Diy(ing) an air to air unit

[G and J]

We're struggling to get an upstairs fan coil solution (which was the original plan and piped for) that we're comfortable with, but in the intervening period since we've moved in (heatwaves etc) we're wondering if we should just go for a stand alone air conditioning unit.

 

Panasonic do a good looking r290 unit (solo) of the right spec, which looks straight forward enough to fit (annoying that it will be retro fit but there you go...) but

 

1. Is diy installation an reasonable option? and 

2. One supplier claims that unless professionally installed the warranty is invalid. Accurate or likely to be part of the sales pitch?

 

Views appreciated.

[LaChab]

Which unit are you thinking of? (Google failed me!)

[SteamyTea]

2 hours ago, G and J said:

we're wondering if we should just go for a stand alone air conditioning unit

If you hunt around on here, our old mate @Jeremy Harris fitted one, part from lifting it up, I seem to remember that it was fairly simple.

You may have trouble buying one though without an F-Gas certificate.

[G and J]

1 hour ago, LaChab said:

Which unit are you thinking of? (Google failed me!)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.oceanairuk.com/products/panasonic-rac-solo-compact-heating-air-conditioner-1-7kw-p-mog16ic5-e-external-grille-insect-protection-kit-1%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOorsxLd_RWG-eEId7ZEu1e5C_NQgel_LbDYGxL0LQYhH7nIZHS_G&ved=2ahUKEwiDmqma1sWWAxVdWkEAHbL3ENEQFnoECCkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2ow-2bmcoheKoRR2Eey5TB

 

14 minutes ago, SteamyTea said:

You may have trouble buying one though without an F-Gas certificate

Good old AI "suggests" f gas not needed for r290, but?

 

 

[-rick-]

15 minutes ago, G and J said:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.oceanairuk.com/products/panasonic-rac-solo-compact-heating-air-conditioner-1-7kw-p-mog16ic5-e-external-grille-insect-protection-kit-1%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOorsxLd_RWG-eEId7ZEu1e5C_NQgel_LbDYGxL0LQYhH7nIZHS_G&ved=2ahUKEwiDmqma1sWWAxVdWkEAHbL3ENEQFnoECCkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2ow-2bmcoheKoRR2Eey5TB

 

Good old AI "suggests" f gas not needed for r290, but?

 

The AI is sending you down the wrong path (slightly).

 

That particular unit doesn't need you to fiddle with gas at all. It's definitely diyable. Downsides are it requires two 100+mm holes in the wall (and thus mounting to an external wall) which unless you are very careful is going to mess with your air tightness. Equally, those holes will provide a route for external air into the unit bypassing insulation/heat exchange. It won't get into the room but in a tightly insulated house it may create a cold area in winter. Those two holes also bypass your insulation for sound deadening so you are likely to hear the outside more directly in that room. Finally, the compressor is in the internal unit so these will be louder than conventional split A/C (or water based fancoils).

 

Given the temperature has now gone down and you don't have to rush, I'd take a step back and look again at fancoils. See if you can make progress there. Failing that, look at proper split A/C units (likely requiring an installer - but the units are cheaper so overall cost of that install vs this unit might not be huge).

 

What's the issue you are having with fancoils?

[JohnMo]

Why not just get some Jags Strada Hybrid or similar. They are designed to run cooling a above dew point, same as the UFH. So no condensate drains etc. Another option is https://www.trimley.uk/ which is local to you I believe.

 

Through wall are fine, the Panasonic one you refer just needs two 100mm holes through an outside wall, plus the condensation drain - which can be through the wall also.

 

But no idea why your having issues getting a fan coil

[G and J]

29 minutes ago, -rick- said:

What's the issue you are having with fancoils?

Getting specs to make sure they are going to work in the way we want....size of units vs effectiveness....ability to locate where we want them.

 

Spilt system is not an option we want to take, mostly due to the limitation of our plot and also for harmonious relations with our neighbours.

 

32 minutes ago, -rick- said:

Downsides are it requires two 100+mm holes in the wall (and thus mounting to an external wall) which unless you are very careful is going to mess with your air tightness. Equally, those holes will provide a route for external air into the unit bypassing insulation/heat exchange. It won't get into the room but in a tightly insulated house it may create a cold area in winter. Those two holes also bypass your insulation for sound deadening so you are likely to hear the outside more directly in that room. Finally, the compressor is in the internal unit so these will be louder than conventional split A/C (or water based fancoils).

Downsides all relevant and need to be factored in, but sleep deprivation is real!

[G and J]

3 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

Another option is https://www.trimley.uk/ which is local to you I believe.

Looking at website now!

[G and J]

7 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

Another option is https://www.trimley.uk/ which is local to you I believe.

Literally down the road. Limited info but look to be wall mounted (we're looking for ceiling) and again size vs output for cooling isn't as 'good'.

 

We would really have prefered the fan coil route (our ufh cooling has been great), but there is also a question of future proofing...we don't want to cool below dew point, but in balmy Suffolk are the fan coils going to be enough?

 

Also 'investing' in appropriate blind for large west (ish) window, which will be great in the shoulder seasons, but in a heatwave not so great. The things that you only find out when you move in, despite meticulous planning!

[JohnMo]

More info here

https://community.openenergymonitor.org/t/is-is-still-possible-to-recommend-a2w-for-none-detached-properties/30194/19

 

That is where I first saw them

[JohnMo]

3 minutes ago, G and J said:

we're looking for ceiling)

The Panasonic one you referenced is a wall mounted also

[G and J]

2 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

6 minutes ago, G and J said:

we're looking for ceiling)

The Panasonic one you referenced is a wall mounted also

Good spot......we piped for ceiling mounted on internal wall. Can't  (or possibly more accurately don't want to) sensibly get pipes anywhere else for wall mounting.

 

This unit would go discretely in a different place. 

[-rick-]

1 minute ago, G and J said:

Good spot......we piped for ceiling mounted on internal wall. Can't  (or possibly more accurately don't want to) sensibly get pipes anywhere else for wall mounting.

 

This unit would go discretely in a different place. 

 

IMV the A/C unit would be much more unpleasant due to compressor noise. Would likely keep me up at night (light sleeper). Quiet fancoil will be much nicer.

[G and J]

30 minutes ago, -rick- said:

likely keep me up at night (light sleeper

Unlikely to keep going overnight, and the other consideration as also dries the air (which has an impact on comfort) likely not to need it working so hard as fan coil which helps balance out noise