Given our fantastic experience with mini split ductless AC installation and performance in our master bedroom in Houston, we decided to move forward with the same in Park City.
Houston, TX, June 2018: Mitsubishi 9k cooling only unit with one indoor head, a pad, and a 20' line cost $3,606
Park City, UT, August 2020: Fujitsu 24k heating/cooling unit with two indoor heads, wall bracket installation, and a very short line initially cost $8,673
Thankfully, Select Comfort accommodated us without delay despite the pandemic.
Because we were concerned about snow drift in the winter, we asked Select Comfort to install the outdoor unit on the exterior wall (of our master bedroom). This simplified things, making very little line necessary, so the installers were happy to oblige. We unfortunately did not understand the implications. Installation into the studs of the wall of our bedroom meant that whenever the AC was running, the entire room would hum/buzz. (The outdoor unit's vibration would transmit through the studs into the rafters--think being in a car with one window slightly cracked and how it feels to your ears.) It was a nightmare, literally, as it was impossible to sleep.
We reported the problem to the salesman immediately after installation, and he sent a technician out to tighten up the bracket. We then didn't use the AC again until late June 2021. When we did, we had the same problem with intolerable vibration, but we also had a new leak (and water damage) from one of the indoor heads, so that was the first priority. Once we got that sorted, and unsuccessfully tried to remedy the vibration (again tightening up the bracket and then adding isolation pads), we requested that the outdoor unit be moved. We were happy to pay an additional fee, but since we were still within the 1-year installation warranty period, didn't feel like we were warned, and reported problems from Day 1, we hoped it wouldn't be a lot. We were offered a reduced rate of $2000 (still quite a lot). We had no choice, unless we wanted to suffer through the auditory discomfort and lose sleep. The relocation to a stand on the ground made a huge difference; however, it took a few more visits to get it running properly. (We pray there is not a leak or other issues in the future.)
To be clear, we thank Select Comfort for continuing to work with us to try to make it right. But, it was painful for all. At the very least, others should learn from our mistake and not install on living quarters walls without being aware of the risk for vibration. (We just had no idea because the one in our Houston home was installed on a pad on the ground away from our bedroom.) We also suggest, if possible, planning your installation before the heat of summer, not at the end of it, so you can troubleshoot any issues early in the warranty period.
Hopefully, the unit will serve us well without further incident! read more