Category Archives: Ductless Mini-Splits

What’s the best Air Conditioning for your home?

Everything you need to know in the purchase of the right AC unit for you, as summer heat is quickly approaching. The good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from. Keep in mind, all of the following possibilities can only cool one to two rooms at a time, max. They’ll also need a way to pump hot air from the inside of a building to the outside. To get started, pick the highest priority rooms that have outside walls, then use a BTU calculator to figure out how much cooling power you need for a given room size. Also, be sure to brush up on your A/C terminology before you go shopping. From there, it’s time to decide which type of unit is best for your home.

Window Units

Before you rule out window units entirely, be sure you’ve exhausted all your options. While some A/C units are a couple feet wide and designed for roughly standard size windows, there are mini air conditioners that can get as small as 14″ wide. Many of these are designed for casement windows, which open horizontally instead of vertically like most slide windows. These devices are taller instead of wider. It may be difficult to find one that fits perfectly, but it’s worth taking the extra time to look around before moving on to the more complex options.

The advantage with window units is that all the important parts—the compressor, condenser, expansion valve/coil, etc.—are all in one big box. The installation of these is much simpler and they’re very portable. Be sure to thoroughly search for a window unit before exploring other options. Find out what type of window you have and see if other people have a similar problem. If you absolutely can’t find a window unit, it’s time to move on to more elaborate solutions. Window units provide the most cost-effective and painless solution to cooling a single room. The units are relatively cheap and they have a lot of cooling power. If you’re renting or want to avoid serious wall modification, this is the way to go.

Portable Units

The simplest non-window based option is a portable A/C unit. These are devices that usually sit on the floor near a window. Hoses will carry air inside and out through a window. Typically, these units will come with adjustable hose frames to place in the window that keep them in place. Technically, all the parts are physically in one box, but you’ll still need a connection to the outside world for them to function.

When deciding on a portable unit, you’ll have to choose between single or dual hose systems. A single hose system uses just one tube to pump hot air out of the building. The trouble is that this reduces the air pressure inside your home. This causes more hot air from the outside to come in through cracks in doors and windows. The A/C unit has to work extra hard as a result, which is a terribly inefficient system. It’s not a huge concern if you’re trying to cool a small space, and these devices are generally less expensive. For a larger home, though, the extra energy costs can rack up fast.

Dual-hose units, on the other hand, cool the hot air that’s already inside the house and returns it to the room from whence it came. To keep the unit itself from overheating, a second intake hose pumps in air from the outside to cool the device and then pushes it right back out again. This system is much more efficient because the device isn’t constantly working against itself. Dual-hose systems are almost always the way to go unless you only need to cool a very, very small area. Just keep in mind that some units can get pricey.

Whichever model you choose to go with, though, a portable hose unit should probably be your last resort. This is for those who absolutely can’t use a window unit and aren’t able to do any wall modifications. As Consumer Reports points out, they’re costly and not very efficient in general. A similarly-sized window unit will cool better than its portable counterpart.

Ductless/Split Units

This is where you start to get into some heavy lifting, but you also get a much nicer unit. Split units consist of two parts: the indoor component that you can mount on a wall, and the outdoor component that sits cozily next to your home. The upside to this is that you can hang the device in a place that looks good instead of setting a giant box awkwardly near whatever window is available. The downside is you’ll almost certainly have to start drilling holes.

A “ductless” system might sound like a bit of a misnomer to the layman. All “ductless” means is that you don’t need to have a complex system of action movie hero escape routes running throughout your entire home. You will, however, need hoses running from the inside of the room you want to cool to the outside condenser unit.

The good news is that you may not need to do too much work on your walls. If you know how to run wires or hoses through walls, split units are comparatively simple to install on your own. As with any project where you have to drill holes in a wall, though, don’t tackle a project like this unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing.

A split system is a great option if you live in a hot region and need to cool a large area inside your home. Their cooling power is among the closest you can get to real central air without tearing apart all your walls and ceilings to install. The two main disadvantages here is that these units will be among the more expensive you can find, and you can’t move them from room to room like you can with a window or portable unit. You will also still need multiple units to cool separate rooms.

 

Wall Units

By far, the most complicated option is a wall mounted air conditioner unit (otherwise known as where Dexter keeps his secret box). This type of device is very similar to the window system, except instead of using a pre-existing hole in your wall, you have to cut one instead. This involves watching out for pipes, wall studs, and generally ensuring the stability of your home while you make a hole big enough to fit a small person through in the side of your abode.

Wall units are the kind of project where if you don’t already know you can do it on your own, you should talk to a professional before getting started. The upside to going this route is that you can find units that are much closer in price to the inexpensive window-based options. Of course, what you save in hardware costs you could end up spending on installation. Also, this may not be an option if you live in an apartment or dorm room. However, they have a lot more cooling power than portable A/C units, and are even more efficient than window units due to the much tighter seal. The energy savings can be well worth the trouble over the long term.

 

Feder’s offers a wide variety of the finest air conditioners, also professional installation; so please call or stop by and speak with our knowledgeable staff to pick the right fit for you! Remember we have added a new showroom/warehouse in Santa Monica so you can order from either there or our North Hollywood locations. North Hollywood Showroom/Warehouse: 818-769-8000 or TOLL-FREE: 866-FEDERS-0 North Hollywood Warehouse: 818-982-3300 Santa Monica Showroom/Warehouse: 310-450-8585 or TOLL-FREE: 855-28-FEDER

Get Exclusive Notifications On Brand-New Kitchen Appliances And Air Conditioners For Pennies On The Dollar

As many of you may be aware, our new Outlet store was officially opened a couple of weeks back on February 1st to a wonderful reception. Since the opening of the Feder’s Outlet, close to 100 scratch and dent and slightly-used pieces have already been sold for huge discounts.  Many for pennies on the dollar!

Although Feder’s Distributors will always provide the best pricing and service to the multifamily building owner, manager, and contractor, we are committed to selling great products for pennies on the dollar in our Feder’s Outlet store.

Understandably, during these tough economic times our customers are always looking for ways to save even more on their kitchen appliances and air conditioners.  We wanted to let you to know that we’re here to help!

Our best products at the best prices have yet to arrive!

Often times, manufacturers have pieces that are found on the production line with slight blemishes or a broken part.  Some may not be in perfect condition so they are brought back to the factory and made perfect,  or close to perfect, and given a fully-backed manufacturer’s warranty.

Later this week, Feder’s Outlet will receive the first truckload of brand-new items that have been refurbished to premium quality by the manufacturer.  Again, All items are “A” product kitchen appliances and air conditioners and come with the full manufacturer’s warranty.

We expect to receive several trucks of these types of items per month and they’ll always contain a mixed bag of goodies.  Often times, an entire truck of product could contain only one piece you may be looking for, so when it’s gone, it’s gone.

That’s why it is imperative for you to sign up below to receive an electronic list of appliances and air conditioners on each truck before it arrives!  Before anyone else has an opportunity to snatch it from under you.

Sign up here and choose the Feder’s Outlet list to receive information on incoming products before anyone else:

Get Exclusive Notifications From Feder’s Outlet
Email:


Our Trip To The AHR Show In Orlando, Florida

The full flight didn’t allow for an upgrade, but we’ll take an on-time take-off and a tailwind that helped us arrive 1/2 hour earlier than expected any day.  In fact, it seemed like our flight from LAX to ORL was the shortest 4 1/2 hour flight ever.

Unfortunately, getting to The Hard Rock Hotel seemed to take longer than the flight because of a gps system from Enterprise RAC that was working on about a 3 mile delay.  But we made it to the room and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at The Palm in the lobby of the hotel.

Getting to the convention center on Monday morning from the hotel was uneventful and quick. Walking into the main hall reminded us of the last few shows, but it seemed like there was a good turnout of attendees and the convention center floor (approximately 354,000 square feet) was full of vendors.  In fact, there were slated to be about 40,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors.  About 200 of the vendors had not displayed before.

AHR Schedule

Many of the majors were there, LG, Gree, GE, Amana.  And there were so many parts dealers, it was hard to decipher one from another.

I don’t know how so many vendors can sell copper piping, ducts, vents, covers, and other small parts.  But they seemed to be busy.  It also seemed like everyone and their mothers who manufacture air conditioners were also selling portables and ductless mini-splits. Again, reminding me of the last few AHR shows.

However, most were involved heavily in the R410A way of life than the older R22 of old.  And the transition to it had been a large undertaking.

Missing from the show were a few major manufacturers like Trane and Fedders and the most impressive booths were Gree’s and LG’s.

Gree BoothGree Booth 2Gree Booth 3
Although a pretty standard setup, they were definitely showing a large variety of products.  Gree seems to manufacture product for about 25% of the industry (including Soleus and Hitachi) and LG seems to change their acronym every year (from Lucky Goldstar, to Life’s Good, to their current Life’s Green) to keep with the times.LG Booth

GE had a small booth displaying a re-vamped ductless system, but their pricing is still too high for the economy we’ve been in for the past couple of years.  Amana had a small booth as well, but nothing on display to really write home about.

All in all, it didn’t seem like there where a whole lot of new products or innovations at this year’s AHR Expo.  Although solar has been talked about a lot as of late, I still feel that we’re at least 3-5 years away from truly solar-powered products that are small enough, powerful enough, and cheap enough to replace our standard energy-eating air conditioning and heating products.  In fact, one of the only solar products we saw, was a solar charging station pictured below.

Solar charging station

There was some talk about the 7 companies with new innovations(Delphi, AIC Wireless, Danfoss, Daikan AC, Samsung, Muller Industries, AEC Design Group, and DuraSystems Barriers), but mostly they improved upon something as opposed to reinventing the wheel.  It’s time our industry really had a breakthrough product that uses very little to no energy, or is so cheap to manufacture, it’d turn the ac business on it’s head.

Unfortunately, those innovations haven’t come to fruition yet.

One company that is slated to begin production on a DC solar-powered ductless mini-split unit later this year didn’t even take part in the show.  We expected to at least see their booth and get more information about their truly unique product, but unfortunately, there was none to be had.

We were invited to a private party hosted by Airwell Fedders on Monday night where they were showing their latest wares, but unfortunately, we were underwhelmed.  Yes, they had a builder model ac on display, another couple of wall units, an outdoor condenser and the usual portable unit, all complete with R410A.

Airwell Fedders 2010 "A" Chassis

But we weren’t blown away by anything we saw or Anything the reps discussed.  And for a company crawling out of the black cloud of bankruptcy and under new ownership, they definitely missed their mark for 2010.  At least, they should have shown their new CRAC System discussed here!

In the end, we realized we could have stayed home and just replayed the video of the past few years of AHR shows in our heads and wouldn’t have missed a thing.

AOA’s Million Dollar Trade Show Huge Success For Feder’s Distributors!

On Tuesday, October 27, Feder’s Distributors participated in the Apartment Owners Association’s annual “Million Dollar Trade Show,”  and it was a great success!

Over 2,000 attendees visited our booth and learned about the advantages of ductless mini-split air conditioners and heat pumps, took advantage incredible specials sponsored by Frigidaire Appliances and Whirlpool Appliances, and received brand-new Feder’s tee shirts and pens.

We had over three hundred apartment owners and managers sign up for free giveaways, trade-show specials, and to open new accounts of up to $1,000 in purchases with great 30-day terms!

Feder’s Distributors is truly the premier leader in multifamily appliances and air conditioner sales throughout Southern California.  Thanks to Chris Baker, Rick Smith, Gabriel Hernandez, and Bob Moryuseph for helping to make the Feder’s booth a huge success.

Pictures from the show:

Prices Slashed On All Room Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, And Portables At AAFeders.com

If you’ve been reading our posts during the past couple of months, you’ll already know that more than fifteen truckloads of room air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and portable air conditioners have been ordered and off-loaded into our now-fully-stuffed warehouse in North Hollywood.

Enough buying already, we need to start selling these units! So, in the middle of the Summer, we’ve drastically reduced the prices on all models at AAFeders.com!

So, if you’ve been putting off purchasing an air conditioner because you think the Summer is almost over, or because it was too expensive, now is the time to buy! Many of the models we carry are already priced at 10%-25% lower than most retailers, but now they are even lower! And when you purchase an high-efficient Energy Star air conditioner, you could still qualify for up to $150.00 in additional rebates!

Don’t wait any longer, prices will keep going up! Please contact us if you have any questions: 866-333-3770

What is a Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner?

Ductless air conditioners are called “mini-split” systems because they are similar to a regular ducted split central air conditioner, only on a smaller scale. A split system means that the compressor/condenser unit is located outdoors and “split” from the indoor cooling coils/blower. Just a small three-inch diameter hole is cut in the wall to run the tiny refrigerant lines and electric wires to the indoor cooling units.

With the compressor outdoors and an indoor cooling unit mounted high on a wall or ceiling, they are super-quiet (sounds like a “whoosh”). These units are typically even quieter than many ducted central air conditioners. In a central unit, huge amounts of air must wind through complex ducts with many bends and shape changes, all of which contribute to noise.

Mini-split ductless air-conditioners are a preferred option to trying to use several room air conditioners to cool an entire house. Window units may block the window.

Nowadays the efficiency ratings of ductless systems (SEER from 10 to 19) are as high or higher as the top-of-the-line central air conditioner (SEER up to 16), and they can still be more efficient than window, wall and even central units. Since mini splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in a unconditioned space such as an attic.

Heat pump models are also available for keeping warm. If you hate that first shot of chilly air in the winter each time the furnace or heat pump blower starts, select a ductless model with a soft, slow start and a pre-heater for the air. For colder climates, some of the heat pump models also have backup electric resistance heat.

Ductless, mini split-system air-conditioners and heat pumps (mini splits) have numerous potential applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The most common applications are in multifamily housing or as retrofit add-ons to houses with “non-ducted” heating systems, such as hydronic (hot water heat), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane).

They can also be a good choice for room additions and small apartments, where extending or installing distribution ductwork (for a central air-conditioner or heating systems) is not feasible. Applications in other types of buildings include: recording studios, school classrooms; perimeter cooling for office buildings; additional cooling for restaurant kitchens; and cooling for small offices within larger spaces, such as arenas, warehouses, and auditoriums.

The primary disadvantage of mini splits is their cost. Although, costs have decreased dramatically during the past few years, such systems can cost about $600-$2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu per hour) of cooling capacity. This is about 10% more than central systems (not including ductwork) and may cost twice as much as window units of similar capacity.

The installer must also correctly size each indoor unit and judge the best location for its installation. Oversized or incorrectly located air-handlers often result in short-cycling, which wastes energy and does not provide proper temperature or humidity control. Too large a system is also more expensive to buy and operate.

Purchase from a wide variety of ductless mini-split air conditioner heat pumps on our website here

Own/Manage multi-family apartment real estate? Earn higher rents! July ad now

Own or manage multi-family apartment units?  Ever think about raising rents in today’s current market?  Offer your current tenants more value and your prospective tenants a fresh start.

An amazing opportunity to do that right now is here!  Purchase a new range for $257 or dishwasher for $189.  Or how about offering more comfort during the coming Summer months. Air conditioners starting at only $69.00!*

How about a brand-new deluxe 18 CuFt Refrigerator that qualifies for a $65.00 EnergyStar rebate for only $499.00?  $434.00 after rebate!

See our July apartment owners advertisement here: bit.ly/yirOG

*After utility company $50 rebate.

Getting Cool And Staying Cool–Summer’s Here

I’ve grown up enjoying the heat of Southern California.  There were always pools to go swim in, beaches to lie out at, and a cool house to come home to.  My family’s always had air conditioning.  In the home that I grew up in, we always had central air conditioning (HVAC).  The compressor (condensing unit) sat outside my house, ducts ran throughout the ceiling inside, connecting to a furnace in our attic.  It kept each room cool in the Summertime and Warm in the cooler Winters.  So refreshing.

When I moved out for the first time, it was into an apartment that had an air conditioner in the living room wall.  Then, I rented a condo with an air conditioner in the living room wall and an air conditioner in my bedroom window.   Unfortunately, that was the only window I had in my bedroom, and couldn’t enjoy the beautiful view of the park across the street!

Window and wall air conditoners are typically used in multi-family buildings like apartments, condominiums and town homes.  In these environments, they are usually really old (some more than 20 years old), unsightly, noisy, and so  un-environmentally friendly that they accounted for a nice chunk of our electric bill each month!  Landlords often think that replacing window or wall air conditioners is expensive and can make their building look unsightly.

In fact, there are many reasons why a landlord should  and absolutely no reason why a landlord should not replace or install a new window or wall air conditioner. Here’s why:

Keep tenants happy. First and foremost, a happy tenant is more often than not, a good tenant.  After a long day at the office, it’s tougher to have clear, positive karma without the nice cool breeze  of an air conditioner on a warm, humid night.

Cool at any price. First of all, if a landlord doesn’t want to spend the money for a new air conditioner, often times tenants would be willing to pay an additional few bucks a month in their rent to stay cool during those hot, humid  Summers. Window air conditioners that would cool a small bedroom up to approximately 150 square feet can be purchased for about $70 after utility rebates!

Out of sight, out of mind. If the landlord doesn’t want the boxy-appearance of a sleeve sticking out of their exterior windows or walls, they can recommend that the tenant purchase a portable unit.  Although the hot air still needs to vent outside of the room being cooled, the hose does not extend past the screen of an open window.

Process of buying an air conditioner is a pain! Buying an air conditioner is actually a pretty simple thing to do.  Once you answer only a few questions, any landlord or manager will know exactly what they need to buy

Quieter, more appealing options. Again, if you don’t want the boxy-appearance of a sleeve sticking out of the exterior windows or walls of your building, and don’t mind spending a few extra bucks on the installation of a ductless mini-split air conditioner, these are a great option!  Want to know more?  Click here.

Earth Day Specials From Feder’s Distributors!

A&A Feder's, Inc.

Promotion
Feder’s Distributors is celebrating Earth Day, 2009

As you may know, today is Earth Day 2009.  Today marks the beginning of the Green Generation Campaign.


With negotiations for a new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day 2009 must be a day of action and civic participation, to defend The Green Generation’s core principles:

-A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuels, including coal.
-An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption.
-Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and transforms the global education system into a green one.

To commemorate Earth Day, please see below for a few specials on products available from Feder’s Distributors.
Sincerely,
Marcus Feder

A&A Feder’s, Inc.

Fedders 8,000 BTU
EnergyStar Window Air Conditioner

A7Q08F2B
This air conditioner is made to fit double-hung windows and can cool your bedroom on a sweltering day.  The plug is made to fit into any normal 115V home outlet and this air conditioner comes with a remote for simple and convenient control.  Dimensions: 20″w, 12 1/2″h
Our Price: $225.00
List Price: $379.00

S & H: $65.00 (Within California)


Fedders 12,000 BTU
EnergyStar Room Air Conditioner

Made to fit windows or walls, this air conditioner can cool up to 500 square feet of living space.  If you have a room on the second floor, this unit is perfect for approximately 350 square feet!  The unit comes with a remote and a plug to fit any normal 115V home outlet.  Dimensions: 23 5/8″w, 15″h
Our Price: $288.00
List Price: $375.00
S & H: $65.00 (Within California)


Soleus 9,000 BTU
13 SEER Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

When you need to cool a room and don’t want any unsightly contraptions sticking out of your window or wall, and want complete silence from your air conditioner, this is the way to go!  Like a central air conditioner, the compressor sits outside, and the air handler is mounted at the top of your wall.  Use the remote control to control all air conditioning and heat functions.
Our Price: $613.00
List Price: $799.00
S & H: $65.00 (Within California)


Samsung Vivace 12,000 BTU
19 SEER Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

In addition to the incredibly high SEER rating of 19.0, this Samsung Vivace air conditioner brings style, sophistication, and elegance into the interior design of your home. It also boasts a wide array of technological features that help you and your family live a healthy life by providingclean, fresh air that’s virtually free of harmful elements!

Our Price: $1,375.00
List Price: $1,779.00
S & H: $65.00 (Within California)


Whirlpool 15 Cubic Foot
EnergyStar Top-Mount Refrigerator

We just received a truck of these excellent top-mount refrigerators.  These are perfect for any apartment, condominium or garage.  It uses about 1/2 as much energy as the same-size refrigerator manufactured more than 7 years ago and costs even less than a brand-new 17 or 18 Cubic Foot non-EnergyStar mode after the rebatel!
Our Price: $499.00 (After $50.00 utility company rebate)
List Price: $599.00
S & H: $29.00 (Within Los Angeles County)


Frigidaire Affinity Front-Load Washer & Dryer

Frigidaire is the largest manufacturer of front load laundry in the
world. So you expect contemporary styling that’s beautifully designed
to fit your lifestyle.

You trust that the iCare™ Intelligent
Fabric Care system gently washes and completely dries to keep your
clothes looking their best. With no agitator, you count on tumble
action to wash so gently and rinse so completely that your clothes feel
fresher and last longer.

Our Price: $1,557.00
List Price: $1,999.00
S & H: $65.00 (Within Los Angeles)


Feder’s Distributors

Best prices; simple purchasing process;
unmatched sales assistance.

Thank you so much for your continued support. After 43 years in business, we are still here to help and can usually answer any question you have within minutes.  If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Or, better yet, how about following me on Twitter?

Here’s to a greener planet!

Feder’s Distributors

5720 Lankershim Boulevard

North Hollywood, California 91601

818-769-8000 | 323-877-8957 | Toll-Free 866-333-3770

Samsung Vivace Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Goes Beyond Green!

Samsung Vivace AQV12VBC

In addition to the incredibly high SEER rating of 19.0, the Samsung Vivace (AQV12VBCN) air conditioner brings style, sophistication, and elegance into the interior

design of your home. It also boasts a wide array of technological features that help you and your family live a healthy life by providing clean, fresh air that’s virtually free of harmful elements!

The Vivace has features that enhance life…

-Micro Plasma Ion (MPI)
The MPI improves indoor air quality (IAQ) by eliminating biological contaminants that threaten your health such as viruses, bacteria, molds, and allergy causing agents.

-Multi-Step Air Purifying System

The Samsung Multi-Step Air Purifying removes virtually all elements that are harmful to people by using various filters. At the same time, the system also keeps the interior of the air conditioner ultra-clean, so only ultra-fresh air is produced.

-Good Sleep Mode 2

Does this sound familiar: You sleep with the air conditioner turned off and it gets too hot. You sleep with the air conditioner on, it gets too cold. How do you stay comfortable? With Samsung’s Good Sleep II, the room temperature automatically adjusts to your body temperature so you remain comfortable during your sleep. It can even save you up to 36% in energy costs.

-Smart Inverter
Save, save, and save with Samsung’s Smart Inverter. When reducing energy costs with an air conditioner, an inverter is a must. Samsung’s S-Inverter technology lower energy consumption by up to 50% compared to a conventional air conditioner. Its powerful and delicate features allow you to reach the desired temperature so there’s less fluctuation and less motor

run-time, which translates to a quieter system and less wasted energy.

-Waterfall Heating Air Flow
The new Samsung air conditioners feature a wide-angle vane system. In conventional models, the indoor unit’s vane could only open up to 70 degrees, which made it difficult to direct heated air to the lower spaces of a

room. The wide-angle vane system can open the vanes to an angle of 90 degrees. You can control airflow direction vertically and horizontally, providing even distribution of air to anywhere in the room.

-Auto Changeover
The Auto Changeover option automatically selects the operating mode (cooling or heating) according to the temperature setting. Thus, when a temperature is selected in the auto mode, the air conditioner heats and cools as required maintaining the set temperature.

-Energy-Efficient and Quiet Fan

-Improved Low Temperature Operation

-Outdoor Installation Pipe

-1-Touch Hanger Plate

-Easy To Handle For Transporting or Handling

-Water Leakage Double Protection

Please contact Feder’s Distributors and speak to any sales representative to answer any questions you may have about this incredible product and its features!

Or CLICK HERE to purchase right now.

**UPDATED May 27, 2009**
Now available in 18,000 BTU (17.0 SEER) and 24,000 BTU (15.5)!  Check our website for pricing and to purchase!