Today I got an estimate for fixing my cheap Amazon-special 9000 BTU mini split that the proper prior resident installed.

Heating guy said that repairing the old one would cost $2-4K if he could find a new compressor for it, but nobody sells parts. A new high-quality 12000 BTU Mitsubishi unit with warranty and parts support would cost $7500 installed.

Meanwhile Home Depot is selling 12000 BTU mini splits for $500-$1000 (not including installation but I don’t think installation can cost more than about $1000)

What am I missing here? I would much rather have a quality unit with parts support and proper trained professionals installing it, but at this price differential that just seems untenable. Are air conditioners really unreliable cheap throwaway items now?

  • CadMunt@aussie.zone
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    1 month ago

    Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mistubishi Electric are the two brands recommended as premium in Australia. I’m looking at a simple window box AC because they’re super cheap and easy to install.

    • Ninja876@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

      The company that builds from HVAC to Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyers (DDGs). What a wide range of products.

        • Ninja876@lemmy.world
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          3 days ago

          No ethics implication here, I support that the US licensed out the design to MHI to build those ship. I also support the first one they built the US Navy helped them do sea trials to get it into service faster.