Purchasing New Air Conditioners. (beware)

[johninbkk]

Over the years I have bought more than 50 air con units for installation into my clients property’s and have never had a single problem, possibly because I only used well known brands, then I mistakenly installed a locally made product, in my eyes not a STAR AIR performer was this company’s product.

This company does not give the standard 5 year warranty on the compressor as most reputable manufacturers do. I had never installed a cassette type unit before, until my client requested, he suggested the cassette style would look far better than the wall type as it is a 2 storey home. My supplier suggested this new company as the introductory cost was quite ok, Baht 42,000, and he was not aware they only gave 1 year on the compressor. And to the drama, it broke down 14 moths after moderate use, I personally phoned the manufacturer as the reception staff said if it was one of our expensive models there maybe 5 years, well I thought 42,000 Baht was expensive. I was informed, after 4-6 phone calls and a week later, bad luck, we cannot help you, it took 4-6 calls coz I was fobbed off so many times, but I insisted on an answer. I even suggested that if the company supply’s parts I would pay for transport and labour, the same response, no way, sorry you have bad luck. Imagine launching a new branded product and displaying this standard of customer’s service, great way to a new product in this economical climate.

Moral of the story, check the warranty, don’t do as I did and assume ALL compressors have 5 years. And, can you rely on locally designed & manufactured products!

[sunsamourai]

Tnx for the warning, I'll keep an eye on that

[frenchFARANGbkk]

Hi,

Thanks for info.

About famous brand, is Daikin the best or just the most expensive ?

Mitsubishi as good as Daikin ?

Thanks.

[fred2007]

Hi,

Thanks for info.

About famous brand, is Daikin the best or just the most expensive ?

Mitsubishi as good as Daikin ?

Thanks.

Daikin is a bit expensive but from my point of view there are good I have used Daikin back home for many years and now I have about 10 of them over here and I have never had any probs with them

but maybe I am just lucky

[gmac]

Hi,

Thanks for info.

About famous brand, is Daikin the best or just the most expensive ?

Mitsubishi as good as Daikin ?

Thanks.

I've had both and both have been reliable. I prefer Daikin as I have found them considerably quieter.

[johninbkk]

Hi,

Thanks for info.

About famous brand, is Daikin the best or just the most expensive ?

Mitsubishi as good as Daikin ?

Thanks.

Hi Frenchy, Daikin is a quality product and if you shop around you'll find they are reasonably priced. usually I only install Daikin, great service and rarely have problems.... Just stay away fro STAR AIR.

[thaihome]

Over the years I have bought more than 50 air con units for installation into my clients property’s and have never had a single problem, possibly because I only used well known brands, then I mistakenly installed a locally made product, in my eyes not a STAR AIR performer was this company’s product.

This company does not give the standard 5 year warranty on the compressor as most reputable manufacturers do. I had never installed a cassette type unit before, until my client requested, he suggested the cassette style would look far better than the wall type as it is a 2 storey home. My supplier suggested this new company as the introductory cost was quite ok, Baht 42,000, and he was not aware they only gave 1 year on the compressor. And to the drama, it broke down 14 moths after moderate use, I personally phoned the manufacturer as the reception staff said if it was one of our expensive models there maybe 5 years, well I thought 42,000 Baht was expensive. I was informed, after 4-6 phone calls and a week later, bad luck, we cannot help you, it took 4-6 calls coz I was fobbed off so many times, but I insisted on an answer. I even suggested that if the company supply’s parts I would pay for transport and labour, the same response, no way, sorry you have bad luck. Imagine launching a new branded product and displaying this standard of customer’s service, great way to a new product in this economical climate.

Moral of the story, check the warranty, don’t do as I did and assume ALL compressors have 5 years. And, can you rely on locally designed & manufactured products!

Virtually all air conditioning units you buy in Thailand are manufactured here, inlcuding Daikin. I cannot seem to find a company with the name "Star Air" that manufactures AC units in Thailand. Is that by chance a model type and not the company?

TH

[johninbkk]

Over the years I have bought more than 50 air con units for installation into my clients property's and have never had a single problem, possibly because I only used well known brands, then I mistakenly installed a locally made product, in my eyes not a STAR AIR performer was this company's product.

This company does not give the standard 5 year warranty on the compressor as most reputable manufacturers do. I had never installed a cassette type unit before, until my client requested, he suggested the cassette style would look far better than the wall type as it is a 2 storey home. My supplier suggested this new company as the introductory cost was quite ok, Baht 42,000, and he was not aware they only gave 1 year on the compressor. And to the drama, it broke down 14 moths after moderate use, I personally phoned the manufacturer as the reception staff said if it was one of our expensive models there maybe 5 years, well I thought 42,000 Baht was expensive. I was informed, after 4-6 phone calls and a week later, bad luck, we cannot help you, it took 4-6 calls coz I was fobbed off so many times, but I insisted on an answer. I even suggested that if the company supply's parts I would pay for transport and labour, the same response, no way, sorry you have bad luck. Imagine launching a new branded product and displaying this standard of customer's service, great way to a new product in this economical climate.

Moral of the story, check the warranty, don't do as I did and assume ALL compressors have 5 years. And, can you rely on locally designed & manufactured products!

Virtually all air conditioning units you buy in Thailand are manufactured here, inlcuding Daikin. I cannot seem to find a company with the name "Star Air" that manufactures AC units in Thailand. Is that by chance a model type and not the company?

TH

http://www.staraire.com/star.html Web site on the culprits...... Strongly suggest, if your local installer recommends this particular manufacturer, change retailers.

[PeaceBlondie]

Every electrical appliance I've ever seen or bought in Thailand has been rated 5 for efficiency. The standard was upgraded in 2008. Fans, air cons, refrigerators.

added: i thought the title was about EER ratings.

[Pooklook]

Hi,

Thanks for info.

About famous brand, is Daikin the best or just the most expensive ?

Mitsubishi as good as Daikin ?

Thanks.

I bought a Sanyo and it’s been great. It’s a 9000 btu and I use it for cooling

one bedroom. THB 12,000 baht on sale. The best time to catch them on sale is

starting in Nov just after the rainy season ends and demand is lower.

The most important tip is to keep the filter and coils clean on the inside unit.

The filter on most wall mounts is washable and should be cleaned once a month

if used all the time. Also keep the coils clean on the outside unit.

If the coils on either unit get stopped up air can't flow around them it can cause

the compressor to stop working even on a new unit. Its usually the limit

switch on the compressor that goes out to protect the unit and is a simple fix

but the repairman may hit you up for a new compressor.......or even a unit.

Take your time when choosing the size. Downstairs small room 9000 btu is

fine. Upstairs room go for the 12000 btu.....generally I've found that a multi

unit approach to cool each room as needed is the best approach in Thailand