4 to 5 Ton 18 SEER Variable Speed MrCool Universal Central Heat Pump Split System - Upflow/Horizontal with Quick Connect Lineset - 50 Feet

I had an old propane furnace/AC unit that was failing quickly. I was quoted $16k for an 18 SEER heat pump by 2 local contractors. I was able to install this system (including additional tools and parts) for $6k saving me $10k. I'm ecstatic about that. We're also one step closer to being a fully electric house which I love.I've only had it installed for about a month and the weather in the Midwest has been temperate. It runs in the morning but not much during the days since it's in the 60s. Time will tell on the performance come summer. So far though I'm getting good air flow and the temp at the vents is registering 90 degrees.I'd like to focus on the DIY aspect of this product. At first I thought the idea of installing my own heat pump was crazy. I'm pretty handy but knew nothing about HVAC previously, or what heat pumps were for that matter. Before purchasing I did a ton of research on the product. There are a ton of great videos and blog posts about people's install process. It absolutely is DIY but that doesn't mean it's a cakewalk if you're not familiar with this field. Don't expect the install manual to walk you though step by step, it's more of a manual with pertinent information. The main thing that qualifies this as DIY is the precharged lines. That removes the need for you to braze, vacuum, and charge your own lines. They are awesome.If you want to take this project on there are a few things you should be comfortable with (or able to research and figure out). Here are the items you'll likely need to tackle: replacing breakers in your electrical panel, running new wire with the correct gauge, doing custom duct modifications with sheet metal, wiring up a thermostat, wiring 240VAC appliances, PVC work for the drain line, etc. If you're good with these you should be good. Again youtube is your friend.There were a few lessons I learned that might make your life easier:1. They give you torque recommendations for the line fittings. I didn't want to buy an expensive crescent torque wrench so I bought an 'adjustable crows foot wrench' and did a free tool rental from a local autoparts store for a socket torque wrench. That gave me peace of mind about the fittings not leaking.2. I had a local sheet metal shop make a pedestal stand for the unit to sit on. My old unit had the supply air come in the side so I needed something for the unit to sit on (it's an upflow unit). This was a great decision and well worth the money. I did the modification at the top myself.3. I haven't needed to have a local contractor service it but I read many things online about people having trouble getting someone to come out to service a DIY unit. Just something you should know going into your purchase.4. I replaced my old thermostat with an Ecobee Lite 3. The tech support (free to call for help) told me that the Nests are having problems with all heat pumps and recommended Ecobee. I'm happy with it so far5. There is free tech support from MRCOOL but don't think you'll call during the install. I called them twice to ask a quick question and both times it took 2 days to get a call back (and make sure you don't miss that call!). They were very helpful but you can't talk to someone immediately. I say that so you can plan accordingly.For now I'm thrilled with the product. Every time the air runs I light up with joy at the reminder of how much money I saved (and am continuing to save with the more efficient product).

Purchased less than 2 years ago, and the unit stopped cooling. After spending hundreds of dollars for technicians to confirm that the unit was faulty from the get go, Mr. Cool is unwilling to take accountability. The warranty is useless, as it doesn't cover the purpose of the equipment, so we now have to pay thousands more in total to have the part shipped and installed (the coil had a leak and lost all freon).

Overall: This system is a good value, especially given the rebates available for customers in my area (Greater Seattle Area). It does exactly what it says blows cold or hot and runs very quiet. It's a big project if you have your existing air handler/furnace in the attic. During testing I saw 104°F out of my vents with heat and 49°F with cool. My home is 3,200 sqft and in a mild climate since I'm in the Greater Seattle Area. I'll update this review as time goes on to show the experience throughout the life of the system.Big questions:Would I recommend this? Absolutely, especially if you have a air handler/furnace in your garage or basement with easy access and it's close to an exterior wall with outdoor space for the condenser. Also if the rebates are good in your area you can get this unit installed for a very affordable price if you DIY the project.Is it DIY? Maybe, if you are a handy person who is willing to invest a time you have a good chance of success. Additionally if you have a easily accessible existing air handler or furnace it makes it a lot easier to handle. In my case, I only had a gas furnace. I chose to do all of the work with the help of a very strong friend myself. The only exception was the electrical work for the condenser, I had a licensed electrician handle that for about $2400.How much does it actually cost?Mrcool Universal 5 Ton Set: $4600 to $4995Unique Tools: $500 (Torque Crescent Wrench, Tin Snips, Pipe Wrenchs, Hole Saw Kit, Sheet Metal Bender/Folding Tool, etc.)Supplies: $500 to $1000 (Mastic Tape, Foil Tape, Metal Self Tapping Screws, Ducting Metal, Ducting Insulation, Fabric Straps, Wet Switch, S Channel, Romex Wire, Thermostat Wire, Lineset Cover, etc.)Electrical: $2400 for license electrician; $700 in supplies and permit fees for DIY.Total: $6300 (All DIY) or $7895 (With Max Lenth Lineset and License Electrician)What rebates are available? Look these up at mrcool website in my area I got $3,000 cash rebate from my gas and electic provider and I'll get a $2,000 tax credit for 2024 taxes when I file. This means my total project cost is $2,895 after the rebate and tax credit are considered.What is the worst thing about it? It's absolutely a two or three person job to move the condenser. The air handler isn't bad if you pulled out the A coil and blower to move it and the reassemble at the desired location. Even with an extremely strong friend it was quite the task to get the unit to its final place.