, unless we got specific permission. They didn't care if we charged more.
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I have a friend who ordered the MrCool from Home Depot and installed it himself. He lives across the street from the ocean in HPP. The condenser lasted 5 years and totally rusted away.
His thinking is it was cheap enough that he will just replace it every 5 years.
I'm too old to be doing that kind of stuff anymore even though I have the EPA certificate to service A/C units.
My Fugitsu had a 7 year warranty and had a rust and corrosion coating applied to the pan and the coils that makes it able to stand up to the salt air on the Big Island. After 5 years it looks like new, just a little sun faded.
Hawaii has a standing $75.00 instant rebate on annual servicing that lowers the cost. They also have a $400.00 to $550.00 rebate when you have A/C installed. It has to have Variable Refrigerant Flow and a high enough Seer rating to qualify.
These things are amazing and use very little energy even though it runs 24/7.
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Thanks for the rebate link.
