MTL Ductless Mini-Split AC recommendations

[Cronzor]

Hello everyone, I've decided on a mini-split for our condo (mainly since none of the other options will work for us..) but I have no idea where to begin in terms of product model or an installer. I'm located in the Montreal area and haven't been able to find any decent information on a good installer or what model to go with. Any advice or recommendations? Thanks.

[Potsman]

Hello everyone, I've decided on a mini-split for our condo (mainly since none of the other options will work for us..) but I have no idea where to begin in terms of product model or an installer. I'm located in the Montreal area and haven't been able to find any decent information on a good installer or what model to go with. Any advice or recommendations? Thanks.

I am down the road in Gatineau and bought a fujitsu 15RLQ. I have a split level house 1250 sqft on the main floors. I love this thing as it is saving me a mint in electrical. The only downside is the heating does not work below -15. This year has been colder than average, so my hydro bill for the last month will be higher due to having to resort to baseboard heat, but the other 10 months, I can't say enough good about it. This model is I believe the most efficient you can get at 20 seer AC cooling and 10 HSPF heating

http://www.master.ca/en/products/cards/1001.html

[fugazi11]

Although I am in Toronto, we also went with the Fujitsu can't remember if it was the 15RMLQ or 12RMLQ and 9 RMLQ. Was impressed how it worked in the summer but we don't use it in the winter. Perfect for a quick blast of heat in the fall and spring.

[Cronzor]

Thanks for the input!

If either of you don't mind sharing, how much did the unit + installation cost?

@Postman: Who did you go to for installation? Was it someone through the site you linked? Would you recommend them?

[Potsman]

Thanks for the input!

If either of you don't mind sharing, how much did the unit + installation cost?

@Postman: Who did you go to for installation? Was it someone through the site you linked? Would you recommend them?

$4600 taxes and installation included. This also included a 10 year warranty full parts and labour and have a 24 hour call center for emergency calls. The company was Thermo-Maitre. The install was very professional as it included all permits as well as finishing. The install took about 3 hours in total. The outside was well done as the compressor tubes are hidden very well due to a matching sheet metal cover. If only I could get the home reno credit this year:(

the web-site is http://www.thermo-maitre.com/

[fugazi11]

I think we were $4800 for the 2 units. I rememeber last year when we were looking there was a name of someone from MTL that had a unit installed very cheap. Maybe do a search on this forum and see if you can find them

[Caz666]

Just jumping and bumping this in with my 2 cents because the installers JUST LEFT my house after I spent the better part of 1 year shopping for a mini-split. I want to share my experience because I got a lot of help here.

Please see the following thread (as hinted by fugazi11) for good info.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=580148&highlight=mini-split

With the help of that thread, I decided against chepo chinese units.
I was looking for a Samsung for this year and was about to call Shafique (the installer refering the 18k BTU for about a good price in that previous thread), but then I heard bad things about Samsung for spare parts (like they aren't always available).


I decided to get a Fujitsu 12RLQ. It is the most energy efficient unit on the market (21 SEER?). It is listed as 12k btu but can do just above 14k. It is the heatpump model and I had is installed for 3751$ including tax and installation.

The company I bought it from is just great (www.jm-air.ca). I deal with Olivier for the quote. They are family owned and offer good service. They were are dream to deal with compared to the other 6 quotes I got. They sell all major brands and don't care which you get (a lot of other guys PUSH the brand they have in stock). They also give prices on the phone and say that their prices are imbeatable compared to other REAL companies (licensed and authorized). I didn't get to verify this as they were quoting me the cheapest price by 300 or 400$ for all the models I was shopping.

They also offer 0% financing for 24 months (something like 157$ per month in my case).

I highly recommend you consider them. I could have gone for something below 3000$, but I REALLY liked the 10 year bumper to bumper warranty that Fujistu offers. Other brands offer 3-5 years and not always parts & labor. Sometimes it is only parts, only the compressor, etc.
The Fujistus are 10years on everything.

If I had to pay cash, I may have tried to save a few bucks and get a Samsung or LG or other brand. But with 0%...I splurged!

I don't know if I could have gotten a better deal, I was just sick of the whole process and these people made me feel comfortable.

Caz in MTL

[Cronzor]

Wow, I'm glad I still had this thread bookmarked. I was about to delete it! Thanks Caz, I'm calling them tomorrow. I really appreciate the info!

I'm thinking a 12RLQ or 15RLQ depending on whether the 12 will meet my needs. It's 1300 sqft over 2 floors.

Again, can't thank you enough. I've been getting really irritated with the researching!

[Cronzor]

A note for Montrealers reading this thread, I would strongly recommend against J.M. Air - see this thread: http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=754436

I'd also like to ask Caz how the installation went...

[Caz666]

Hmmm...

I am sorry for the inconvience that they caused you, especially since you seem to have taken my advice on the company.

My service and installation was EXACTLY as quoted and I have been nothing but satisfied with the company, the unit and the installation. I have also referred a few other people to this company and they have nothing to complain about.

I am not trying to defend them, what they did to you should not be accepted. I am just wondering why there is such a huge difference between my experience and yours?

They actually ran an electrical circuit to the outside of my duplex (through my crawl space) and installed a new breaker in my box. There was no room left for a double breaker (20amp? I no close to nothing about power, so unsure here), so they actually took 2 15 amp circuits and installed one 2x15 amp breaker to make room for the new breaker in the box.


I don't know what to say. My exprience was extremely positive (enough to take the time to come back here and post). My friends and I could not find better pricing in 2008 or 2009. My AC has been working full blast and is doing exactly what it should (my 1100+ ft lower duplex has been at around 70F and 45% humitidy for the past, very hot and humid, few weeks).

Honestly, if it was me, I would cancel the checks. That would get their attention and reverse the problem. They would then be in a position of coming after you for the money. I know that you want to take the high road, but your unit insn't working...they promised it would.

I don't believe that they WANT to take legal action against your either...

Please let me know how this works out because I truely want to know if they are worth my referal to friends and future business.

I am happy with the results, but the measure of any truely good company is how they deal with problems not easy installations.


Good Luck!


Caz

[Cronzor]

Just an FYI for anyone googling them, JM Air has not responded to my formal notice and it looks like legal action will be required.

These guys are not to be trusted.