Hello Ozbargain!
We have decided to replace our recently kaput evaporative ducted air con with a ducted reverse cycle unit.
I've received a few quotes and have boiled it down to a couple options.
The Braemar system is the better part of 3k cheaper than the others so obviously we like that! Does anyone have any experience with a Braemar system? Or have any advice on why I should spend the money on the more expensive systems?
Thanks!
Sorry, can you explain what you mean? I've got a Mitsubishi system going in Saturday.
Does anyone have any experience with a Braemar system?
Braemar is owned be these people https://www.seeleyinternational.com/brands/
Honestly wouldn't touch them. Pay the extra and get a well known brand that will last, Mitsubishi.
There is a good chance that the Braemer unit will be a rebadged Gree unit and should work well. I have had a good experience with support and advice from the Seely International people.
That said, I can't say the same for the Gree wholesaler (Beijer Ref Australia) which is also the wholesaler for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which is different to Mitsubishi Electric altogether.
I've heard of lots of Braemar and breezair swampy issues.
MHIAA ACs units been ok for me, got a couple myself, but yes I've heard some bad things about the wholesaler as well.
ME is the way to go and is what I would direct people to.
Panasonic is probably the more quiet and would be my choice.
If you are still considering other options, I suggest going with multiple split systems instead. It won't look as nice, but much cheaper and more flexible in use and maintenance.
Otherwise, Panasonic/Mitsubishi will be a better choice.
This! More reliable, more efficient. Ducted central is outdated.
If quality and reliability are at the top of your priority list then you only have two options to consider; Daikin or MHI
I wouldn't touch Braemar for a ducted system as they are only rebadged low quality Chinese units and they are simply trying to sell junk using the brand reputation they've built selling Evap systems back in the good old days.
OP FYI: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is the better brand. You'll want to avoid Mitsubishi Electric.
I've had a big Daikin ducted unit installed three years back - it's been faultless.
These days ME is higher rated than MHI
Huh. How things change in three years. Guess in 10-15 years, or when I find myself in a new home, I'll remember this comment.
@ozbargainsam: In 10 years, it could change again! haha
Having said that you can't really go wrong with any of the top brands- MHI, ME, Daikin, Panasonic, Actron, Fujitsu, Toshiba….
Better than the next tier- LG, Samsung, Gree, Braemar
I went with Daikin myself because my installer recommended them and are an authorised repairer. Therefore they would be more experienced with installation and faults.
Installation is just as, if not more important than the brand.
Thanks all! Appreciate the feedback. Sounds like "you get what you pay for" definitely applies here.
Just make sure you sync the remote with the outdoor unit.