During an August heat wave, we finally decided we'd waited long enough (4 years) to upgrade an inadequate window a/c in our finished attic space, used as my spouse's home office. But we weren't sure what the best solution was: Did we need a bigger window a/c? A sunshade over the a/c? A through-the-wall a/c? A better attic ventilation system? We needed advice. I contacted several Heating and A/C contractors listed on Angie's List. One was a bit rude, suggesting that they couldn't help me unless I knew exactly what I wanted. Another couldn't help us until next spring. Finally, I contacted Unique Indoor Comfort, who were able to schedule a visit within just a couple of days. The salesperson arrived punctually, and understood immediately from the shoes piled in the front foyer that ours was a shoeless house. He obliged by removing his shoes without comment. After measuring the attic space, and discussing our needs, he recommended a 17,000 BTU Mitsubishi "Mr Slim" split ductless A/C unit, which they could install by the end of the following week, for $4,500. He did not suggest any other options for us. For example, he didn't know how effective window film (a popular and cheap way to reduce heat loss in winter and solar gain in summer) would be. He didn't propose any other brands. He left us with a written estimate and a slick Mitsubishi brochure, and we agreed to think it over. He also recommended an electrician to do the wiring part of the installation. I contacted him, and he came over promptly to give his estimate ($700) for the electrical work. Meanwhile, I did the requisite research into ductless a/c units in general, and the "Mr Slim" in particular, and concluded that this could be a good solution for us. Based on my past experience with electricians, the electrical estimate seemed reasonable, too. On installation day (the following week, as promised), the crew arrived on time. With everyone present (I, spouse, salesman, installers, electrician), we chose the best location for the interior and exterior parts of the system. Once I saw how compact the whole system was, I asked about putting one of these systems in my own home office, too. The sales guy gave me an estimate for the second unit (9,000BTU: $3500, installed). He said they could install it right then and there. Electrician asked for another $500. We discussed it for a few minutes, and said "Yes". By the end of the day, both units were installed. One was fully operational; the second required a return visit from the electrician, as he hadn't been expecting to install 2 units on such short notice. The installers left the house spotlessly clean. We are very pleased with the results. These "split ductless" units are astonishingly quiet (you easily can hold a phone conversation sitting right next to the interior unit). The process -- from first phone call through installation to final payment -- went quickly and smoothly
JT B.
