Air Conditioning

dpg · 03-24-2021, 07:13 AM

Can I please get some recommendations for an air conditioning contractor in the area (Moultonborough.) I'm installing either mini-splits or traditional central air this spring and I'd like to check out my options with some good, reliable contractors. The house already has hot air heat so I believe the groundwork is in place for traditional "central air" but I'll discuss that when I find someone… Thank you!

Slickcraft · 03-24-2021, 07:33 AM

Home Energy Products:

https://www.homeenergyproducts.net/

tummyman · 03-24-2021, 07:34 AM

Ditto....Home Energy Products ! Fabulous team to work with.

TiltonBB · 03-24-2021, 07:49 AM

I have used Home Energy and they are good.

I have a home with forced hot air and had the cooling coils and compressor added. The system heat and the air conditioning works fine.

It is certainly not as efficient as a mini-split but the cold air is distributed better throughout the house. That was my concern in this situation. Without putting in multiple heads you have to consider the distribution of the air. Before choosing you need to think about closed doors, bedroom, bathroom with no air from the mini-split.

Little Bear · 03-24-2021, 08:16 AM

I’ve been very happy with American Air Systems for service on my mini-splits. I believe they have an office in Moultonborough.

https://www.americanairsystemsinc.com/

FlyingScot · 03-24-2021, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

I have used Home Energy and they are good.

I have a home with forced hot air and had the cooling coils and compressor added. The system heat and the air conditioning works fine.

It is certainly not as efficient as a mini-split but the cold air is distributed better throughout the house. That was my concern in this situation. Without putting in multiple heads you have to consider the distribution of the air. Before choosing you need to think about closed doors, bedroom, bathroom with no air from the mini-split.

We have mini splits in Mass--they need a head in each bedroom

MeredithMan · 03-24-2021, 08:26 AM

Have been a happy Lakes Region HVAC customer for many years. They take good care of us both in Meredith and Bedford. Knowledgeable, friendly techs and they always handle an emergency call, (not that I've had to make many, but a few over the years), promptly, not in 3 days.

bobkatfly · 03-24-2021, 08:45 AM

Another vote for HEP in Belmont. They installed two Mitsubishi outdoor units and two indoor wall units for me a couple years ago. In and out in less than a day. Very neat installation.
FYI. They will need a 240vac supply to each outdoor unit with a disconnect at the unit. They don't do this. You will need an electrician for that or you could do it yourself if you're able to.

dpg · 03-24-2021, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the replies some great leads! I'm kind of leaning towards traditional central air only because I'm not sure I want the units hanging on all the walls, although the heat option which I believe the "splits" offer has me curious in them. Also, there may be some future work done such as removing some old paneling in a few rooms and I want to know what that would mean for wall mounted units. I'm (guessing) the house isn't equipped with the wiring required but that's only a guess and the company installing anything will need to tell me that. I've also thought about the more even distribution of air from a central AC unit. I'll discuss all this with whom ever comes out. Thanks!!

WinnisquamZ · 03-24-2021, 10:36 AM

One last thing, the noise generated by traditional central air units can be and is a problem for many. Placement is key

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

dpg · 03-24-2021, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

One last thing, the noise generated by traditional central air units can be and is a problem for many. Placement is key

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Ah good point thanks!!

DesertDweller · 03-24-2021, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Bear

I’ve been very happy with American Air Systems for service on my mini-splits. I believe they have an office in Moultonborough.

https://www.americanairsystemsinc.com/

We have used American Air as well and they do both Mitsubishi split systems and central air systems so they would be able to quote both.

MotorHead · 03-24-2021, 10:52 AM

Both Mitsubishi split as well as traditional A/C systems use an outside compressor. Not sure if one is quieter than the other.

DesertDweller · 03-24-2021, 10:57 AM

The Mitsubishi's are super quiet. With that said, our central air conditioning unit (a Lennox) is in the back corner of our house and I can barely hear it when it comes on/runs. In general, the older units are a lot noisier than the newer ones.

CowTimes · 03-25-2021, 11:29 PM

We installed Mitsubishi mini splits in our house and it was the best money we could have spent. We had (and still have) central a/c on the second floor, and had just a wall unit a/c on the first. We couldn’t do central on the first floor without massive work for ducts. And I was concerned as well about the appearance. But you get used to it and they’re not as bad as you think they will be. When the 2nd floor system goes, we’ll replace that with the mini splits. That’s how much we like them.

They are so much better than central air. They don’t come on and off like the central does—instead just a steady amount of air to maintain the temperature. You don’t even hear them or the outdoor unit at all. And we save probably $1,500 a season on oil heat (after factoring the electricity cost) by using them as our primary heat and only use the oil if it gets really cold, below zero.

I don’t know the dealers up at the lake, but if you do the Mitsubishi, go on the website and find the “diamond dealers” in the area (I think it means they are certified by Mitsubishi). I forget the details, but if their diamond dealers install them, you get a longer warranty, I think it was from 10 to 12 year warranty, so an extra two years.

bobkatfly · 03-26-2021, 08:00 AM

FYI, LG also makes mini-splits. They are typically less expensive, however, their efficiency ratings fall short compared to Mitsubishi's. Also, their warranties are only 3 year while Mit's are 10.
Anyone using LG's? Are these claims off the mark?

Biggd · 03-26-2021, 08:54 AM

You saved $1500 on oil, how much did you normaly spend in a winter on oil?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowTimes

We installed Mitsubishi mini splits in our house and it was the best money we could have spent. We had (and still have) central a/c on the second floor, and had just a wall unit a/c on the first. We couldn’t do central on the first floor without massive work for ducts. And I was concerned as well about the appearance. But you get used to it and they’re not as bad as you think they will be. When the 2nd floor system goes, we’ll replace that with the mini splits. That’s how much we like them.

They are so much better than central air. They don’t come on and off like the central does—instead just a steady amount of air to maintain the temperature. You don’t even hear them or the outdoor unit at all. And we save probably $1,500 a season on oil heat (after factoring the electricity cost) by using them as our primary heat and only use the oil if it gets really cold, below zero.

I don’t know the dealers up at the lake, but if you do the Mitsubishi, go on the website and find the “diamond dealers” in the area (I think it means they are certified by Mitsubishi). I forget the details, but if their diamond dealers install them, you get a longer warranty, I think it was from 10 to 12 year warranty, so an extra two years.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

CowTimes · 03-26-2021, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

You saved $1500 on oil, how much did you normaly spend in a winter on oil?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

We were paying $500-700/month for oil in winter for the coldest months, and now our electric bill is $100-250 higher than it otherwise would be. That was when oil was $3.50/gallon and we have a decent size house to heat. But even with current oil prices we are saving probably $1,000/year or more.

RUGMAN · 03-27-2021, 05:48 PM

Mitsubishi mini split hands down the most efficient , quiet. We had had for five years no issues, I clean filter in spring and fall , we use all year long for heat and cooling. Have the Kumo cloud wireless control so I can turn on with my cell phone
when I am heading up for the weekend so houses cool or warm when we arrive.

TheTimeTraveler · 03-27-2021, 10:17 PM

Are these Mitsubishi mini splits made by the same company which make the Mitsubishi Automobiles (not that we see many these days) ?

bobkatfly · 03-28-2021, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Are these Mitsubishi mini splits made by the same company which make the Mitsubishi Automobiles (not that we see many these days) ?

Yes and no. The mini splits fall under the Mitsubishi Electric division and the cars under the Mitsubishi Auto division.
It's an extremely diversified conglomerate organization where the divisions are loosely tied together but operate independently.

See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi

03-24-2021, 07:13 AM	#1
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,624 Thanks: 157 Thanked 236 Times in 173 Posts	Air Conditioning Can I please get some recommendations for an air conditioning contractor in the area (Moultonborough.) I'm installing either mini-splits or traditional central air this spring and I'd like to check out my options with some good, reliable contractors. The house already has hot air heat so I believe the groundwork is in place for traditional "central air" but I'll discuss that when I find someone… Thank you!

03-24-2021, 08:26 AM	#7
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 1,007 Thanks: 264 Thanked 830 Times in 347 Posts	Lakes Region HVAC Have been a happy Lakes Region HVAC customer for many years. They take good care of us both in Meredith and Bedford. Knowledgeable, friendly techs and they always handle an emergency call, (not that I've had to make many, but a few over the years), promptly, not in 3 days.

03-24-2021, 08:45 AM	#8
bobkatfly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Center Tuftonboro Posts: 414 Thanks: 61 Thanked 60 Times in 52 Posts	Home Energy Products Another vote for HEP in Belmont. They installed two Mitsubishi outdoor units and two indoor wall units for me a couple years ago. In and out in less than a day. Very neat installation. FYI. They will need a 240vac supply to each outdoor unit with a disconnect at the unit. They don't do this. You will need an electrician for that or you could do it yourself if you're able to. __________________ Bob F Amherst till the big 66 comes (made it!) Winter Harbor/Mirror Lake till the big guy comes

03-26-2021, 08:00 AM	#16
bobkatfly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Center Tuftonboro Posts: 414 Thanks: 61 Thanked 60 Times in 52 Posts	Mitsubishi vs LG FYI, LG also makes mini-splits. They are typically less expensive, however, their efficiency ratings fall short compared to Mitsubishi's. Also, their warranties are only 3 year while Mit's are 10. Anyone using LG's? Are these claims off the mark? __________________ Bob F Amherst till the big 66 comes (made it!) Winter Harbor/Mirror Lake till the big guy comes

03-24-2021, 07:33 AM	#2
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,386 Thanks: 1,260 Thanked 2,148 Times in 983 Posts	Home Energy Products: https://www.homeenergyproducts.net/

03-24-2021, 07:34 AM	#3
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 889 Thanks: 278 Thanked 764 Times in 271 Posts	Ditto....Home Energy Products ! Fabulous team to work with.

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barndoor (04-02-2021)

03-24-2021, 07:49 AM	#4
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,160 Thanks: 749 Thanked 2,277 Times in 986 Posts	I have used Home Energy and they are good. I have a home with forced hot air and had the cooling coils and compressor added. The system heat and the air conditioning works fine. It is certainly not as efficient as a mini-split but the cold air is distributed better throughout the house. That was my concern in this situation. Without putting in multiple heads you have to consider the distribution of the air. Before choosing you need to think about closed doors, bedroom, bathroom with no air from the mini-split.

03-24-2021, 08:16 AM	#5
Little Bear Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 588 Thanks: 134 Thanked 252 Times in 136 Posts	I’ve been very happy with American Air Systems for service on my mini-splits. I believe they have an office in Moultonborough. https://www.americanairsystemsinc.com/

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TiltonBB (03-24-2021)

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tbonies (03-29-2021)

03-24-2021, 09:16 AM	#9
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,624 Thanks: 157 Thanked 236 Times in 173 Posts	Thanks for the replies some great leads! I'm kind of leaning towards traditional central air only because I'm not sure I want the units hanging on all the walls, although the heat option which I believe the "splits" offer has me curious in them. Also, there may be some future work done such as removing some old paneling in a few rooms and I want to know what that would mean for wall mounted units. I'm (guessing) the house isn't equipped with the wiring required but that's only a guess and the company installing anything will need to tell me that. I've also thought about the more even distribution of air from a central AC unit. I'll discuss all this with whom ever comes out. Thanks!!

03-24-2021, 10:36 AM	#10
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 2,240 Thanks: 223 Thanked 705 Times in 473 Posts	One last thing, the noise generated by traditional central air units can be and is a problem for many. Placement is key Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

03-24-2021, 10:52 AM	#13
MotorHead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 280 Thanks: 52 Thanked 85 Times in 64 Posts	Both Mitsubishi split as well as traditional A/C systems use an outside compressor. Not sure if one is quieter than the other.

03-24-2021, 10:57 AM	#14
DesertDweller Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV and Moultonborough, NH Posts: 404 Thanks: 27 Thanked 96 Times in 80 Posts	The Mitsubishi's are super quiet. With that said, our central air conditioning unit (a Lennox) is in the back corner of our house and I can barely hear it when it comes on/runs. In general, the older units are a lot noisier than the newer ones.

The Following User Says Thank You to DesertDweller For This Useful Post:
dpg (03-24-2021)

03-25-2021, 11:29 PM	#15
CowTimes Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 141 Thanks: 9 Thanked 125 Times in 67 Posts	We installed Mitsubishi mini splits in our house and it was the best money we could have spent. We had (and still have) central a/c on the second floor, and had just a wall unit a/c on the first. We couldn’t do central on the first floor without massive work for ducts. And I was concerned as well about the appearance. But you get used to it and they’re not as bad as you think they will be. When the 2nd floor system goes, we’ll replace that with the mini splits. That’s how much we like them. They are so much better than central air. They don’t come on and off like the central does—instead just a steady amount of air to maintain the temperature. You don’t even hear them or the outdoor unit at all. And we save probably $1,500 a season on oil heat (after factoring the electricity cost) by using them as our primary heat and only use the oil if it gets really cold, below zero. I don’t know the dealers up at the lake, but if you do the Mitsubishi, go on the website and find the “diamond dealers” in the area (I think it means they are certified by Mitsubishi). I forget the details, but if their diamond dealers install them, you get a longer warranty, I think it was from 10 to 12 year warranty, so an extra two years.

The Following User Says Thank You to CowTimes For This Useful Post:
Biggd (03-26-2021)

03-27-2021, 05:48 PM	#19
RUGMAN Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: weirs beach, Posts: 311 Thanks: 39 Thanked 42 Times in 34 Posts	Mitsubishi mini split hands down the most efficient , quiet. We had had for five years no issues, I clean filter in spring and fall , we use all year long for heat and cooling. Have the Kumo cloud wireless control so I can turn on with my cell phone when I am heading up for the weekend so houses cool or warm when we arrive.

The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to RUGMAN For This Useful Post:
ApS (04-25-2021), Biggd (03-28-2021), bobkatfly (03-28-2021)

03-27-2021, 10:17 PM	#20
TheTimeTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 963 Thanks: 302 Thanked 303 Times in 188 Posts	Are these Mitsubishi mini splits made by the same company which make the Mitsubishi Automobiles (not that we see many these days) ?