Help deciding on a split system air conditioner

IdLikeToBeATree on 27/11/2015 - 18:34

Trying to take advantage of the eBay 20% off deal to buy an air conditioner.

Worked out the size I need and everything but can't decide between 4 models (3 brands) and basically want to know which brand is meant to be best

I'm looking at the LG P12AWN, 2 Fujitsus and a Mitsubishi, all 3.5kW, the LG uses the least amount of power and seems to be quietest as well as being the cheapest. The only forum posts I can find talking about them are from 5 years ago though saying they aren't good but tech can change a lot in 5 years

So hopefully someone can help me out with deciding on a brand. The LG and Fujitsus are about the same price $800-900, Mitsubishi is $1119

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Captain Kremmen on 27/11/2015 - 18:57
    +2

    Have a Fujitsu. Cannot fault it.

    • IdLikeToBeATree on 27/11/2015 - 20:26
      +5

      Is it a fairly new one? The internet is a terrible place, read amazing things and terrible things about every model I look at

      • Captain Kremmen on 27/11/2015 - 20:36

        Probably about 10 years old. The outside & inside units don't appear to have changed much. I thought the after sales service was pretty good.

      • Captain Kremmen on 27/11/2015 - 20:38
        +3

        Another brand to consider would be Panasonic.

    • noshopping on 29/11/2015 - 21:51

      Was going to buy a Fujitsui but then read this guys comment - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/188248#comment-2652578

    • gimli on 29/11/2015 - 21:53
      +1

      haha you probably got the one good one they accidently make every few years

    • ronnknee on 30/11/2015 - 11:08

      I've got a Fujitsu since earlier the year. Pretty good so far.

    • sv123 on 01/12/2015 - 07:34

      How do you get 20% off ebay? I need a roller door motor

  • chingy213 on 27/11/2015 - 19:16

    you pay for what you get. if you have a bigger house then get a 3k one
    if you have a smaller house get a cheaper one.

    • IdLikeToBeATree on 27/11/2015 - 20:24

      It's just for one room in the house so don't need a huge one just depends on which brand is better

  • nocure on 27/11/2015 - 19:48

    Cooling only Mitsubishi HI $857 electricdiscounter
    http://m.theelectricdiscounter.com.au/

  • PVA on 27/11/2015 - 20:50

    also check the brand new models of Panasonic. Panasonic CS/CU-Z12RKR C3.5kW , has a better energy rating, removes more moisture from the air (great on humid days). http://www.panasonic.com/au/consumer/air-conditioners/econav…
    we just bought a 7kw version, great unit , works well, really quiet inside and outside.

    Go to JB hifi and see what price they will do for you, dont just rely on the ebay discount being a good price, it may not be.

    too many smaller items we bought that are LG just end up failing or seem OK when you look at store but end up not really good to use (stereos/dvd players etc). no idea about their air cons but I have had Panasonic before and bought Pana again.
    You are going to have the unit 10 years or more so a n extra $100 or so is not a big difference.

    • IdLikeToBeATree on 27/11/2015 - 21:20

      I actually found a panasonic in the ebay deal too and looked into them and really liked everything about them but then read terrible things on the net :( I should just not read the internet

      • PVA on 27/11/2015 - 22:48
        +2

        you have to remember people will comment on how bad things are a lot more than good.
        We had a panasonic, bought it before invertor units were available - so probably more than 15 years. It started to act funny recently (sometimes it would cool sometimes it would take a few hours before cool air came out) repairer said its not economical to repair (any brand is impossible to get parts after 15 years)
        warranty is 5years plus extra 3 free (jb, rentravision deal - all their air cons have extra 3 years.)

  • Randxyz123 on 27/11/2015 - 21:03

    I agree about going to JB or Harvey Norman. If you can negotiate a good price to match the eBay price or a bit more than the eBay price but includes installation then I'd take that. Unless of course you are going to install yourself.

    • IdLikeToBeATree on 27/11/2015 - 21:22

      I didn't even know jb sold them so may have to try that, do they do installation too? Only issue is it's an hour into my nearest store so not sure if they'll come out here for install

      • Randxyz123 on 27/11/2015 - 22:04
        +1

        Call them and double check. Also double check your closest JB stocks them not all do.

        They need to be a JB "home" store

      • PVA on 27/11/2015 - 22:52

        no stores do installs themselves, they will recommend someone. Our JB, the sales guy had been in the air con business for many years, he said the JB recommended one was some company and gave me their brochure - called them and it was $650 plus $150 to remove the old one. The sales guy also knew another person (probably a mate but I dont care) called him and was quoted $450 for the lot.
        He was a really nice guy and did a great job.

        an average price for an install is around $600 though.

      • PVA on 27/11/2015 - 22:54

        where in Qld are you? Gold Coast?

        • IdLikeToBeATree on 28/11/2015 - 07:57

          Thanks for the info. I'm up near toowoomba.

          $450 to replace one? I was thinking it would be a lot cheaper because there is already one installed that's only about 5 years old to replace. I've never seen aircons in the toowoomba jb but probably just because I wasn't looking.

          We are getting one for the main living area too which is a Fujitsu for $2250 on ebay, comes down to near $1800 which seems like a great deal

        • PVA on 29/11/2015 - 13:29

          @jumpo:
          $450 is a lot cheaper, others charge a standard install plus a removal fee.
          The Panasonic we got is $3400 RRP on Panas website, JB in store dropped to $1800.

        • xsacha on 30/11/2015 - 13:31

          @jumpo: I found cheaper ones locally compared to eBay, for Brisbane. Example: http://www.acstore.com.au/#!shop/c9te $1599 for a Fujitsu 7.1kW.

          They also offer $1999 for a Mitsubishi 7.1kW installed, which makes me think that your local deals will be similar. http://www.acstore.com.au/#!specials/c2157

          The Toowoomba-based ones don't have prices online but maybe ask them. Alpine, Absolute Cool, Golding are in your area.

          Edit: I see the eBay one is 8.5kW. That is pretty cheap! The 7.1kW is only $1480 too so it is actually a fair bit cheaper on good guys ebay.

          Still, there seems to be cheap installed deals available and you might want to check that out. Especially if you are considering Mitsubishi.

        • IdLikeToBeATree on 30/11/2015 - 14:06

          @xsacha:

          Looking around at prices they did seem cheaper with the 20% off from ebay, we are looking at the 8.5kw fujitsu for the living room as it comes down to about $1800 which seems like a good deal.

          The problem with installers is that I'm actually an hour away from toowoomba in the middle of nowhere, it is just my nearest shopping area. We've always had problems in the past getting people out here and only local guys ever ended up coming out

  • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2015 - 22:57

    Buy one of the Japanese ones like Toshiba. Literally every apartment has one, and often more than one per apartment. They know what they are doing. They cost more but they last ages

    • IdLikeToBeATree on 28/11/2015 - 07:57

      I haven't even come across a Toshiba, do only certain stores sell them?

    • xsacha on 30/11/2015 - 13:38

      Fujitsu, Daikin and Mitsubishi are also Japanese :P That doesn't narrow it down.

  • boccos on 28/11/2015 - 09:22
    +2

    Several installers have said to avoid LG, constantly changing models and design so that parts are a nightmare to source. Also the failure rate on the swing motor is high. LG have also been known to tamper with energy ratings on their refrigerators so beware basing your choices on this factor. Fujitzu is the first on my list with Kelvinator also high up. I have looked into Daikin with quality being excellent but pricing is excessive.
    The core of Fujitzu's inverter models has not altered for many years, just the look and some electronics i.e. proven reliability. Check prices at the Good Guys first. Mitsubishi's have corrosion problems. Panasonics reduce the humidity too much, making it a health problem if you are using it in a bedroom.

    • WT on 28/11/2015 - 11:45

      A friend who does ac has also said steer clear of lg air con units. He said this afer he switched trades as well.

    • IdLikeToBeATree on 28/11/2015 - 15:06

      Thanks for your input, I think I'll stay away from the LG and stick with the Fujitsus they seem to be tried and trusted by most people

      • PVA on 29/11/2015 - 13:55

        check the models, some Fujitsu's dont use the new R32 gas. (seems their dearer lifestyle range do, not the classic).
        whether that means much i dont know.

    • PVA on 29/11/2015 - 13:41

      "Panasonics reduce the humidity too much, making it a health problem if you are using it in a bedroom."

      Thats not true, you can choose a higher humidity setting if you want (called Mild Dry). Or even choose the quite setting on the older models for night use and the humidity is raised a little.

      Fujitsu need some adaptor between the pipes of the indoor outdoor unit when they changed to the newer gas, all other brands figured out correctly for the gas and use the normal flanges with no extra device needed by the installer (thats what I have been told, I am not an installer). Thats for the new R32 gas, the cheaper Fujitsu's dont use this new gas. Heard Fujitsu have a leaking problem with indoor units (read it on Whirlpool).

      I too have heard LG isnt crash hot.

      Most other brands the inside unit looks too big.

    • noshopping on 29/11/2015 - 21:56

      Fujitsu don't coat their PCBs, so overtime dust, rain, geckos, etc will destroy it and you'll need to fork out a few hundred $$ to get it fixed.

  • aretsa9 on 28/11/2015 - 10:55
    +1

    We've had 2 Panasonic units and 1 Mitsubishi for over 16 years, All still working well (touch wood) but the bottom and sides of the outside unit of the Mitsubishi have almost completely rusted away. The outside units of the 2 Panasonic units are still in excellent condition.

  • gar519 on 29/11/2015 - 13:07
    +2

    My sister and I installed LG systems at the same time just over 2 years ago…good local deal. I've had four failures and she has had three since installation. They just don't seem to be able to handle really hot weather…that's when you need A/C. Mine went mid January last year and it took 4 weeks to get parts, lasted a week an died again. I even changed service companies and they both said it's LG. Her's died twice in February. Cooling two different zones at the same time does not work,have to turn off the living area to cool the bedroom.I asked whether I had the wrong size for the area's involved…nope right size unit. Mine went again a few weeks back when we had a 41C day. Final straw.
    So have bitten the bullet and bought a Panasonic system to be installed this week in lieu of a Xmas holiday.

  • bbourizk on 29/11/2015 - 17:50

    We put a Fujitsu one from an earlier eBay sale. Biggest one they had has a twin fan unit outside. From memory saved a nice amount, there was a $300 cash back as well.

    Mrs loves it and warm our huge living area well. Only downside is its a bit loud. It replaced a Fujitsu as well that I reused for a shed/studio.

  • Shout It Out on 29/11/2015 - 18:18

    Bought a Mitsubishi DXK12ZMA-S from the Good Guys on eBay with 20% off. This was 6 weeks ago.
    It's been installed by a local Airconditioning bloke who warned against LG and Fujitsu at the moment.
    Because their parts are hard to come by and their customer service sucks.

    It's been running in 42 degrees for a few days and I don't hear the inside nor the outside unit at all.

    Difference between Mitsubishi Electric and heavy is price, quality and features. The Heavy is a bit more simplistic but higher quality than the electric. Electric has a few extra gadgets and settings here and there. Not something I would use from day to day.

  • worker on 29/11/2015 - 19:29

    If you can afford the extra then Mitsubishi is the way to go!

    Forget LG they are complete crap! Fujitsu is middle road and Panasonic is almost on par with Mitsubishi.

  • TRENT86 on 29/11/2015 - 20:16

    We have Samsung Split systems which are pretty good but I would find out how much warranty you get for each brand, I think Samsung offer 5 Years

  • snajper on 29/11/2015 - 21:39

    Not AC expert in any way but here is my 2 cents
    I have LG downstairs and 2 Mitsubishi splits upstairs… installed within 6 month of each other….all inverters etc….. LG is average at best…. plastics are squeaking and is noisy unit…
    Two Mitsubishi units upstairs were slightly more expensive but are just amazing …. sitting above our bedheads and completely silent….
    Regretting not paying couple of hundreds extra for Mitsubishi downstairs instead of LG.

    • noshopping on 29/11/2015 - 21:59

      I talked to a guy who runs an installation company and his group has done hundreds of AC installs. He said Daiken & Mitsubishi is up there with the best.

  • twoface41face on 29/11/2015 - 21:41

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/141832172797

    that's the one i've just bought. seemed to be a reasonable price and has a 4 star energy rating. . anybody have any thoughts on it?

  • gimli on 29/11/2015 - 21:53

    just leave your freeze door open when its hot.

    true ozbargain style

    • BigTed on 30/11/2015 - 12:02
      +3

      This is the opposite of Ozbargain style.
      It would cost you a fortune in wasted energy and food - and not make any difference to the temperature of your house.

  • IdLikeToBeATree on 29/11/2015 - 22:06
    +2

    Thanks so much for the input everyone! Decided to go with the Panasonic 3.5kW, hopefully it doesn't let me down

    • WhyAmICommenting on 29/11/2015 - 22:46

      Happy with the Panasonic the lady installed 12 months before we bought our house about a year back, hope yours goes well too!

    • redvaldez on 30/11/2015 - 10:27

      You'll be happy. I have a 2.5kw Panasonic in my bedroom and it's great. It's only a couple of months old but it's very quiet and works well.

      When I was air-con shopping the general consensus seemed to be that Daikin, Panasonic and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (which is separate to Mitsubishi Electric) make the best air-conditioners.

  • Mike88 on 29/11/2015 - 22:16
    +2

    I work for an aircon manufacturer. Not going to say which one.
    There isn't a great deal of difference these days between the more reputable brands. Even the cheaper brands tend to use old RND from their competitors. Just pick one you like the look/price.
    One thing I have found with the cheaper manufacturing brands(I worked for one of them in the past) the wait time in summer for repairs was ridiculous 2-3 month turn around.
    Look for something with a decent warranty as you can have teething problems with them.
    How are you intending on installing the aircon? If you are going employ someone to install it, the prices they can get for these systems is generally on par or better than what you have listed anyway. Just depends if they are going to mark up the product.
    Also choosing the cheapest person to install them is the same as with everything else. You get what you pay for, chances are you will have someone else coming back to fix their work.
    Hope this helps.

    • supaderp on 01/12/2015 - 16:04

      Funny thing, I went to a HVAC expo in June, most of the representatives there had Actron Air unit installed on their homes.

  • MrBillions on 30/11/2015 - 00:02

    happy with fujitsu and mitsubishi. whatever you do , don't buy samsung. noisy and works hard. fujitsu in the bedroom is wonderful.

    • AMLagonda on 01/12/2015 - 12:15

      I have a 3.5kw samsung and it is quiet and runs really good and it's in the bedroom, my only mistake was I should have bought a smaller model (the 2.5Kw), I have a fujitsu 5kw as well.

  • dogboy on 30/11/2015 - 09:15
    +3

    I like Daikin. Got one installed in the bedroom earlier this year.

  • zqipz on 30/11/2015 - 09:41

    Fujitsu 7.5kw here, excellent unit. About to remove and sell due to demolition.

  • navegante88 on 30/11/2015 - 10:44

    I have a mate who installs airons. He told me to go Mitsibushi. He says the parts are easier / cheaper to source, and the machines are quite reliable. They also have a good warranty program.

  • xsacha on 30/11/2015 - 11:44
    +1

    From what I've seen the Mitsubishi use a little more power than every other brand (the difference is quite small still) and are larger units. They also look loud according to spec sheet.
    The Fujitsu, Daikin and LG use the least power for 7-10kW range and Daikin uses the least power for 2-5kW range.
    LG had the most features in-built like ioniser, humidity control, wifi and such.

    The Fujitsu looked like it has the smallest units (inside and out) and quite light as well (only 40KG outdoor) for the 7kW. The Fujitsu and Daikin also had the quietest indoor and outdoor on spec sheet.

    Another issue is the refrigerant used. Fujitsu and Daikin are using R32 (the 'new' method) whereas a lot of the others are on R410a still. The actual efficiency looks the same according to spec and within 10% range (depending on temperature) according to research papers. So other than the global warming, the main improvement with R32 seems to be: smaller pipes, less refrigerant, easier to fix leaks (because it isn't a mix).

    So, according to spec sheet I'd be siding with Fujitsu or Daikin. According to anecdotes in here I'd be siding with Mitsubishi. I'm not sure if brands have improved or changed since these anecdotes though.

    The 2-5kW range like OP wants is quite messy because there are a LOT of brands in that space.
    For the 7kW range: Some mitsubishi (not sure which one?) or a Fujitsu ASTG24KMCA or a Daikin FTXM71QVMA.

    • xsacha on 30/11/2015 - 18:38

      From further looking, it looks like Panasonic is pretty much the same as Fujitsu. Same price, same energy efficiency, same loudness, same R32 gas, just a little bit bigger/heavier but still second place.
      Daikin is just too expensive for what is really the same as Pana/Fuji for me.

      One thing I've noticed is Fujitsu doesn't seem to have any sort of air purifier in the Lifestyle range. That might be its only downfall. Panasonic does have an ion generator, like the Samsung and LG models.

      So I'll just throw the Panasonic 7kW model in here: Panasonic CS/CU-Z24RKR

  • Toms on 30/11/2015 - 13:37

    I brought 2 weeks back Fujitsu ASTG24KMCA for $1550 and installed for $450. Its works fine and not noisy.

    • xsacha on 30/11/2015 - 13:40

      Only $450? Was it replacing an existing one or a new install?

      • Toms on 30/11/2015 - 13:41

        Yes. he took the old one and installed new

  • h0mbre on 01/12/2015 - 07:14
    +1

    Mitsubishi Electric #1
    Then Daikin, Fujitsu & Pana

    Wouldn't touch LG or Samsung.

  • ashpete02 on 01/12/2015 - 19:54

    I work with and around tradies on a daily basis and always ask their opinion of everything from their tools, cars, AC, etc… every answer I get for AC is Daiken & Mitsubishi, 'forget the rest' attitude from the ones working in hvac… I'm soon to put one in, more than liekly a Daiken unless Mits comes in alot cheaper..

    nb. also, been advised often to stick away from companies like HN and 'contracted' installers, there are plenty of companies who supply and install these systems, and that's all they do, alot of them have been around for decades and know their stuff and support the products they sell - sadly the general public think they only deal with commercial clients… these types of comapnies are also often contracted to do repairs for systems when installed by someone else.. these the guys to look for if you don't know somoene already…

  • Aust on 01/12/2015 - 20:39

    We got 2 x panasonics econavi's at the recent harvey norman car park sale in Toowoomba with the free eftpos cards. Very happy with both.
    Had installed by local sparky in Toowoomba, both new intalls so ended up costing $1300 for both.

  • tyler.durden on 01/12/2015 - 20:47

    Anyone bought one from aldi?

    only 699…

    • 8200 on 28/09/2017 - 22:04

      Stirling is the old Carrier brand rebadged

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