Multi-head air conditioning installation, stage 1.

tion, stage 1.

The original plan was to install a multi head system, with five heads (one in each of five rooms), and one shared compressor, outside.

Due to a change of plans (see “Problems” below), we end up with three heads on our multi-head system, covering our downstairs living area (lounge, dining, kitchen), master bedroom, and guest room.

Configuration:

Shared compressor: 18kW (though much lower in actual use)
Head 1: Master bedroom: 2.8kW
Head 2: Guest room: 2.8kW
Head 3: Living area: 8.4kW

Cost:

The original quote was for a five head system, including two more 2.8kW heads and a slightly larger 20kW compressor.

$14,776 Emerald 20kW with 5 x heads
-$7,140 VEECS discount
-$386 EOY Sale
$7,250 Total inc GST

Inclusions:

Removal of Gas ducted system 1 (no duct removal)
Double storey

We paid about 20% deposit up front, and the rest on completion.

As you can see above, the VEECS rebate/discount paid for about half of the system. As part of the project, we replaced the existing gas ducted heating. I have detailed our gas heating removal in this earlier post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H5RaxGa4Q/
And the reasons why I choose to not have ducted again, here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AskvPV3ca/

We also replaced our old Panasonic 7kW split system that was slightly underpowered for our living area. It now needs a new home, along with the frog that was apparently warming itself there.

We chose an Emerald branded system. The company happens to have the same name as our town. But I chose it for other reasons, including price, warranty and because they include control via an app (which I will detail in another post).

The team of plumbers/gas fitters and electricians have been here for a couple of days, installing our new air con system. They did a great job, were consultative, approachable and professional.

We chose O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville because they have a good reputation, and gave the best quote. Their initial on-line quoting process was pretty good, promptly asking for photos and floor plans. They followed up with an on site inspection.

Some other companies I approached on-line either didn’t respond, or took ages, or couldn’t discuss anything until they sent out a rep. Someone really needs to build a step by step quotation system, with quick turnaround and status updates.

Problems:

O’Brien’s installation team was great, as I mentioned. But the process between that first quote and the final installation had several frustrations, mainly their long delays to email a reply to queries, and being passed between different contact people. They also sent someone out to do a second quote, which was more than the original. It left a sour taste since I had chosen them based on that first quote, but now weeks later it was too late to start the whole process again with another provider.

We had a technical hitch with installing the two heads in the upstairs loft rooms. The first quoter suggested that the heads might not fit in the space above the loft windows. The second quoter said it would be okay. But on the day, the installers said it wasn’t going to work. Not enough clearance inside, and the outside woodwork would make ducting difficult and ugly. The lead installer suggested that we instead opt for low level units, which are mounted about 15cm above the floor. But, we all waited in limbo while the office decided what to do. In the end, we had to defer the upstairs installation by a couple of weeks. I will post separately about that installation.

If I knew about the problems up front, I would have probably opted for a different system, such as one integrated with three ceiling heads downstairs and two floor level heads upstairs. Changing specifications mid install is something that should have been avoided much earlier.