As the ductless industry grows, getting a handle on the multiple products and accessories available can be a daunting task for technicians. Here, contractors will find a sampling of ductless products from multiple manufacturers. This quick reference includes equipment and component photos along with product descriptions and specifications.
Daikin Quaternity
Daikin considers the Quaternity its premium all-in-one mini-split system, providing high-efficiency heating, cooling, dehumidification, and air purification, all in one system. Integrated with an inverter variable-speed compressor, systems deliver up to 26.1 SEER and 15.8 HSPF. They can also deliver high heating capacity at low ambient temperatures down to minus 4°F. According to the company, systems operate at whisper quiet sound levels as low as 26 dBA for indoor units and 46 dBA for outdoor units. Utilizing intelligent indoor heat exchanger technology, dehumidification can be achieved by maintaining room temperature and controlling humidity to a relative setting. Provided multistage filtration and Flash Steamer air purification technologies analyze, decompose, and remove allergens, odors, and unwanted chemicals from the air.
Friedrich Ductless Split Systems
Friedrich’s line of ductless split systems comes in a wide range of models and offers contractors a variety of choices. According to the manufacturer, the products are ideal for rooms without exterior walls or windows, and they come in single or multi-zone configurations while servicing up to four independent zones. Each indoor unit offers individual room control. A proprietary mounting bracket aligns to 16-inches-on-center wall studs. A special standoff bracket creates more room for installation.
Fujitsu’s Mobile Technician App
Fujitsu’s Mobile Technician app is a troubleshooting tool for its air conditioning and heat pump systems. The app helps contractors troubleshoot error codes, thermistors, and pressure sensors. It also includes a built-in flashlight. It requires iOS 6.0 or later and is compatible with iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads, but is optimized for the iPhone 5. An Android version is expected to be released in 2014.
The app is available in 11 language preferences, with metric or U.S. measurements. Installers and service techs can get information about all current residential and light commercial models.
Heat Controller Multi-Zone Mini-Split Heat Pumps — Inverter Technology
Heat Controller’s InverterFlex® multi-zone units condition up to five rooms, depending on the model, with one outdoor unit. The contractor can design a system that best meets the load requirements of each room being conditioned, because indoor air handlers can be mixed and matched — including 9,000-, 12,000-, 18,000-, and 24,000-Btu high wall mounts and ceiling cassettes in the same installation — until their combined capacity reaches the total allowable system capacity. InverterFlex models incorporate all the advantages of twin rotary inverter compressor technology, with efficiencies as high as 23.5. They are marketed under the Century and Comfort-Aire brands.
Mitsubishi Electric H2i® M-Series Single-Zone Heat Pump System
Mitsubishi Electric’s patented heat transfer capabilities allow the Hyper-Heating (H2i®) M-Series system to operate at 100 percent heating capacity at 5°F outdoor ambient. It has a SEER rating of 30.5. According to the company, the Hyper-heating technology often eliminates the need for a separate heating product, saving installation time and improving energy efficiency without relying on fossil fuels.
Panasonic ECOi EX Series
The Panasonic ECOi EX Series VRF heat pumps offer a two-way conditioning solution for large-capacity jobs. The two-way mini ECOi is a 2-pipe heat pump and is available in two sizes with cooling capacities of up to nine indoor connectable units. The heat recovery system in the three-way ECOi VRF Series offers a solution for stabilizing the air temperature by providing all the features of a heat pump system. A single-surface fan guard is used to help reduce air resistance, and a new curved bell mouth ensures smooth exhaust flow, according to the company.
Samsung Whisper Heat Pump Mini Split
The Samsung Whisper Heat Pump Mini Split is designed to deliver comfort and efficiency using what the company calls its Triangle body design. According to the manufacturer, the Triangle design allows more air into the unit, and more air out of the unit, delivering longer air throw into the room with low noise levels. The Triangle design installation process allows the lower panel to detach for access to piping and wiring connections. Wireless remote is a standard feature. All units are Energy Star approved due to the performance of the Samsung Smart Inverter compressor.
Toshiba Carrier RAS Ductless Split System
The Toshiba Carrier compact wall system has an energy-efficiency rating of up to 23 SEER for this unit and likewise as a heat pump. It has an HSPF rating of up to 10. According to the company, the product comes with numerous features, and the inside unit is whisper-quiet — as low as 26 dB. It includes a five-speed fan, wireless remote, and variable-speed compressor that assists with enhanced summertime dehumidification.
York® Affinity™ Series and LX Series Ductless Mini-Split Systems
These York® units are compact and deliver cooling or heating to structures without installing air handlers and ductwork. The manufacturer considers them a perfect solution for homes without ductwork and for room additions or remodels. Many of the ductless units can be used in commercial applications, especially to condition computer-server rooms where temperatures must be maintained, even in winter, when other parts of the building are not being cooled.
SIDEBAR: Ductless Installation Maintenance Tips
• A unit should be located within factory refrigerant line length based on the installation manual. Units should be mounted in a manner that allows proper drainage in defrost and appropriate service of the unit, within requirements of local code.
• Keep refrigerant lines clean at all times. If brazing is to be done, dry nitrogen must be run through the refrigerant lines.
• Pressure testing the refrigerant lines and performing triple evacuation will help ensure no moisture or noncondensable matter remains within. Bring vacuum to 500 micron or below.
• An Indoor unit should be mounted with clearance as shown in the installation manual, mounted at least 7 feet high, or 6 inches below ceiling height, if ceiling is 8 feet or higher. Additionally, allow at least 2 feet on right side of unit for service (this is where the control boards are housed).
• Cleaning filters and the unit regularly will help it work properly. Instruct the end user on how to properly use equipment. Selecting the correct equipment for the application is very important.
• Electrical connections should be verified before start-up.
Source: Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division
Publication date: 4/28/2014
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