Anybody else have a Haier split system heat pump?

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pih

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#302070 26-Oct-2022 16:38

A couple of years ago we got a Haier Flexis split system installed in our minor unit and I was really impressed by it. It heats and cools well, it's relatively quiet, the remote is well designed and easy to use and we've never had any issues.

At the same time we got two Panasonics installed in our own home, and while they also haven't had anything wrong with them, I have been left unimpressed. They are quite noisy except on the Quiet setting (which blows almost no air), the remote is average, but not as clear or easy to use as the Haier, and performance is generally underwhelming, even though they were properly spec'ed for the space.

So naturally now that it's time to get heat pumps installed at the business we've purchased, I've got a couple of quotes. One company installs Daikin and Panasonic but is pricier for the same products, the other company (the same one that did the job for us last time, and we were very happy with their professionalism) installs Panasonic and Haier.

Both seem to be pushing the Panasonics, which makes me think they get a higher kickback/margin with them.

So my question: Given my experience, sample size 1, I actually want to go with the Haier. Does anyone else have experience, good or bad, with them? Specifically as it relates to the Flexis model or Haier's support/servicing?

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#2988349 26-Oct-2022 17:09

Have a Haier Flexis 5.7kw high wall unit in the lounge and very satisfied with it. It’s a large room and it heats it up in a few minutes. Built in wifi so can also control it and monitor room temperature when away too.

Would buy again. However I am biased as I have a business relationship with Fisher & Paykel who distribute Haier in NZ.

CokemonZ

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#2988350 26-Oct-2022 17:12

I have Daikin and Fujitsu.

Daikin 100x over the Fuj.

Edit: That being said our Daikin is ~8 years newer than the Fuj units so......yeah.

pih

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#2988351 26-Oct-2022 17:18

CokemonZ:
I have Daikin and Fujitsu.

Daikin 100x over the Fuj.

Edit: That being said our Daikin is ~8 years newer than the Fuj units so......yeah.

Thanks, yeah Daikin might have been a second choice but only if I got another quote first. Fujitsu was never in the running.

tweake

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#2988362 26-Oct-2022 18:16

pih: A couple of years ago we got a Haier Flexis split system installed in our minor unit and I was really impressed by it. It heats and cools well, it's relatively quiet, the remote is well designed and easy to use and we've never had any issues.

At the same time we got two Panasonics installed in our own home, and while they also haven't had anything wrong with them, I have been left unimpressed. They are quite noisy except on the Quiet setting (which blows almost no air), the remote is average, but not as clear or easy to use as the Haier, and performance is generally underwhelming, even though they were properly spec'ed for the space.

So naturally now that it's time to get heat pumps installed at the business we've purchased, I've got a couple of quotes. One company installs Daikin and Panasonic but is pricier for the same products, the other company (the same one that did the job for us last time, and we were very happy with their professionalism) installs Panasonic and Haier.

Both seem to be pushing the Panasonics, which makes me think they get a higher kickback/margin with them.

So my question: Given my experience, sample size 1, I actually want to go with the Haier. Does anyone else have experience, good or bad, with them? Specifically as it relates to the Flexis model or Haier's support/servicing?

there can be huge differences due to sizing and installation. also how its used for the type and size space it is. don't get to caught up on brands.

i would have a look at why your panasonics are underwhelming, otherwise you may end up making the same mistake again.

pih

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#2988380 26-Oct-2022 21:17

tweake:
there can be huge differences due to sizing and installation. also how its used for the type and size space it is. don't get to caught up on brands.

i would have a look at why your panasonics are underwhelming, otherwise you may end up making the same mistake again.

The Panasonics were definitely sized correctly, if anything they're slightly over spec for the space. Performance isn't bad it's just not standout, and that's only a part of why I felt underwhelmed. Just generally everything was pretty average: aside from what I've mentioned above already the process of setting timers, that the timers are lost on (fairly regular) power outages, the layout of the buttons and display on the remote, the fact the battery covers often slip off when you slide them out of the wall brackets, I could go on. Nothing is a deal breaker, they just weren't impressive. However the Haier was just plain nicer to use. Maybe it's because I wasn't expecting much from the cheaper Haier, but it definitely left a good impression.

So yeah, brand is definitely something I'm caught up on, and I'm tentatively happy with Haier, especially because they're cheaper. I just wanted to know if anyone had experiences with them that would sway my decision either way.

tweake

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#2988859 27-Oct-2022 16:55

pih:
tweake:

there can be huge differences due to sizing and installation. also how its used for the type and size space it is. don't get to caught up on brands.

i would have a look at why your panasonics are underwhelming, otherwise you may end up making the same mistake again.

The Panasonics were definitely sized correctly, if anything they're slightly over spec for the space. Performance isn't bad it's just not standout, and that's only a part of why I felt underwhelmed. Just generally everything was pretty average: aside from what I've mentioned above already the process of setting timers, that the timers are lost on (fairly regular) power outages, the layout of the buttons and display on the remote, the fact the battery covers often slip off when you slide them out of the wall brackets, I could go on. Nothing is a deal breaker, they just weren't impressive. However the Haier was just plain nicer to use. Maybe it's because I wasn't expecting much from the cheaper Haier, but it definitely left a good impression.

So yeah, brand is definitely something I'm caught up on, and I'm tentatively happy with Haier, especially because they're cheaper. I just wanted to know if anyone had experiences with them that would sway my decision either way.

not trying to offend anyone, but who says it sized correctly? afaik most installers don't do the proper calcs, tho they can be good enough with experienced estimation. then there is personal preference, some like to oversize.

they can be installed different, different line sets, if its a long line it may not have been topped up.

smaller rooms you tend to sit in the airflow a lot more which can make it feel better than it really is. big rooms it can struggle to get good air mixing. then there is the actual differences in mass and that takes time to heat. or the rooms themselves have an issue, eg high air leakage.

then there is how you use it. many people simply don't run them long enough. tend to run them like its a fireplace or radiant heater which is the opposite of heat pumps.

sorry if it sounds picky but these sorts of things can make a huge difference in comfort level.

the issue i have with my own is the small room ones are oversized. so you get an absolute blast, which you always in as bigger units have bigger fans, and room gets to temp very quickly. but then it short cycles, so its not as efficient and on cooling has very little moisture removal.

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pih

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#2988887 27-Oct-2022 18:19

tweake:
not trying to offend anyone, but who says it sized correctly? afaik most installers don't do the proper calcs, tho they can be good enough with experienced estimation. then there is personal preference, some like to oversize.

No offence taken and I definitely get what you're saying but my question isn't about my existing heat pump installation, usage or performance. I'm asking about Haier products and support.

tweake

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#2988925 27-Oct-2022 20:03

pih:
tweake:

not trying to offend anyone, but who says it sized correctly? afaik most installers don't do the proper calcs, tho they can be good enough with experienced estimation. then there is personal preference, some like to oversize.

No offence taken and I definitely get what you're saying but my question isn't about my existing heat pump installation, usage or performance. I'm asking about Haier products and support.

if the good haier performance is actually due to perception or that its actually oversized etc, then you may be disappointed by installing it in the new place. figuring out why the Panasonics seam to give lesser performance should give you an idea of whats happening and if its actually a difference in brand or a difference due to install or perception.

pih

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#2988950 27-Oct-2022 23:06

tweake:
if the good haier performance is actually due to perception or that its actually oversized etc, then you may be disappointed by installing it in the new place. figuring out why the Panasonics seam to give lesser performance should give you an idea of whats happening and if its actually a difference in brand or a difference due to install or perception.

I'm sorry but you're missing the point. My original question only briefly mentioned performance, but you seem hung up on it. I'm not. As I've alluded to more than once now, performance and installation is moot and I don't really care to discuss it much further: I'm looking for others' experiences with Haier. I'd be happy to hear if you have one what your thoughts are generally.

Handle9

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#2988952 28-Oct-2022 00:17

tweake:

if the good haier performance is actually due to perception or that its actually oversized etc, then you may be disappointed by installing it in the new place. figuring out why the Panasonics seam to give lesser performance should give you an idea of whats happening and if its actually a difference in brand or a difference due to install or perception.

Give it a rest. You're not helping the OP.

tweake

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#2989276 28-Oct-2022 16:12

pih:
tweake:

if the good haier performance is actually due to perception or that its actually oversized etc, then you may be disappointed by installing it in the new place. figuring out why the Panasonics seam to give lesser performance should give you an idea of whats happening and if its actually a difference in brand or a difference due to install or perception.

I'm sorry but you're missing the point. My original question only briefly mentioned performance, but you seem hung up on it. I'm not. As I've alluded to more than once now, performance and installation is moot and I don't really care to discuss it much further: I'm looking for others' experiences with Haier. I'd be happy to hear if you have one what your thoughts are generally.

????

outside of performance what else is there? the remotes you already know, features you already know. every brand has its gimmicks (auto this, eco that) which are generally all rubbish.

i guess i can't help. sorry 😢

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pih

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#2989281 28-Oct-2022 16:25

tweake:
outside of performance what else is there?

Customer service/repair experiences, reliability anecdotes, wifi connectivity/automation experiences (I've got the older non-wifi model), and general thoughts on whether my sample size of 1 is typical or unrepresentative.

tweake:
i guess i can't help. sorry 😢

Can't fault your enthusiasm. Thanks for trying 😊

pih

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#3006131 5-Dec-2022 23:50

Just further to this topic, we've taken the plunge and now have 5 new Haier split systems installed. Initial experience is good, they are all working well, quiet, and easy to use as expected.

I want to get them all hooked up to HomeAssistant so that we can schedule on and off times and be a bit smarter about when they're used. Sadly, it looks like they only connect to the proprietary Smart HQ app, and 3rd party support is reverse engineered and incomplete... Sad, but not the end of the world.

If anyone in future is thinking about getting Haiers installed, feel free to PM me for an up to date rundown. I now have a total of 6 units' experience!

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#3006136 6-Dec-2022 01:20

Could you use a bunch of Sensibos to automate them?

For what it's worth, not that it matters anymore, but my wireless enabled Panasonic's were picked up by Alexa fine, but have limited interoperability with routines etc, so aren't any better than what the native App allows.

Reliability/Performance wise the Panas have been okay but not amazing. Have replaced one thermostat ,under warranty, as it was a bit all over the place, and in general while they (6 of them) work okay, they are more noisy inside and out than my other Mitsubishi unit. Oh and if put in auto they sometimes hold the set temp, but other times not. The inconsistency leaves me having to drive them continuously and switch between cooling and heating with the app in the months where it's hot in the day but cood at night.

So you're probably made a perfectly good decision if keeping cost down were your major concern.

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#3006195 6-Dec-2022 10:52

I had a Panasonic ducted, it was SUPER loud both the outdoor unit and the in-roof unit. I had it removed due to that and a few other issues. Daikin is a lot quieter. I won't buy anything from Panasonic again, I have one of their microwaves and don't like it much either.

I have three Daikins now, ducted, 8kw for open plan kitchen, and the smallest for my office. All are good. The Fujitsu Nocria back to back we had put in about 12 years ago and removed two years ago when the ducted system went in had a quiet outdoor unit but a loud indoor unit.

The installers who put the latest small Daikin in said they find Panasonic loud and won't install them any more, and that even Toshiba that are cheaper tend to be better. They said Daikin and Mitsubishi were their picks, but they buy Daikin themselves.

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