To replace or repair
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I have a Carrier split unit ductless AC wall unit in my onsite datacenter.
We installed it in Jan 2011.
Since installation the unit has had to have major repairs done 4 times, each costing in excess of $1000.
Summer 2013 failed external and internal control boards (??)
Summer 2015 failed external and internal control boards (cost covered by building owners)
Spring 2016 failed external and internal control boards and blower motor ($1700)
Winter 2016 failed external and internal control boards (possible blower motor) (already $900 in, and still another $500 to fix)I've received some quotes for replacement options
Portable business class AC unit - $4900
Typical maintenance - unknownDiakin split unit ductless AC wall unit - $4500
Typical maintenance - unknownMitsubishi split unit ductless AC wall unit - $5600
Typical maintenance - unknownBefore anyone asks, the boss is not interested in moving things to a DC.
I'm waiting for additional information on warranties and typical maintenance costs.
So here's my question - do I fix my current unit for the extra $500, and then replace it upon it's next failure or do I just replace it now?
Note
Oh, and I'm breaking the cardinal rule - I'm asking a vendor for suggestions - damnit I knew I forgot something. Can anyone recommend an HVAC consultant? (this is partly tongue in cheek) I have reached out to other contacts I have in the HVAC world, and they believe that either Mitsubishi or Diakin should be good brands for my need, but ensuring I have the proper unit is still needed. -
I liek Mitsubishi. Personal expereince, we have a Mitsubishi split unit for one of our "telco" rooms at one of our offices in Buffalo, NY. Installed in 2007 So far only 1 major repair (blower motor on outside unit failed in 2013, repair approx $1500 if I remember correctly) and we do yearly maintenance with our current HVAC vendor as part of a overall service contract (don't have cost in front of me). Unit has served us well. We moved the equipment out and into a real data center last year so the load on it now is rather light.
with HVAC its always the installer or company and not so much the unit. Try and get several quotes you will find a vast difference in prices and services offered. Check out sites like HeatingHelp.com (the forums are kinda like a MangoLassi for the HVAC crowd) -
Originally I was thinking that a portable unit might be the best. An all in one unit, connected to the ducts, easy to install, easy replace. But the mobility is completely unneeded, and the cost is an extra 10% over the Diakin, but offers a 10% discount over the Mitsubishi. But I don't know if it's really meant to run 24/7/365, or if they are really more meant as temporary solutions for a few weeks - so maintaining it could be costly.
The split unit is designed for continuous use, I do need to confirm they are both configured for Nebraska winters - I've learned that these units default design only takes them down to around 10. There are typically addons that get them below that.
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@Dashrender said in To replace or repair:
Originally I was thinking that a portable unit might be the best. An all in one unit, connected to the ducts, easy to install, easy replace. But the mobility is completely unneeded, and the cost is an extra 10% over the Diakin, but offers a 10% discount over the Mitsubishi. But I don't know if it's really meant to run 24/7/365, or if they are really more meant as temporary solutions for a few weeks - so maintaining it could be costly.
The split unit is designed for continuous use, I do need to confirm they are both configured for Nebraska winters - I've learned that these units default design only takes them down to around 10. There are typically addons that get them below that.
I have a portable unit at a client that has been running for 2+ years now. No idea what it is designed for though. But it only cost around $700 so for the cost it works well.
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@JaredBusch said in To replace or repair:
@Dashrender said in To replace or repair:
Originally I was thinking that a portable unit might be the best. An all in one unit, connected to the ducts, easy to install, easy replace. But the mobility is completely unneeded, and the cost is an extra 10% over the Diakin, but offers a 10% discount over the Mitsubishi. But I don't know if it's really meant to run 24/7/365, or if they are really more meant as temporary solutions for a few weeks - so maintaining it could be costly.
The split unit is designed for continuous use, I do need to confirm they are both configured for Nebraska winters - I've learned that these units default design only takes them down to around 10. There are typically addons that get them below that.
I have a portable unit at a client that has been running for 2+ years now. No idea what it is designed for though. But it only cost around $700 so for the cost it works well.
Consumer version I assume? From some place like Home Depot or Lowell's? If I could get a 1 ton unit like that, that might really be the cheapest option
Doesn't seem very business like though. -
A good support vendor makes all of the difference. What products you can get from the right vendor likely matters more than the AC unit itself.
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@Dashrender said in To replace or repair:
@JaredBusch said in To replace or repair:
@Dashrender said in To replace or repair:
Originally I was thinking that a portable unit might be the best. An all in one unit, connected to the ducts, easy to install, easy replace. But the mobility is completely unneeded, and the cost is an extra 10% over the Diakin, but offers a 10% discount over the Mitsubishi. But I don't know if it's really meant to run 24/7/365, or if they are really more meant as temporary solutions for a few weeks - so maintaining it could be costly.
The split unit is designed for continuous use, I do need to confirm they are both configured for Nebraska winters - I've learned that these units default design only takes them down to around 10. There are typically addons that get them below that.
I have a portable unit at a client that has been running for 2+ years now. No idea what it is designed for though. But it only cost around $700 so for the cost it works well.
Consumer version I assume? From some place like Home Depot or Lowell's? If I could get a 1 ton unit like that, that might really be the cheapest option
Doesn't seem very business like though.Yes and who cares what it seems like. It works well and the price point suffices.
