Multi-head air conditioning installation
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The original plan was to install a multi head system, with five heads (one in each of five rooms), and one shared compressor, outside.
Due to a change of plans (see “Problems” below), we end up with three heads on our multi-head system, covering our downstairs living area (lounge, dining, kitchen), master bedroom, and guest room.
Configuration:
Shared compressor: 18kW (though much lower in actual use)
Head 1: Master bedroom: 2.8kW
Head 2: Guest room: 2.8kW
Head 3: Living area: 8.4kW
Cost:
The original quote was for a five head system, including two more 2.8kW heads and a slightly larger 20kW compressor.
$14,776 Emerald 20kW with 5 x heads
-$7,140 VEECS discount
-$386 EOY Sale
$7,250 Total inc GST
Inclusions:
Removal of Gas ducted system 1 (no duct removal)
Double storey
We paid about 20% deposit up front, and the rest on completion.
As you can see above, the VEECS rebate/discount paid for about half of the system. As part of the project, we replaced the existing gas ducted heating.
We also replaced our old Panasonic 7kW split system that was slightly underpowered for our living area. It now needs a new home, along with the frog that was apparently warming itself there.
We chose an Emerald branded system. The company happens to have the same name as our town. But I chose it for other reasons, including price, warranty and because they include control via an app (which I will detail in another post).
The team of plumbers/gas fitters and electricians have been here for a couple of days, installing our new air con system. They did a great job, were consultative, approachable and professional.
We chose O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville because they have a good reputation, and gave the best quote. Their initial on-line quoting process was pretty good, promptly asking for photos and floor plans. They followed up with an on site inspection.
Some other companies I approached on-line either didn’t respond, or took ages, or couldn’t discuss anything until they sent out a rep. Someone really needs to build a step by step quotation system, with quick turnaround and status updates.
Problems:
O’Brien’s installation team was great, as I mentioned. But the process between that first quote and the final installation had several frustrations, mainly their long delays to email a reply to queries, and being passed between different contact people. They also sent someone out to do a second quote, which was more than the original. It left a sour taste since I had chosen them based on that first quote, but now weeks later it was too late to start the whole process again with another provider.
We had a technical hitch with installing the two heads in the upstairs loft rooms. The first quoter suggested that the heads might not fit in the space above the loft windows. The second quoter said it would be okay. But on the day, the installers said it wasn’t going to work. Not enough clearance inside, and the outside woodwork would make ducting difficult and ugly. The lead installer suggested that we instead opt for low level units, which are mounted about 15cm above the floor. But, we all waited in limbo while the office decided what to do. In the end, we had to defer the upstairs installation by a couple of weeks. I will post separately about that installation.
If I knew about the problems up front, I would have probably opted for a different system, such as one integrated with three ceiling heads downstairs and two floor level heads upstairs. Changing specifications mid install is something that should have been avoided much earlier.
Links
- Our gas heating removal: Goodbye gas — disconnecting the ducted gas heating
- Why we chose not to install ducted again: Ducted aircon/heating is inefficient
- Series index — solar, battery, electrification: Solar, battery and electrification — series intro
Solves the window space above problem
The outdoor unit appears to be mounted directly to concrete slabs with no rubber feet or waffle pad installed.
There is also a lot of exposed insulation on pipework that could’ve been avoided by installing some extra capping and putting some saddles on the electrical corrugated conduit that looks untidy.
Not sure about if Emerald are a decent brand to be honest but there’s only one way to find out, hopefully they will legitimately honour any warranty issues if they occur.
Most issues that ever occur are usually installation related and unfortunately the majority of the domestic market is taken up by Electricians and Mechanical Plumbers who are legally not allowed to service, repair or do anything to a refrigerated AC unit after the installation is complete. This includes guaranteeing their work. Not saying they won’t warranty their work just pointing out they aren’t licensed to do so.
The above being said there are both good and bad tradesmen/tradeswomen out there in all trades :)
Sincerely a Fridgy trying to help educate people (currently completing electrical apprenticeship too so no hate from the sparkys pls)