Midea Split Systems - What Are Your Thoughts?

jm7 on 07/04/2024 - 12:57

I'm looking at replacing my gas ducted heating with 3-4 split systems (will probably go for multihead too).

Has anyone had a good or bad experience with Midea split systems (entry level, mid level and top of range)? The VEU rebates are highest for Midea and I believe Midea make ~40% of compressors worldwide and have huge market share overseas. I have also heard they manufacture for other brands such as Rinnai and Daikin.

Is there a reason they're not very popular in Australia other than being an unknown Chinese brand?

Also considering MHI but not sure they're worth the significant extra investment (am I just paying for the brand name?). I'm looking for best bang for buck taking into account reliability, quality, efficiency and quietness.

Electrical & Electronics Air Conditioner Midea

Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 07/04/2024 - 14:02

    Sounds like a good system. Does it have smart features, can you control them all with a single app. Or will it come with a complicated remote that looks like it was designed by a computer instead of a person.

  • 7ekn00 on 07/04/2024 - 14:36
    +1

    Also considering MHI but not sure they're worth the significant extra investment (am I just paying for the brand name?). I'm looking for best bang for buck taking into account reliability, quality, efficiency and quietness.

    Live part time in Darwin and have had plenty of experience with aircons over the last 35 years …

    MHI, Fujitsu and Panasonic are well worth the significant extra investment! They coat their PCBs with resin for some extra external protection!

    I used to think Daikin was a premium brand, but check their Product Ratings (most of the comments were EXACTLY what I experienced with them - Daikin don't coat their PCBs with RESIN - so when a system blows a PCB, which two of my five did within 2 years of purchase with 6 monthly deep cleans, and there are a few ants/spiders/roaches they WILL NOT EVEN COVER WARRANTY! Not only that, but "repairs" under warranty take MONTHS!! And when my office aircon blew a PUMP and CONDENSER at 5 years and 2 months after purchase, even AFTER waiting 3 months for previous repairs, they did NOTHING with no recourse)!!

    MHI, Fujitsu and Panasonic have all performed significantly better than Daikin in the past, but I got sucked into the installers hype regarding Daikin :/

  • BertieBrown on 07/04/2024 - 15:31

    I think you’re correct in Midea being a wholesale manufacturer, as well as an OEM manufacturer under their own name. AFAIK but I could be wrong Midea wholesale manufacture some models for Actron, Rinnai, Kelvinator, Braemar, and Carrier that those companies sell in Australia. They’re huge in China, but bear in mind that A/C purchase and install in overseas markets may be cheaper than here so people may be willing to buy a cheaper model. Overall considering how costly installation is in Australia I’d be inclined to get something that will likely last a bit longer.

    Daikin was, or is, depending on who you talk to, the default brand to go with. The thing is I know at least two people (who I know are fair dinkum, so not making up rubbish) with Daikin’s where the boards failed on three seperate occasions. Then again there’d be thousands of people who swear by them. Often that’s what it takes to put people off though, one experience where a board fails that isn’t covered and they hate the brand.

    MHI have (considering how much people like to complain, and will go to great lengths to do so) a very high rating on Product Review.

    Midea also sell what Americans refer to as U shape heat pumps, and wall heat pumps in the US, their U shape heat pump gets good reviews. For whatever reason ducted AC seems to be more popular in the US, but god only knows why cause if you’re outdoor compressor fails you’ve got no hearing or cooling.

    Personally, if I were you it would depend a bit on how much cheaper the Midea is than the MHI.

    • jm7 on 08/04/2024 - 10:13

      My thoughts exactly. I dont think Midea manufacture parts for MHI but I've heard they manufacture parts for entry level Daikins.
      If its only 1k difference I'll just go with MHI but if it's significant I will definitely consider Midea.

  • Kranbone on 07/04/2024 - 15:54

    Midea are a massive company who produce for the more established brands. Historically they've supplied OEMs and rebranded a product but recently there's been a shift to focus on retail too. They have the resources to do HVAC not just appliances.

    They're well known for microwaves. I couldn't find the article anymore but of a large amount tested, nearly all of them were actually made by Midea under contract.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSrVG74Emyk

    I wouldn't be put off. If you have a concern, try to go for the most simple/basic system which suits your needs.

    • jm7 on 08/04/2024 - 10:13

      I'm thinking the same thing. Thanks for your insight

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/04/2024 - 19:26
    +1

    Midea were absolute POS 10 years ago. No recent experience sorry.

    Problem is, if they work, happy days. If someone goes wrong then no one will touch it because it isn't Fujitsu or Mitsubishi etc.

    • jm7 on 08/04/2024 - 10:15

      Definitely something to consider. Surely it would be covered by ACL though and given Midea are expanding their retail presence and offer decent warranties, it shouldn't be an issue🤔

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 08/04/2024 - 16:18

        You might want to read the warranty carefully, and your proposed installer's terms. This isn't a microwave you can lug back to JB Hifi if it stops working.

  • R2D2P2 on 12/06/2024 - 07:37

    I installed 5 Midea indoor units through the VEU program. Very impressed. Quiet operation, effortlessly heats up the whole house including my large open plan living area. The massive 21KW ODU is also very quiet. My only complaint is that the indoor units did not come with the horizontal airflow vanes, which I expected to be a default.

    • lakadbagha on 22/06/2024 - 01:17

      @francton Which installer did you use.. any feedback ?

      • Arunintrade on 26/07/2024 - 07:13

        @francton @lakadbagha I am also considering to install the same, but couldn't find any great reviews yet. Which installer did you use?

    • onilebas on 28/08/2024 - 09:23

      installed 5 units of midea = $3000

      • toothfish on 28/08/2024 - 22:40

        Can i know which company did you approach to get this price? TIA.

      • Maybe on 10/09/2024 - 23:51

        Onilebas That's a fantastic price! What size in kW were the 5 units? And would love to know the company who did the work. Thanks.

      • ijkijk01 on 10/11/2024 - 12:26

        What company please? Looking to install mine as well

  • Brick50 on 25/11/2024 - 09:54

    Bump, anyone else had experience with the Midea multi split?

    • Jolakot on 27/11/2024 - 12:45
      +1

      I had a multi-split Midea system installed a few months ago in VIC; $2500 total after rebates for a 18kW outdoor unit, with 2x 8kW and 1x 3.5kW indoor Venus units installed.

      They're alright, pretty noisy and I found their sensor mode pretty useless (my LG unit will automatically direct air away from you, while this one doesn't seem to have that level of control). It also doesn't do a good job of keeping the room at a consistent temperature, for example if I want 22C, then it'll let it get up to 24C, then cool it down to 20C, rather than cooling it slightly at 23C, so you feel the temperature shift. Maybe it's a setting somewhere, never bothered to connect the app.

      Still I'd make the same choice again, the better brands like MHI and Daikin were $3000 extra for a less powerful system, which I just couldn't justify. Pretty happy with the multi-split setup, much cleaner than having 3 outdoor units.

      If I was planning to live here beyond the warranty period then I might have considered paying extra though, as I've seen Daikin's that are 25+ years old and still kicking, while these seem like they'll be lucky to make it to 10.

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