A Comprehensive Review of the Mr. Cool Mini Split System: Six Months Use on the Homestead in Maine

Living in Maine comes with its unique set of challenges. One of the most notable is dealing with the harsh winter climate, which can sometimes dip into the bone-chilling negative 30s. For many homeowners, ensuring that their home remains warm and cozy during these frigid months is a top priority. In the pursuit of an efficient and reliable heating system, various options are available. From traditional furnaces to modern mini-split systems, each comes with its pros and cons.

Today, based on my experience and the YouTube walkthrough, I will delve into a thorough review of our six months journey with the Mr. Cool mini split system. This review will cover everything from installation to performance, comparing it to another popular brand, Fujitsu, and discussing various technical aspects to offer a holistic view of this heating and cooling solution.

The Challenges of Maine Winters

Winter in Maine is not for the faint-hearted. While this past winter was relatively mild by our standards, with no dips into the negative 30s, the state still experienced its fair share of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. For those unfamiliar with Maine winters:

• Temperatures: Average low temperatures in winter can range between 15°F to -6°F.
• Snowfall: The state regularly receives substantial snowfall, often leading to snowdrifts and accumulation that can measure in feet rather than inches.
• Insulation Needs: Given these conditions, homes and workspaces must be properly insulated and equipped with efficient heating systems to ensure comfort and safety.

The Mr. Cool Mini Split System

Installation and Setup

Setting up the Mr. Cool mini split system can be a straightforward process, especially if you opt for the DIY version with quick-connect fittings. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

Choosing the Right Location

For our installation, we chose a 20×30 workspace, which is not optimally insulated. The walls have R13 insulation, and the ceiling boasts six inches of fiberglass. Despite the less-than-ideal insulation, the Mr. Cool has performed impressively.

Electrical Setup

• Panel and Breaker Configuration: Our workshop has a 100-amp sub-panel, and we dedicated a 20-amp, 240-volt circuit for the mini split. It’s crucial to label the wiring correctly (e.g., using red tape on white wires to signify they are current-carrying conductors).
• Grounding: One critical aspect often overlooked is ensuring proper grounding. The ground wire should be connected to the grounding bus bar in the sub-panel, separate from the neutral bus bar.

Outdoor Unit and Disconnect

• Flexible Conduit: We used non-metallic liquid-tight conduit to connect the outdoor unit to the disconnect switch. This type of conduit is flexible and weather-resistant.
• Wiring and Safety: Ensuring that wires are correctly landed on their terminals is vital. Always double-check that the box is grounded, as this is key for both functionality and safety.

Performance During Winter

Despite the workshop’s modest insulation, the Mr. Cool mini split system maintained a steady 62°F throughout the winter. This temperature was sufficient to keep the workspace comfortable, and if we needed extra warmth for specific projects, we could easily raise the temperature to 70°F in about 15 minutes.

Efficiency and Power Consumption

One of the most common concerns with heating systems is their efficiency and power consumption. Here are some observations:

• Energy Efficiency: Both the Mr. Cool and Fujitsu systems seem to perform similarly in terms of energy efficiency during the winter. On average, during 30°F conditions, both systems consumed between 300 to 500 watts, cycling on and off as needed.
• Cycling and Consistency: The Mr. Cool appears more consistent in maintaining the desired temperature compared to the Fujitsu. The latter sometimes blows cool air before shutting down, a behavior less observed with Mr. Cool.

Remote and Control Features

One outstanding feature of the Mr. Cool mini split is its remote control functionality. Here’s a breakdown of its advantages:

• Follow Me Functionality: The remote can be set to follow the user, meaning the temperature is gauged from the remote’s location rather than the unit itself. This feature is particularly useful in larger spaces, ensuring a uniform temperature distribution.
• App Integration: The Mr. Cool system comes with a smartphone app that allows you to control and monitor the unit remotely. Notifications, such as filter cleaning reminders, ensure that maintenance tasks are performed in a timely manner.

Comparison with Fujitsu

Having both a Mr. Cool and a Fujitsu system installed in different parts of the property offered an excellent opportunity to compare their performance and features.

Noise Levels

• Fujitsu: The Fujitsu system has a ‘low noise mode,’ but even outside of this mode, when the outdoor unit kicks in, it often produces a noticeable ‘bang’ sound. This can be somewhat jarring, especially if you are near the unit.
• Mr. Cool: The Mr. Cool unit starts much more quietly, which is a small but significant comfort feature. There are no abrupt sounds when it cycles on.

Efficiency and Power Usage

• Similarity in Power Consumption: As previously noted, both systems are comparable in terms of their energy consumption. However, the Mr. Cool seems to have a slight edge in terms of maintaining a consistent temperature without unnecessary cool air blowing.

Control and User Experience

• Temperature Control: The Mr. Cool’s remote control, with its follow-me functionality, offered a more accurate temperature maintenance experience compared to the Fujitsu, which measures temperature at the unit, sometimes leading to uneven heating.
• App and Alerts: Mr. Cool’s app integration and alert system for maintenance tasks, such as filter cleaning, provide an added layer of ease, ensuring that the system is always functioning optimally. The Fujitsu requires manual tracking for such maintenance tasks.

Preparing for the Cooling Season

As the temperatures rise, our need shifts from heating to cooling. The Mr. Cool mini split system will be put to test in air conditioning mode. Given our positive experience during the winter, we anticipate a similar performance in the summer. We plan to extend the use of Mr. Cool units to other parts of our property, including the auto shop.

Air Conditioning Mode and Seasonal Transition

The transition from heating to cooling involves:

• Mode Adjustment: Switching the mini split from heating to air conditioning mode is straightforward and can be done using the remote control or the app.
• Filter Cleaning: Regular cleaning of filters, prompted by the unit’s reminders, ensures that the system operates efficiently and maintains good air quality.
• Energy Efficiency: Tentative observations suggest that the Mr. Cool system is equally efficient in cooling mode, maintaining a comfortable temperature without excessive power consumption.

Installation Cost and Long-Term Savings

One of the most significant considerations for any homeowner is the cost of installation versus long-term savings. The Mr. Cool system provides a compelling case:

Cost Breakdown

• Unit Cost: The particular model discussed costs around $750, with additional expenses for mounting (approximately $40) and wiring (around $65).
• DIY Savings: Opting for the DIY installation saves on labor costs. The DIY unit with quick-connect fittings costs around $1,500, but by purchasing the tools needed for vacuuming and installation for about $300, significant savings can be achieved.

Warranty and Risk Assessment

The DIY Mr. Cool unit comes with a warranty that covers installations done by non-professionals. However, choosing a more traditional unit like the Advantage series, which requires professional installation, voids the warranty if installed DIY. Despite the higher upfront cost, the DIY route is financially advantageous, and the long-term savings on utility bills add to its cost-effectiveness by paying for itself over time.

Long-Term Savings

• Energy Efficiency: Over six months, the Mr. Cool system has demonstrated excellent energy efficiency. This translates not only into immediate savings on electricity bills but also potentially extends the lifespan of the unit by reducing operational stress.
• Maintenance Alerts: The built-in alerts for maintenance, such as filter cleaning, ensure that the system runs efficiently and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

Final Verdict: Is the Mr. Cool Mini Split Worth It?

Based on our six months of rigorous use during a typical Maine winter, the Mr. Cool mini split system has proven to be a reliable and efficient heating solution. Its performance, user-friendly features, and energy efficiency position it as a compelling choice for homeowners considering a mini-split system.

Here’s a recap of our key findings:

• Performance: The Mr. Cool system maintained a consistent temperature even in a partially insulated space, with quick adjustments available when more heat was required.
• Ease of Use: With follow-me remote technology and app integration, managing and maintaining the system is straightforward.
• Energy Efficiency: The system uses comparable power to other brands like Fujitsu but offers more consistent temperature maintenance.
• Cost and Savings: Significant savings can be realized with DIY installation, and the long-term efficiency adds to the financial benefits.

Future Plans and Recommendations

Looking ahead, our plan is to install additional Mr. Cool units in other sections, such as the auto shop. This systematic approach towards heating and cooling aligns with our commitment to efficiency and cost-effectiveness on the homestead.

For other homeowners considering a mini-split system, investing in the Mr. Cool series, whether the Advantage or the DIY model, comes highly recommended. The initial setup may require some learning and effort, but the long-term benefits—both financial and in terms of comfort—are well worth it.

In conclusion, the Mr. Cool mini split system has exceeded our expectations, providing warmth during the brutal Maine winter and promising cool relief as we transition into the summer months. Whether you’re dealing with the extremes of northern climates or just looking for a reliable HVAC solution, the Mr. Cool system is a standout choice for any homestead or home.

Thank you for following our journey. We hope that our review and insights inspire you to explore the possibilities Mr. Cool offers. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to test and review our heating and cooling solutions on the homestead.