Heard all the great reports about mini split AC units. And stumbled across these "mini" Mini Split units set up as window A/C. We bought 1 of these as a test, and put it out in our enclosed sun room, which we could never cool down with a conventional window AC. It has performed great!
The 8,000 BTU unit only draws about 9 amps max, so you can plug it into regular 15 amp outlet. (as long as you don't have something else big on same circuit). We have a breaker box Energy Monitoring system, and watched the power consumption for a few days. Ours never draws more than 5-6 amps (only when it's first turned on).
The unit will slowly decrease power usage as the room cools down. I just looked, and it's only drawing 2 amps now.
Our Central AC is 13 years old, and runs constantly in the Florida heat.
(we need more insulation, but that's another project)
We researched going to ductless mini split unit with 5 indoor units, but they were as expensive as the Central AC quotes we got.
So, rather than replace it, we decided to keep installing these units to be able to tame the summer electric bills.
2 months later, we have 5 of these units installed, and have turned off our Central A/C unit in August heat!
Checked on the Power company website, and we have lowered our electric usage 31%.
AND the savings allows us to lower the thermostat another degree so the house is cooler.
The another plus is you now have control of what areas your are cooling (just like Ductless mini Splits).
We only run the bedroom units at night, and main house units during the day, so we are not having to cool empty areas of house. (more $ savings).
Only (slight) Cons are
1. The outside drip hole is located on the underside (in the middle), so pay attention to where drip water is gonna land. (Hope Midea changes this on future models). We bought AC drip pans to control where the drip lands.
2. When you finish installing AC & supplied window bracket, there is a gap between AC and bracket,
but supplied foam, and a tube of window caulk has cured that.
3. No heat - I hope that Midea will install reverse heat pump valve on future units.
We're gonna have to turn Central AC/Heat unit back on when winter gets here.
4. They sell out quickly. We had to wait a month for 1st one to arrive.
When the new shipments come in, you can get usually get one in few days.
Also, your ceiling fans, and floor fans can interfere this unit's cooling ability. We have one in living room blowing into kitchen and noticed the kitchen was hot. Found out living room ceiling fan was pushing down the cool air, and not allowing it to get into kitchen. Guess this is true for any wall unit.
Oh, and by the way.... "eco mode" with both fan & cooling set to "auto" seems to be the most energy saving.
In Eco mode the unit will auto change fan speeds, and turn on/off as necessary to keep room at desired temp.
Just ordered 3 more units for my Mom's house. Will be here in 4 days.
----------------------------- 9/22/20 Follow-up ----------------------------------------------
We just got our first full month electric bill running our whole house on Five of the 8,000 btu units.
Total $ saving is now 40%. Mom's house first partial month bill showed a 27% savings. We've only installed 3 in her house so far. (2 bedrooms & living room/kitchen)
Have now completed the 8th install of this unit. (We are only installing 8,000 btu units due to small room sizes)
Still believe this unit is the future of cooling, and so happy we took a chance, and bought the first one.
I will say that yes, we have had a couple of units (#2 & #7) show up with signs of rough handling, but even those units worked just fine. I decided I didn't want to go through the time delay of re-boxing and returning the ones with a dent in the cover, and kept those two as well.
Out of the Eight Midea 8k units we have bought, most of them make a soft clicking or knocking sound for a few minutes when you first turn them on. The soft knocking sound always goes away after a few minutes.
After seeing the way the delivery drivers handled them, I decided that when I received unit #3, I would start doing a "soft startup" by turning it on for about a minute or two then turn off, and wait a couple of minutes, then repeat, I remembered reading somewhere that compressors have oil in them, so maybe it needs to get distributed through the system. Out of the 8 units received, I have found the shipping boxes on my front porch sitting upside down, on the side, and on the ends.
I decided to always let the new unit sit overnight (in upright position) to allow the coolant and stuff to settle back down in the compressor before turning it on. No idea if it made a difference, but I now have 8 for 8 running just fine.
I occasionally hear a "thump or knock", but its seems to be when the compressor turns off.
I am used to hearing the same kinda thump from my old (much louder) window A/C that I had in my office.
The inside unit being so quiet must lets some of the machinery noises get through.
As for the crickets, yup they all make the sound. I think it's the way this new technology works. You will notice the cricket sound slows down as the room cools down, so I guess it's the compressor rotary pump sound or something. We have 4 units installed in bedrooms, and after a few days most of family don't even notice the cricket sound anymore. When I do notice it from time to time I just smile and say it the sound of me saving money. I'm thinking if your sensitive to high frequency sounds, you may want to look at ways to deaden the sound coming from the outside unit through the glass by adding R3 insulation panel or try installing the AC in a window that puts the left side of unit (if looking at front on AC) away from where you will be sitting/sleeping. This will put the compressor on opposite side of you. We can tell a difference on the units where the compressor is away from where people are.
We have tried to install all of the units so they blow toward the room doorways to cool hallways and bathrooms.
If you are installing one in a small bedroom you may want to monitor the humidity.
Our only "problem child" install is the smallest bedroom. It only measures 10ft x 11ft (110 sqft).
This family member keeps their unit set to 73 degrees and the door closed all the time.
I remember when we were researching installing a full blown mini split unit, there were warnings about not oversizing the units because they would not run often enough to remove the moisture from the room air.
We noticed this room has a 67% humidity in the morning after running all night with the door closed.
We first started running the unit in "dry mode" for a hour to get the humidity back down to 45-55%, but decided to take a cheaper approach, and just open the door with the ceiling fan on. This seems to help. Still tinkering with this one.
Be sure to measure your window twice, and make sure your window opens approximately 14 inches high so you can get the unit in opening. We had one window that did not open high enough, and had to get a window guy to partial take apart the window until we got the A/C through the hole.
Lastly, Definitely a 2 person job. The install can be kinda tuff (balancing the Midea support frame out the window while you adjust the legs, and put the A/C on it . You may want to get a friend, neighbor or relative to help you install it.
Make very sure it is leveled the way the install video shows to keep the drip water flowing the right direction to outside unit.
------------------------------6/15/22 follow up ------------------------
Wow, almost 2 years!
1st 8k BTU unit was installed 7/17/20, bought rest of the 8k herd over the next 2 months in 2020.
Still have not turned the main central AC back on since 2020.
Actually put a cover over the outside unit to keep the leaves out.
This week has been very hot, but our five 8k units keep us cool!
In the winter we use 5 oil heaters in the same rooms as AC units. (small house)
Our electric bills 2 years ago were $300+ peaking to almost $400 in Florida August heat.
We now see average bills around $150.
Some suggestions...
- Clean the filter and front cover when the filter lite turns on.
I clean the filter in the kitchen sink running water through the filter 1st, then soap up my hands with dish soap and put the filter between my hands like I am washing my hands, but actually soaping up filter.
Then run clean water through the filter to flush soap. I put out 4 paper towels on counter top prior to starting, and then put the clean wet filter on top of the paper towels and use another couple of paper towels to pat dry the filter.
I clean the front cover with the wet paper towels.
- Resist the temptation to clean the cooling coil, the little foil fins bend even when paper towel brushes against them. I have use a vacuum a few times. I use the nozzle with no brush. Just vacuum the dust as best as you can without touching the coil with the nozzle.
- The outside portion of the units are my only complaint. Controlling the drip water is a challenge.
I have wooden window frames, and didn't want them to get water damage. We went with the drip pan that fits under AC units and capture the drip water, and funnels the water into a drain hose.
Did not find one made for this Midea U-shaped unit. Just measure unit and browsed for one that was approximately same size. I had to drills holes in it, and tie wrap it under the Midea support frame.
Also had to cut out space for window support frame legs. "Yea, I know. But it worked"
- The outside section keeps a little pool of drip water. For cooling the coil I guess.
Well, mosquitoes like it a lot.
Had a really big batch of mosquitoes after I started installing these units, and found it was that pool of water in the outside half that they were breeding in!
Mosquito Dunks and Bits solved it, but they can be messy too. Had to get creative with straws and a thin hose hooked to a wet/dry vacuum to clean as best as possible. I am debating on trying strips of screen covering the air vents to keep the mosquitoes and leaves out, but would have to be cautious of screen getting clogged and blocking air flow.
- A significant r for whether you love or hate this unit is avoiding buying a unit too big for your room size. Especially if you live in a humid area.
I live in Florida, its very humid.
I was lucky to stumble across an article on Florida Mini Split installation issues, that talked about issues with controlling humidity for comfort, and to some degree black mold.
The article talked about keeping you room humidity in the 50's for best comfort and moisture.
The article mentioned a common AC install issue is having a unit that exceeds the recommended room size. This AC being too large will cause it to cool down the room quickly, but more importantly the AC fan will not run for sufficient amounts of time to remove the moisture from the room air. I can speak from experience, room humidity in the 60's will feel muggy.
If I go to bed at night with bedroom at 53% humidity, and leave the door shut with Midea 8k running all night at 76 degrees, by morning that room will still be 76 degrees, but the humidity will be in the mid 60's, and the room will feel warm and muggy.
The great thing is that these units have built in de-humidifiers!
Just put the unit in dry mode for 30-40 minutes and it will lower the humidity level.
(yes, you will have to do this periodically).
As I have mentioned, I have 5 of these Midea 8k BTU AC's through my house, so I tend to have areas that are prone to having higher humidity levels when I run that AC. Also, I have AC units that seem to do a better job of lowering the humidity in "Dry Mode" for an area of the house. Some of the articles suggest installing the AC so that it's fan air is pointed across the room towards a room opening, or doorway. This pointing the AC air towards another area seems to help with humidity.
I had a small bed room that we put a 8k BTU unit in, but picked the window that only blew the air towards a blank wall. This bedroom was our biggest issue with excess humidity in the high 60's.
I never was able improve the high humidity by leaving door open, or adjusting the settings on the AC.
I finally read the article about fan air direction, and moved that AC to another window in the same bedroom, but this window points toward the bedroom door.
Now, this room's overnight humidity will only be in lower 60's versus high 60's when the door is open.
So room placement does seem to make a difference in performance.
I will summarize by saying these Midea U-shape units are the future of AC, and these are the 1st, so as technology improves, so will these Inverter AC units.
Yea, I clean and tinker with these AC's a little more than usual, but I am saving approximately 50% of our cooling cost with no changes to attic insulation.
The home run will be when they produce these AC's with heating.
Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Air Conditioner –Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft., Ultra Quiet with Open Window Flexibility, W
4.4 | 21,418 ratings
Price: 339.99
Last update: 07-16-2024
About this item
ULTRA QUIET - The U-shape design of Midea U Smart Inverter AC uses your window to block noise outside. The highly-efficient inverter system warrants ultra-low noise and vibration, 9x quieter than traditional units with operation as low as 32 dBA.Cooling Watts : 710W, Rated Cooling Amps (AHAM) : 8.78.Airflow (CFM) Roomside (hi low) : 215/150. Refrigerant : R32.
MORE THAN 35% ENERGY SAVINGS - With the advanced DC Inverter technology, Midea U achieves over 35% energy savings compared to other traditional units. It is the first window AC to obtain the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Certification
SMART CONTROL - Midea U Smart Inverter AC is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled from anywhere using the MSmartHome app on iOS or Android. You can also use voice commands throughout your house, office, or apartment using Alexa or Google Assistant devices
FLEXIBLE WINDOW OPENING - The U-shaped design allows your window to open, bringing fresh air into your home and maintaining more of your view when the unit is installed. When the window is closed, the Anti-Theft Mechanism locks the window for added safety
ROBUST INSTALLATION - Install the included quick-snap bracket, set the unit on the bracket, and secure the sidearms. Then you are all done and ready to enjoy. Available for single-hung or double-hung windows with width 22"-36", minimal height at 13.75"
MORE THAN 35% ENERGY SAVINGS - With the advanced DC Inverter technology, Midea U achieves over 35% energy savings compared to other traditional units. It is the first window AC to obtain the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Certification
SMART CONTROL - Midea U Smart Inverter AC is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled from anywhere using the MSmartHome app on iOS or Android. You can also use voice commands throughout your house, office, or apartment using Alexa or Google Assistant devices
FLEXIBLE WINDOW OPENING - The U-shaped design allows your window to open, bringing fresh air into your home and maintaining more of your view when the unit is installed. When the window is closed, the Anti-Theft Mechanism locks the window for added safety
ROBUST INSTALLATION - Install the included quick-snap bracket, set the unit on the bracket, and secure the sidearms. Then you are all done and ready to enjoy. Available for single-hung or double-hung windows with width 22"-36", minimal height at 13.75"
Product information
| Item Weight | 55.6 pounds |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Midea |
| ASIN | B08677DCKN |
| Item model number | MAW08V1QWT |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
20,609 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #240 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #2 in Window Air Conditioners |
| Care instructions | Clean your air conditioner occasionally to keep it looking new.Be sure to unplug the unit before cleaning to prevent shock or fire hazards. |
| Warranty Description | One limited year warranty from original purchase date. (Valid for authorized purchases only) |
| Batteries required | No |
| Included Components | Window Bracket, Remote Control |
| Floor Area | 350 Square Feet |
| Cable Length | 6.23 Inches |
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Noise Level | 42 dB |
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