Questions & Answers
Ease of comfort is what we want you to continuously experience long after you’ve purchased your Pioneer® product. Trying to understand your HVAC system on your own can be daunting, which is why the experts at Parker Davis have compiled a few frequently asked questions and their answers below, in order to make it as easy as possible for you to get the answers and support you need.
General
What is the difference between Inverter+ and Inverter++?
While both models are highly efficient, less electrical power is consumed by Inverter++ in achieving the same capacity and output as the Inverter+ models, saving money as well. The Inverter++ (Energy Star™) models can also perform much better in frigid climates, with the ability to continue heating until outdoor ambient temperatures reach -13°F. This is in contrast with the Inverter+ series, which begins to lose heating efficiency at around the 42°F mark and will stop heating at 5°F.
Can a single zone mini-split be used with multiple indoor units?
No. If multiple zones (indoor units) are needed, you must purchase a multi-zone system. The selection, dual, triple, quad, etc., is up to the buyer, and is dependent on the number of distinct zones, as well as the layout of the dwelling.
What type of oil is used with the unit?
Polyolester (POE) or Polyvinylether (PVE) oil.
How is power received into the units?
Only the outdoor unit is connected to the main power supply. There is a 4 lead interconnecting cable which then links the outdoor and indoor units together, giving the indoor unit power as well. The unit must be hard-wired, not plugged, into its own dedicated breaker.
What is the life expectancy of the air conditioner system?
If properly installed and maintained according to the included manuals, the system should last as long as any standard HVAC equipment, for at least 10 years or more.
When the power goes out, do the units need to be restarted manually?
No, the system has an auto-restart feature enabled (which can be disabled if needed by the owner).
What does “multi-zone” mean?
Zones are usually interpreted as the entirety of an open area. If you require temperature control of two areas that are closed off from one another, you would need a dual-zone system. Single-zone systems can be with large enough capacities to take care of areas of up to 1,600 square feet, as long as no portions of the area are closed off from the rest.
Features
Do these Split-Type systems function as dehumidifiers?
The systems are not specifically designed as dehumidifiers, however, they do provide dehumidification functions.
Which units are rated Energy Star?
Most Inverter++ units are rated Energy Star.
Will this work with analog thermostats, such as Nest and other 24V AC thermostats?
No, the mini split systems require their own digital controller (included) to run the complex electronics inside. You may also purchase a Pioneer WiFi module to access, program, and make changes remotely.
How much square footage will these air conditioners heat?
There is no safe and easy answer. It is important to do your research or use a relevant calculator to find the best estimate, but a good rule of thumb is 30 BTUs are needed per square foot for most standard constructions.
What are the minimum operational Ambient temperature limitations?
The Inverter+ (17 SEER) systems will properly operate in external ambient conditions down to +5°F in Heating and +32F in cooling modes. The Inverter++ (22 SEER) unit can properly operate in external ambient conditions down to -13°F in Heating and +5°F in cooling modes.
What is the benefit of an inverter type air conditioner?
Air conditioners that operate using an inverter are more energy-efficient than a typical on/off setup. Inverters “modulate” the amount of power used for operation, catering to real-time thermal demand, thereby saving energy.
Warranty
How long is the warranty?
For owners who have registered their warranties, 5 years. Otherwise, it is for 1 year.
Under what conditions am I covered under warranty?
All product warranty coverage requires a system installation that was performed correctly, following the installation manual instructions included with your purchase. Additionally, users that register their warranty card within 90 days of receiving their item get their warranties extended to 5 years for parts and the compressor. Unregistered users receive only 1 year part coverage.
Installation
Who is permitted to install the A/C?
All installation must be performed by trained persons with proper tools. Qualified installers must handle the refrigerant lines, vacuuming, refrigerant, and recharging. Electrical work and hookups must be done according to all local and national codes. Any self-installations should be limited only to assistance in mounting of the indoor and outdoor units, and performed only by persons that have the proper skillset. Local, regional, or national codes and regulations must be adhered to when installing the split system HVAC products. Warranty of the units only apply when installation has been done properly.
Is there a recommended resource to find a professional that is located near me?
Any licensed local HVAC contractor can install the products. Call as many as possible and use personal judgement as their prices and qualifications can vary. We recommend sites such as https://www.angieslist.com/ and https://www.homeadvisor.com/ for locating certified professionals to perform the installation. You can call your dealer where you purchased the product for recommendations.
What is the approximate cost and time spent to have the system installed?
The cost is variable. Expect to have 4-5 hours spent on the entire installation process for most common installations. Typical installation professionals charge an average of $75 per hour, and upwards.
What size torque wrench is needed?
There are two flare nuts (for 9K: ¼”-⅜”, 12K: ¼” and ½”, larger: ⅜”-⅝”) that require appropriately sized torque wrenches for proper tightening.
What gauge of wire is used for connections between the ductless mini split indoor and outdoor sections?
AWG #16 is sufficient. The wire is only used to power the indoor units, which is 50 watts at most.
What hole saw size is needed to drill the wall for accommodating the drain and refrigerant lines?
2.5 - 3 inches is sufficient.
Indoor Unit
Does the indoor unit require anything extra in order to be mounted to the wall?
No, the indoor unit comes with the mounting plate included. Nothing else is needed.
Can the unit be operated without a remote control?
In emergencies, yes. There is an emergency start button underneath the panel, which can be used until a broken remote control is fixed (turns the unit On or Off in Cool or Heat Modes, to a default temp of 76°F).
Can the line set exit from the side of the indoor unit, rather than the back/through the wall?
Certainly.
Can the line set be angled upward?
Yes, refrigerant lines can go in any direction, and the indoor and outdoor units can be higher or lower than each other. However, the indoor unit must have a condensate drain hose connection with a downward inclination. (only the ceiling cassette version comes with a condensation pump and drain that can go up to 32 inches.)
What is the weight and dimensions of the indoor unit?
Approximately 20-25 lbs. Measurements can be found in the specification materials located online. An example is the 12k BTU unit which measures 31.5x7.5x11.5 (inches).
Can the LED Display on the indoor unit be turned off?
Yes, do so by pressing the left edge of the button, where the LED letters are printed.
What is the ideal height for the unit to be mounted at?
Preferably 7 to 8 feet from the floor, and at least 4 to 6 inches below the ceiling, so that it is mounted high enough to where the air coming out of the bottom front of the unit does not get obstructed.
Can a wall-mounted unit be mounted onto the ceiling instead?
No, because this could cause drainage issues. We offer a ceiling-mountable version specifically for that type of application.
Outdoor Unit
How should the outdoor unit be mounted?
The unit MUST be mounted upright, using concrete blocks (or, more typically, on a poured concrete pad), or on an optional mounting bracket set (sold separately) that is mounted against an external wall.
Can the outdoor unit be mounted on top of a roof?
It can, as long as it is sitting on top of a perfectly flat surface. Secure it well onto a solid and strong surface. The unit must remain totally vertical in order to function properly.
Does the unit come pre-charged with refrigerant?
Yes, and the amount that is pre-charged is sufficient for the default (5 meter/16 foot) included piping kit.
How do I know if my outdoor unit will require more refrigerant?
There is no need to adjust the amount of refrigerant for kits as short as 10 feet, and as long as 25 feet. If the kit length is outside of this range, the amount of refrigerant must be adjusted according to the accompanying manuals. Systems will show signs of low performance if the refrigerant amount is more or less than the required amount.
Which units have an auxiliary electric heater?
Inverter++ models have basepan and compressor heating belts inside the outdoor section to help them operate better in frigid climates.
None of the mini split indoor units have any auxiliary electric heaters due to the limited space available in them. It has also been determined that they can create fire risks and are very expensive, while their heating capacity is severely limited.
How is the input power connected to a mini split system?
The input power to support the entire system uses a single point power entry into the outdoor section of the split system. The indoor unit receives its power from the outdoor unit.
Does the outdoor unit require a dedicated breaker?
Yes. Any circuit feeding a mini split system must be independent, with properly sized wiring and circuit breaker. No other device should use that circuit. Using a power disconnect box is also recommended.
Is a pump required if the drain tube cannot have continual downward inclination, thereby preventing natural gravity drain?
Yes. If the indoor unit is installed in a such a way that it cannot be drained naturally through gravity, an optional micro condensate pump should be used.
Does the outdoor unit fan run continuously?
The fan runs most of the time in cooling and heating modes for obtaining maximum efficiency, measuring the room temperature continually and precisely, and in attaining uniform air distribution.
Piping Kit
What is the length of the included piping installation kit?
The standard included one is 16 feet. Other lengths are available for customization.
How is the condensate removed from the outdoor unit?
A hose is included with every purchase to direct the flow, if needed, for applications where the outdoor unit is installed high on a wall, and dripping condensate water creates undesired conditions. If the outdoor unit is mounted on a slab at floor level, do not use the drain hose accessory, unless necessary.
What line set lengths are available?
10, 16, 25, 33, and 50 foot lengths are available. Any of the kits can be extended or trimmed down to other lengths at the job site, as the copper tubes are made of standard size refrigeration grade copper material.
What size copper lines are included in the line set?
- 9K BTU: 1/4-3/8
- 12-18K: ¼-½
- Larger ones: 3/8-5/8
All in inches.
Accessories
Are there any other necessary parts that don’t come with the split system?
Everything required is included with the purchase of the split system. There are accessories available that can improve usage experience, with some examples including mounting brackets to mount the outdoor unit, a Wi-Fi module to control temperatures from anywhere in the world, or a line cover kit to improve the aesthetic appearance of the piping. An optional accessory to increase compatibility is the service port adapter, which converts the newer 5/16 inch ports to accept the older ¼ inch gauge hoses. There are also some useful tools to have for performing the installation, such as a vacuum pump, micron gauge, electrical wire, and hole saw.
Does refrigerant need to be purchased?
No, unless a line set longer than 25 feet is used. Between 10’ and 25’ will not require more refrigerant than what is included.
Where does the Wi-Fi dongle plug into the indoor unit?
It plugs into the port behind the panel, near where the display is.
Will one remote work on multiple units?
Yes, it uses the same infrared signal codes, so one remote can be used for any indoor unit of the same system set or model line product. Controllers may be different for different model line products.
Which mounting brackets should I choose?
- For 9,000 and 12,000 BTU models, select the “2P” brackets.
- For 18,000 and 24,000 BTU models, select the “3p” brackets.
Maintenance
How often should the filters inside the inverter be cleaned?
Every two to three weeks. Use warm water and a mild soap mixture. Dry thoroughly before re-inserting the filters.
How should the fan blades, heat exchanger, and other inner parts of the indoor unit be cleaned?
Disconnect the power, remove the screws of the front casing of the indoor unit to access the interior, and remove all dust accumulations gently using proper cleaning materials. Avoid getting the electrical parts wet. Be careful with the fins of the heat exchanger, as they are very sharp and fragile.
When should the “self-clean” feature be used?
This feature should only be used right before stopping the system for a season, during which the unit will not be used for a long period of time.
Troubleshooting
What is the cause of the heat not working, or the fans not turning on?
Check to see if the defrost light is on. The copper pipe surface temperature where they connect to the outdoor unit should be very hot to the touch after 5 minutes of running time in heat mode.
What is causing the indoor unit unit to keep freezing up, despite operating under normal settings?
This is possibly due to too low level of refrigerant, or there is a leak at one of the major pipe connections. If there is a leak, it should be fixed before adding more refrigerant.
What is causing the outdoor unit unit to keep freezing up, despite operating under normal settings?
In HEAT mode, outdoor units can freeze up in very cold weather, which is normal. Internal defrost controls will eliminate the frost automatically, as needed.
Why is my indoor unit blowing room temperature air, when I have it set to heating or cooling?
Systems have an initial 5 minute time delay after startup, to begin heating or cooling. Otherwise, this could possibly be due to the outdoor unit not running due to a tripped breaker or other electrical problem, such as a blown fuse. This could also possibly be attributed to a low level of refrigerant. Ensure that the settings on the controller is properly set for the desired temperature (lower or higher than the room temperature as needed for cooling or heating modes). Shut the system down if the air that is being blown out stays at the temperature continually, and call tech support or a nearby technician.