The key is the much higher SEER rating of the newer inverter model split AC units. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. The split units have more features other than just setting a temperature, which most people never use.
- Thread starter wilywes
- Start date
Looking for input before I buy A/C unit
The key is the much higher SEER rating of the newer inverter model split AC units. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. The split units have more features other than just setting a temperature, which most people never use.
A quick look shows that the highest SEER unit is 26. The ones from TGM are in the low 20's as in 20 or 21, which is pretty good. That additional 4 to 5 higher SEER rating will mean the unit is going to be substantially more expensive in most cases. If you really dig you might find a brand new unit with a higher SEER rating than 26.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_energy_efficiency_ratio
http://www.webhvac.com/2016/01/highest-seer-rated-air-conditioners-of-2016/
I did not ask for the price for 18,000 BTU unit, I asked for the 24,000 BTU unit, but I am never sure until I see the "factura" here in the DR.
Ok well keep us posted if you go that route. I only said that because I got prices from them on 3 separate occasions, (twice in person, once on phone) for the 18k BTU Quantum series-20 SEER, and the price was around 48k RD installed with room to negotiate. I think the 12k BTU was in the 30's RD
Were those quotes at Refripartes in Puerto Plata? Sounds like they might have made a mistake. It may be a few months before I move on my installation in my music room.
My Unit is a TGM 9K Inverter unit with a SEER 17. $19,225 with ITBIS and the installation kit included.
My office is 10' x 10'. It gets cold in about 3-4 minutes. I love it.
I have an AUX 12000 BTU inverter unit in Santiago that's a year old that I'd be willing to let go for a good price since I'm moving.
The contingency is you'd have to pick it up the day I leave (sometime in the next 30 days, not exactly sure yet) since I can't go a minute in my apartment without AC.
The contingency is you'd have to pick it up the day I leave (sometime in the next 30 days, not exactly sure yet) since I can't go a minute in my apartment without AC.
Do your homework and shop prepared
While shopping in Puerto Plata today, I stopped in Refripartes. Told them I had a 16' wide by 22' long by 10' high room to cool and they told me it would be best to use a 24,000 BTU unit. So that confirms what everyone else has told me.
Then I asked them what units they sold for this. They had a non-inerter model that I did not consider despite their warning of salt air concerns. I am about 150 yards from the ocean. Then they told me price of between 60,000 and 80,000 pesos. Then I told them I had called previously and been given a price of 47,000 pesos installed. Then he said, Oh, that would be this unit in the 24,000 BTU range:
http://www.refricenter.net/product-details.asp?id_product=258
A TGM MWAET24S to be exact.
So, they tried to up-sale a more costly (and truth be told a more efficient unit with features that could detect people in the room that I don't need) and I then reminded them that they had a more suitable model for me.
What I did not like is that when I called previously on the phone I was told it was a Quantum Series model and not a Dream Series model for the $RD 47,000 price.
So beware and go in prepared. When I am ready to purchase I will be asking about a Quantum Series model as well, but I am already prepared that that will be just a "Dream"...
While shopping in Puerto Plata today, I stopped in Refripartes. Told them I had a 16' wide by 22' long by 10' high room to cool and they told me it would be best to use a 24,000 BTU unit. So that confirms what everyone else has told me.
Then I asked them what units they sold for this. They had a non-inerter model that I did not consider despite their warning of salt air concerns. I am about 150 yards from the ocean. Then they told me price of between 60,000 and 80,000 pesos. Then I told them I had called previously and been given a price of 47,000 pesos installed. Then he said, Oh, that would be this unit in the 24,000 BTU range:
http://www.refricenter.net/product-details.asp?id_product=258
A TGM MWAET24S to be exact.
So, they tried to up-sale a more costly (and truth be told a more efficient unit with features that could detect people in the room that I don't need) and I then reminded them that they had a more suitable model for me.
What I did not like is that when I called previously on the phone I was told it was a Quantum Series model and not a Dream Series model for the $RD 47,000 price.
So beware and go in prepared. When I am ready to purchase I will be asking about a Quantum Series model as well, but I am already prepared that that will be just a "Dream"...
Sometimes I really wonder about some of these sizing recommendations and charts. All of the 3rd floor(top floor) units in my condo here have vaulted ceilings - I'm guessing about 14 ft high(?). Living area is about 400 sq. ft. and just about the entire front of the units are glass doors and windows - about 20 ft. across. All use 18,000 BTU units, most are TGM non-inverter, and zero problems cooling the living area even on the hottest days.
In Miami I lived in a small 1000 sq. ft. condo. It had a 2.5 ton central air unit(all did). 2.5 tons = 30,000 BTU's and I could get condensation running down the walls and windows when it was 95F outside in the summer(if I wanted). Maybe central air made the difference, but that works out to 12,000 BTU's for every 400 sq. ft.(?)
In Miami I lived in a small 1000 sq. ft. condo. It had a 2.5 ton central air unit(all did). 2.5 tons = 30,000 BTU's and I could get condensation running down the walls and windows when it was 95F outside in the summer(if I wanted). Maybe central air made the difference, but that works out to 12,000 BTU's for every 400 sq. ft.(?)
I had three different sources tell me what capacity I needed for a unit. All three came up with 24,000 BTU for my 16 X 22 X 10 foot space. That said, I do think 18,000 BTU would work.
Copper is used because it is a good conductor for the exchange of heat which is what air conditioner coils are supposed to do. Painting them reduces the efficiency of this heat exchange and certainly voids your non-existent warranty. If the coils were intended to be coated with an "anti-corrosion" rubber paint, they would come from the factory painted. You may have coils that last longer but the added strain and runtime may cause the compressor to go south faster. Living on the beach has a few drawbacks, quicker corrosion is just one of these. No problem painting your house in a paint that better resists the salt, but you shouldn't be painting your AC's copper coils, especially in light of the cheap cost of a 18,000 btu AC here (cutting off your nose to spite your face situation).
One thing to keep in mind. When locals use AC, they tend to have one setting: ON. If you ever traveled on a Caribe Tours bus, you know what I mean. The temperature can drop enough so you could preserve meat hanging in the room for weeks while they put on a ski jacket and for them that is proof that the AC is working good.
I agree. This is the easiest and most effective way to prolong the life of the condenser coil in your compressor unit.