5 ms·

Are you asking why the Daikin Alira X is more expensive in the US? It's because it's not a brand that is normally found here. If you went with a common US bran

Are you asking why the Daikin Alira X is more expensive in the US? It's because it's not a brand that is normally found here. If you went with a common US brand you can get a good system with 4 units and a 36,000 BTU heat pump unit for around $6,500 USD installed. I don't love the wall units - they're pretty ugly, even the new ones. If you're getting a mini-split, the in-ceiling or wall cassettes that are hidden are really the way to go IMO.

fifteenforty 4y ago
Can you give me an example of a comparable model available in the US?
fifteenforty 4y ago
In the Australian market, the efficiency of the in ceiling or in wall units is lower than the high wall units. They are also much cheaper to buy and install.
hawaiianbrah 4y ago
Wow, really? Prices seem much higher than that in Seattle. A friend got 3 handlers totaling 24k BTU for like 12 grand.
- fifteenforty 4y ago
  That’s double the price I paid here!
- bthater 4y ago
  Seems to just be Seattle tax, I had to get a water line replaced in my home and the quotes were $2-7k higher than I've seen suggested in other regions. Tradework here is inflated likely by the salaries of tech workers in the city.
  - earleybird 4y ago
    In my locale, trades like plumbing (including gas & hvac), drywall, roofing etc range from 1 to 1.5 what contract developers from NTT, IBM et al are billed at. In absolute terms - 110 - 140 for contract devs and trades are often "to busy" at 170.
- buildsjets 4y ago
  I got quoted 16 grand for the same 24k/3 zone system in the Seattle area by the guys who install thru COSTCO. I ordered the hardware myself for $4300, bought about $300 worth of tools, and installed it in one long weekend. It’s really not that difficult. Basic electric installation, some special technique and tools needed for the plumbing (University of Youtube can help), pressure test, pull vacuum, open the valves and enjoy. https://www.ecomfort.com/Fujitsu-F3H24W07071200/p65952.html https://www.ecomfort.com/Fujitsu-F3H24W07071200/p65952.html
  - hawaiianbrah 4y ago
    I’ve been eyeing https://mrcooldiy.com/ https://mrcooldiy.com/, even easier.
    - turtlebits 4y ago
      The problem with Mr. Cool is that their DIY claim is because you don't cut the lineset (I believe they give you 25 ft). Any excess length you're supposed to coil up and hide, which is not ideal- plus you'll lose efficiency.
      - hawaiianbrah 4y ago
        Or you mount the condenser further is all.
      - thedougd 4y ago
        I believe they now sell other size lines and extensions. I got hung up on the excess line set idea and did a full DIY install of a non-DIY model mini-split. I bought, borrowed, and rented a lot of tools, spent a lot of time researching and learning. I really wish I went with the DIY model. Despite that lesson, I may do it again when I finish my attic space, but this time I'll add copper line brazing to the list.
        turtlebits 4y ago
        As long as the unit is pre-charged, DIY installs aren't that bad. I've done 2 Pioneers at my home. I spent around $150 in tools.

fifteenforty 4y ago

Can you give me an example of a comparable model available in the US?

fifteenforty 4y ago

In the Australian market, the efficiency of the in ceiling or in wall units is lower than the high wall units. They are also much cheaper to buy and install.

hawaiianbrah 4y ago

Wow, really? Prices seem much higher than that in Seattle. A friend got 3 handlers totaling 24k BTU for like 12 grand.

fifteenforty 4y ago
That’s double the price I paid here!
bthater 4y ago
Seems to just be Seattle tax, I had to get a water line replaced in my home and the quotes were $2-7k higher than I've seen suggested in other regions. Tradework here is inflated likely by the salaries of tech workers in the city.
- earleybird 4y ago
  In my locale, trades like plumbing (including gas & hvac), drywall, roofing etc range from 1 to 1.5 what contract developers from NTT, IBM et al are billed at. In absolute terms - 110 - 140 for contract devs and trades are often "to busy" at 170.
buildsjets 4y ago
I got quoted 16 grand for the same 24k/3 zone system in the Seattle area by the guys who install thru COSTCO. I ordered the hardware myself for $4300, bought about $300 worth of tools, and installed it in one long weekend. It’s really not that difficult. Basic electric installation, some special technique and tools needed for the plumbing (University of Youtube can help), pressure test, pull vacuum, open the valves and enjoy. https://www.ecomfort.com/Fujitsu-F3H24W07071200/p65952.html https://www.ecomfort.com/Fujitsu-F3H24W07071200/p65952.html
- hawaiianbrah 4y ago
  I’ve been eyeing https://mrcooldiy.com/ https://mrcooldiy.com/, even easier.
  - turtlebits 4y ago
    The problem with Mr. Cool is that their DIY claim is because you don't cut the lineset (I believe they give you 25 ft). Any excess length you're supposed to coil up and hide, which is not ideal- plus you'll lose efficiency.
    - hawaiianbrah 4y ago
      Or you mount the condenser further is all.
    - thedougd 4y ago
      I believe they now sell other size lines and extensions. I got hung up on the excess line set idea and did a full DIY install of a non-DIY model mini-split. I bought, borrowed, and rented a lot of tools, spent a lot of time researching and learning. I really wish I went with the DIY model. Despite that lesson, I may do it again when I finish my attic space, but this time I'll add copper line brazing to the list.
      - turtlebits 4y ago
        As long as the unit is pre-charged, DIY installs aren't that bad. I've done 2 Pioneers at my home. I spent around $150 in tools.