Gree Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Reviews
Developed in the 1970s, a ductless mini split system, as a spot cooling solution, has evolved in so many ways, but it is a system with so much groundbreaking potentials that it remains one of the very few highly significant innovations in air conditioning technology. Today it continues to create huge impact in the way air conditioners are developed. With air conditioners widely attributed as one of the technologies with the biggest environmental impact, ductless mini split impresses as the “new thing,” staying aligned with the evolving needs and changing lifestyle and, not surprisingly, emerging as one of the core examples of “better systems” that seem to break limitations posed by many unique AC applications and challenges. It is within this backdrop—in effective tackling of air conditioning constraints—that Gree, one of the industry leaders in air conditioning technologies sits atop as authority, innovating and producing some of the best ductless mini splits ever made available in the HVAC market today.
To help you on your next ductless mini split purchase, we'll be comparing the different ductless models to give you an idea about their different capabilities, how they vary from each other, and how each one is designed unique as an individual system. But first, let's take a glimpse of these different models.
GREE DUCTLESS MINI SPLITS
| FAMILY |  |
 |
 |
| SEER Capability | Upto 38.5 | Upto 23 | 16 |
| EER Capability | Upto 16.7 | Upto 14 | Upto 10.4 |
| HSPF Capability | Upto 15 | Upto 10.5 | Upto 9.5 |
| Cooling Capacity (Btu/h) | 9,000 - 22,000 | 9,000 - 33,600 | 9,000 - 33,600 |
| Heating Capacity (Btu/h) | 9,000 - 24,000 | 9,900 - 34,600 | 9,600 - 34,600 |
| Sound Pressure Level db(A) | As low as 19 | As low as 26 | As low as 28 |
| Wi-Fi Capable | From Factory | With Accessory | With Accessory |
State-of-the art-technology but also manufactured using expansive vertical integration and the highest levels of testing and innovations. As demands for more powerful, energy-efficient, environment-friendly, and highly flexible comfort AC systems start to define the development of cooling and heating technologies, Gree ductless units certainly stand at the helm, offering superior capabilities and functions for maximum comfort experience. To understand how excellent Gree mini split systems are, it is important to take at their biggest strengths. Take note that Gree mini splits are available in different model families, which include the Sapphire, Vireo+ and Livo+; these units come with different capabilities to suit your specific needs. Essentially, though, they share some common features, which include the following:
|
G10 Inverter Technology |
Energy Star Rating |
Eco-Friendly Refrigerant |
|
Faster Cooling & Heating |
I-Feel Mode |
Wi-Fi Control |
|
Whisper Quiet Operation |
|
Self-Diagnostics |
- G10 inverter, which arguably one of the advanced inverter-driven compression technologies today. This provides faster cooling and precise temperature control.
- High SEER, Energy Star ratings, and energy-saving features that ensures significant reduction on your energy bills.
- High-efficiency refrigeration system
- Highly advanced filtration, dehumidification, and fan capabilities that assure you of getting purified, cleaner, and healthier air.
- Cutting-edge control system for easy, smart operation.
- The use of ozone-friendly refrigerant called R410A, which makes the systems environment-friendly.
- Standard X-fan function or Auto-clean (Auto-drying) function that enables the system to automatically remove the moisture from the coil and prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew. This ensures function consistently clean air for your family.
- Self-diagnosis functionality that enables the system to protect itself. This also allows for quick and easy troubleshooting and repair.
- Integrated evaporator that enables the indoor unit to run a more efficient heat exchange process.
- Integrated design that provides for rear base and a water tray to catch dripping water. This prevents water leakage and noisy operation.
- Two water outlets located in both sides (left and right) of the unit, enabling dual-side installation.
- Low-voltage startup that enables the unit to operate from170V to 265V. This is useful if you live in an area with unstable power supply.
- Auto-restart function that allows the unit to revert back to its previous settings, especially after a power outage.
- Turbo cooling function that helps you quickly enjoy cooling comfort.
- Low-noise operation for additional convenience. All Gree units have whisper-quiet fan technology.
- 4-way air outlet that you can adjust vertically or horizontally.
- Intelligent defrosting capability that adds to the system's energy-saving capability.
- 7-fan speed that provides you an option to set the airflow volume based on what you need at the moment.
- i-Feel functionality that allows the remote controller to intuitively sense the surrounding temperature and adjusts the air flow accordingly.
- Sleek, elegant, stylish, unobtrusive design.
As a mini split system, all Gree ductless units are designed for single-zone and multiple-zone applications. This means that you can deploy and install the systems whether as an individual comfort solution for a single room or select a system that can act as an integrated whole-home comfort system where different units are installed in different room but can be controlled independently of each other. You are free to mix and match the air handlers for Multi-zone depending on your preference. Gree mini split indoor units are available in the following designs: high-wall unit, universal floor and ceiling unit, ceiling cassette, slim-concealed duct, and mini-floor console.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
As an initiative to conserve energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and curve energy costs, most governments make it mandatory for manufacturers to follow the minimum efficiency or performance standard for all energy-using equipment and appliances that they produce. In the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) regulates and sets these efficiency standards. For air conditioners, the most significant energy-efficiency ratings to look at are the Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and the Energy efficiency ratio (EER). For the heat pumps, the most important energy-efficiency ratings that you should be mindful about are the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) and Coefficient of Performance (COP). Due to the fact that ductless mini split systems can function both as a cooling and heating solution, these four energy-efficiency ratings are worth the attention if you want to properly compare the different mini split options.
Now, before we go into the details about the energy-efficiency ratings of Gree mini splits, it is important for you to have a general idea what these ratings are about and what are the current minimum energy-efficiency ratings for air conditioners. Take note that the efficiency ratings of air conditioners help determine the performance of the system. So, let’s start first with the definition and proceed comparing the SEER, EER, and HSPF of the different Gree mini split models.
SEER
Specifically, SEER pertains to the efficiency or performance of a unit in relation to the amount of energy that it consumes in a specific period. Technically, SEER is the cooling output (in British thermal units or Btu) of a unit in a given period or season divided into your total energy usage in watt hours that was consumed in the same period or season. The quotient is the efficiency rating of your unit. Here’s how it looks like: Cooling output ÷ Total energy consumption in a given period = SEER rating.
To give you a better idea, let’s say there are two units that were used simultaneously during the whole Summer period. The model that consumed lesser amount of energy has usually the highest SEER and considered the more efficient. In a nutshell, the higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the unit is. Currently, the DOE sets 14 SEER as the minimum standard rating in the Southeast region and Southwest region of the United States, which is understandable because these areas are characteristically have a hot-humid and hot-dry weather. In the northern parts of the country, the minimum SEER is 13. What this variation shows is simple—that the minimum standard SEER is set based on consideration to the climate differences among the regions. As a side note, the minimum standard SEER for all areas in the US might again be adjusted after a consensus agreement was reached for the updated energy efficiency standards. By 2023, the Northern region will be mandated with a 14 SEER for units under or over 45,000 Btu/hr. In the Southern region, it will be 15 SEER for units under 45,000 Btu/hr and 14.5 SEER for those over 45,000 Btu/hr. ALL Gree mini splits that we carry are a minimum of 16 SEER.
SEER of the Gree Mini Split Models
When it comes to SEER, the newest Gree mini split model Sapphire now rules, boasting of up to 38.5 SEER - a leader in the industry. A good mid-range option is the Vireo+ with upto 23 SEER. The Gree models with the lowest SEER, but still considered "high efficiency" is the Livo+ with 16 SEER.
Compared with other traditional systems (and even with other mini split brands), however, the Livo+ models are not in any way the least when it comes to efficiency, especially when you consider the fact that the current highest minimum standard SEER is pegged at 14. And remember that the average SEER of most modern residential ACs ranges from 10-16, although you can also find systems with a 17 SEER.
Now, obviously it’s no brainer to determine what’s the most efficient models when you compare a Gree model with 38.5 SEER with some traditional systems with 17 SEER. Besides SEER, when comparing a ductless mini split to a central air conditioner, the highly advanced, state-of-the-art technology in a mini split will be far better than with a traditional system. Additionally, typically you may find lesser quality in terms of components, features, and energy-saving capabilities. The choice is starkingly obvious—you’d be better off when you choose Gree.
EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is another way to measure the efficiency of an air conditioning system. Unlike SEER, which is limited to the usage of the unit within a specific season, EER tells you how the system efficiently operates using a specific amount of energy. In computing the EER, the cooling output of a particular unit (expressed in British thermal units or Btu) is divided by the amount of energy use (in watt hours). The ratio derived is the EER of the system; the highr the EER, the more energy efficient a system is.
To help you get a better grasp of this idea, Sapphire with 16.7 EER comes with the highest. Coming in next is Vireo+ with 14 EER and then followed by the Livo+, which has 10.5 EER, a rating that is still very high when compared with other models of different brands.
HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of a system refers its total heating efficiency for a specific season. Just as SEER determines the efficiency of an air conditioning system for a specific cooling season, HSPF is used to determine the efficiency of a heat pump for a specific heating season. Since ductless mini splits can work both as an air conditioner and as a heat pump, determining the HSPF of Gree mini splits is just as important as finding out their SEER.
Technically, HSPF is the ratio derived when you divide the total heating output (expressed in Btu) of a unit with the total energy used during a specific season. To further explain, let’s use a Gree mini split model as an example. Let’s say you purchased a Sapphire unit with a rated capacity of 18000. After using it over the whole winter season, you’ve determined that it consumed 1200 W. By dividing the total heating output with the total energy consumed, you get 15 HSPF. Now, let’s say your current heat pump at home has a rated capacity of 36,600 with 8 HSPF. This unit can cost you 4575 W during the whole heating season.
Now, for example you replaced it with a Gree Vireo+ ductless heat pump with the same rated capacity of 36,600 but with a 10.0 HSPF, your energy consumption on the same heating period will just be 3660. Gree mini split systems have different HSPF capabilities. Again, the newest model Sapphire emerges as the most efficient with up to 15 HSPF. The Vireo+ model come second with up to 10.5 HSPF. Livo+ has 9.0 HSPF. Take note that the higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump solution is.
Cooling/Heating Capacities
When buying an air conditioner, one thing that you should consider is the size or tonnage, which usually refers to the system’s cooling and heating capacities. When it comes to air conditioners, size is not about dimensions. The size of ACs is measured based in “tons,” which refers to the amount of heat (measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs) that an air conditioner can eliminate in a particular space in hour. As a standard, one ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs per hour. This means that if you have a one-ton air conditioner, it can eliminate an amount of heat that is equal to 12,000 BTUs. If you have a two-ton AC, it can remove a double amount of heat that is equal to 24,000 Btu per hour. We can go on and on or you can do the computation yourself, but you get the idea. Basically, the more ton of a system, the bigger its Btu, and vice versa.
Now, here’s a word of caution: when it comes to air conditioners, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Keep in mind that one size doesn’t fit all. The problem comes when people use big-sized ACs for smaller space, or use small-sized AC for a bigger space. Obviously, oversized and undersized air conditioners are bad to have. So, when you’re looking for the next AC for your home, choose the right size for your space. Your HVAC contractor can help you on this matter if you’re not sure what size to look for. Gree mini split models vary in rated heating and cooling capacities. Generally, though, we can say that Gree Vireo+, and Livo+ provide more size options, with up to 36,000 Btu. The The newest systems, Sapphire, are available up to 18,000 Btu.
Heating Functionality
Also functioning as heat pump systems, Gree mini splits have some of the best heating capabilities. What stand out most, however, are the Sapphire models, boasting of ultra-heating capabilities compared to the rest which are integrated with the standard heat pump system components.
Energy Star Rating
Except for Gree Livo+, all of the Gree mini split models Energy Star-labelled products. Energy Star rating is a government-backed labeling program that was developed to encourage manufacturers to produce more energy-efficient products like an air conditioner. The Energy Star label provides you the assurance that the system passed the EPA energy efficiency standards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
As part of its unique advantages, Gree mini splits are known for its smart features, which include Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to connect the system to the internet and be able to manage and control the unit through any smart mobile device, such as a smartphone and tablet. All current models of Gree mini splits are Wi-Fi capable - Sapphire comes wi-fi ready from the factory. Livo+ and Vireo+ can be made wi-fi capable with an add-on accessory.
Airflow/Fan System
Gree mini splits vary in airflow designs and capabilities. Sapphire comes with 4-way adjustable fan system, Livo+ with vertical swing design, and Vireo+ a bi-directional airflow capability.
Air Filters
Gree mini splits are also not built with the same type of air filters. Sapphire and Vireo+ models are all built with polymeric air filters while the Livo+ models come with the standard air filters. Filter upgrades are available for any system based on your specific needs.
Power-failure Mode
Gree mini splits, are designed with the highly useful power-failure mode. This allows the system to return to its last operating mode when the power is back and the unit is turned on after a power outage or interruption. With that said, it is HIGHLY imperative that you get a mini-split specific surge protector to implement during installation. A simple, inexpensive surge protector will significantly help protect your investment.
Corrosion Protection
All the Gree mini splits are designed with anti-corrosion coating as added protection.
Warranty Coverage
All Gree models come with attractive warranties. Each Multi Zone, Sapphire, Vireo+, and Livo+ models are offered with a five (5) year warranty on parts and assured with full replacement. Older/Discontinued models, like the Terra, Neo, and Rio models are available with a five (5) year warranty on parts and seven (7) year warranty on the compressor.
It's important to note that in order to be eligible for the manufacturer's warranty, the system must be installed by a licensed HVAC/R technician and registered on the manufacturer's warranty registration site. It's also important to note that ALL mini spit manufacturer warranties DO NOT cover labor expenses or shipping for the sending (or returning) warranty parts.
Sound Pressure
All of Gree mini splits operate quietly. While in operation, they actually produce a sound which is barely a whisper. The different models, however, have varying sound pressure. When it comes to indoor sound, Sapphire is the quietest, offering as low as 19 db(A). This is followed by Vireo+ and Livo+ with 26 db(A) and 28 db(A) respectively. In many cases, even standing right next to an air handler, you will not know it is on and the sound emitted by most outdoor condensers is barely more than typical "white-noise." If you are used to typical central A/C, you will be amazed by how quiet Gree mini splits are.
Start Your Ductless AC Experience with Gree
Ductless mini split systems provide a wide range of capabilities and excellent level of efficiencies that resolve a significant amount of today’s challenges, especially with regard to comfort needs and air conditioning applications. With their versatility, ductless systems untangle and solve what have been previously a complex and costly issues on installation and home comfort system applications. Considered one of the most consistent, powerful, energy-efficient, environment-friendly, and flexible heating and cooling solutions that are available today, ductless mini splits are no doubt changing the way comfort is experienced at home.
