This article has been updated as of January 2018.
Readers, please note that the original article referred to the original line of inverter mini-splits manufactured by Fujitsu. Over the years, many of you have echoed these comments regarding premature system failure and inadequate manufacturer’s support leading to extremely expensive repairs and replacements.
Subsequently, Fujitsu has gone through at least two generation updates to this line of products. They have also updated their warranty policies, indicating a greater confidence in their products.
I have also been told by several installers that the new Fujitsu units are considered tops in the field.
Given these changes, I change my rating of Fujitsu to “Neutral.” I cannot personally recommend them because I have no first hand experience with them recently. However, I do not wish for people to be discouraged from installing their new units.
If you have first hand experience with the new line of Fujitsu mini-split heat pumps, please contribute to the discussion.
Thank you!
(original posting from 2014 follows)
Sadly, I can no longer recommend Fujitsu due to their unacceptable support and warranty policies.
Poor product durability eliminates all cost savings gained from efficiency
A home’s heating system is a capital expenditure. That is, it’s considered a long term investment in your home. Typically, you figure that it will last 15-20 years with some cost for maintenance. And generally, that’s conservative. How many of you still have heating systems in your homes from the 1970’s or 80’s? In general, these systems are very durable. Unfortunately, with the Fujitsu mini-split heat pump, this has not been the case.
I originally purchased a model 12-RLS in June of 2009. The system worked great and I was very happy with its efficiency and performance so I gave it a glowing review.
In November of 2011, our neighborhood experience a huge power surge that blew out all three of my Fujitsu units. This is not Fujitsu’s fault as the surge killed electronics in a broad area. I mention it because the units were totally replaced just two years ago.
Recently, in November of 2013, one of my units stopped heating. I thought it was due to the cold, humid weather we were having and waited to see how it would behave in subsequent weeks.
On December 10th of 2013, I concluded that the system was truly malfunctioning and scheduled a service call. My local installer came out, acknowledged that it wasn’t working, and left.
On January 2nd of 2014, another technician came to diagnose the system. During their visit, they found that the evaporator coils were leaking and one of the temperature sensors was malfunctioning. The prognosis was not good – this would require replacing the entire indoor unit. But since the unit was only two years old, I figured that replacement would be covered by the factory.
On January 28th of 2014, after two months with a non-functional heat pump in my living room, the owner of the company that installed the system contacted me, quite upset. He noted that Fujitsu had been mistaken. The model 12RLS was an old model that only had a two year warranty and my warranty had just expired. Not only that, but they no longer make replacement parts for that model (remember, this was the latest and greatest in 2009) so I would have to purchase an entirely new system. This would cost me about $4,000 with installation, removal of the old system etc. Frankly, this is insane.
The warranty statement on the unit does in fact say that it covers parts for only 2 years. Since my unit failed a few weeks after the two year period, they legally did not have to cover it. But had I known that they wouldn’t even have parts to repair the unit that I expected to own for 15+ years, I never would have purchased the Fujitsu 12RLS in the first place.
Any reputable manufacturer would stand behind their product better than this. If I, who has some of the top search results for my positive reviews of the Fujitsu 12RLS , can’t get them to stand by their warranty that expired just days before the unit failed, then an ordinary consumer has no chance of getting support from them. I have to say, I am utterly disappointed by Fujitsu.
So now I have to basically throw away a several thousand dollar heat pump. I will save this old unit for parts in case the others fail.
This fiasco by the numbers
Years owned: 4.25
Original installed cost: $3,560
Cost per year of operation: $837.65
Total energy use: 10,575kWh
Approximate electric cost:$1586. Cost per year: $373
Based on these numbers, I would have been better off buying a much less expensive system that was reliable but inefficient. So what’s the point of buying the high efficiency Fujitsu system?
Ted's Energy Tips 
Had a Fujitsu system installed in September of 2016. System developed a leak, had HVAC contractors out multiple times to find it (since they expected it to be at a connection) – was a coil leak in a cassette. Replaced the cassette (ARU12RLF)in August 2021 because of small cost difference in repair vs. replace (plus it would extend the somewhat-useless warranty), only to have the new cassette develop a leak in the coil this year (2022). Fujitsu originally told me that my cassette isn’t under warranty – I argued and they’re only willing to reimburse for the cost of the coil. I guess I need to just replace everything with a competitor’s product (Mitsubishi?).
This stuff is so frustrating, and expensive! I am actually in the process now of getting a quotation for a multi-headed Gree unit to replace all my Fujitsu and Mitsubishi units. My Mitsubishi sprung a leak too after just a few years. I think they are all making the tubing too thin in order to squeeze out every bit of efficiency. But durability of these systems is, frankly, crap.
It looks like some places offer an extended warranty that covers labor (Daikin claims to sell one and there’s probably some 3rd parties that other installers are using). I have no idea what they cost, but maybe that’s the answer? I’d hate to have to pay to replace the 3 other cassettes that I have that are working well along with the outdoor unit (and probably all of the linesets, switchboxes and drywall work) – but after failures that left me without A/C for the hottest part of the summer 3 years in a row, I probably have to just do it. So much waste for a system that had a major selling point of being environmentally friendly by being more efficient.
Main Complaint so far is I bought a 12RLS2 System just before a new model series (12RLS3) came out. Too my dismay 2 years later the Indoor ASU12RLS2 Air Handler went out. Instead of hiring a professional to rebuild the Indoor unit at a ridiculous price, I wanted to just buy a New indoor unit. Fujitsu looked thru all the distributors and all of the units everywhere were gone, unavailable, out of production. WHAT !!! after 2 years a system has no more replacement pieces !!!! That’s totally Insane. I asked Fujitsu how do I fix my system…. all they could say is scrap it and buy another no other model is compatible with any other model number… and of course they cannot sell anything to a home owner or a contractor at a discount (to help rectify the issue) , it’s full price for new equipment and the contractor and distributor is not discounting anything either !
LEAK PROBLEM SOLUTIONS
Nylog : is not a sealant , but a Assembly Lube , per Nylog. I did use Nylog Blue originally and had the Flare fitting leaks..
I was advised by many, don’t use a sealant. ? Why Not ?
So as I redid the compression fittings I assembled them with a fast dry epoxy trying only to coat the outer surface of the flair (so that the epoxy would not obstruct refrigerant flow on the inner-most pipe surfaces).
I did see a video and the fellow emphasized don’t overtighten your flare fittings, that would cause leaks of perfectly good flares.
I also heard that R22 Flairing Tools are not the correct degree Angle for R410a Flares.
Also saw on Youtube a rubber like Flair Leak gasket that seems simple & fast … if Vacuum hoses have neopreme gaskets maybe it works for permanent hookups.
After reading of all the problems and the issues I’ve experienced with 5 Indoor units on 3 Outdoor Condensors…. I’m thinking of buying Cheaper offBrands that are Single Condensor to Single AirHandler…, then if there is a problem just junk the unit that goes bad. That way there is no Multi Head major expense issues. It’s just a Simple R&R Unbolt the Old , Hook up the new .. Vacuum and your off and running.
leave a comment , I’m Interested !
Anyone HAVE A WORKING indoor ASU12RLS2 AIR HANDLER(s) ???
Check fleabay for a replacement indoor unit
Maybe follow your own advice and replace with cheaper single-head units
Interestingly, we could get parts for the older 12RLS which, according to the Fuji tech I spoke with last year, were supposed to be more reliable.
Shame on Fuji for not standing behind their products!
The instruction manual for Fujitsu mini splits have detailed information on all your questions regarding the flaring tool, sizing of flare, lubricants for flares and torque specs of flares. It is very detailed and contains a lot more than the above.
Check the Fujitsu download pages for the manuals
Sadly a lot of installers do not follow these instructions as many have their own opinion of what is needed.
I installed 3 XLTH units 5 years ago without prior knowledge of mini splits, I just followed Fujitsu’s instructions to a T and never have had any issues with any of the units.
Another dissatisfied Fujitsu customer.
My experience with Fujitsu Halcyon, installed in 2008, has been strongly negative.
One outside/4 inside units, purchased due to low noise in AC mode to be used in 3 bedrooms and 1 living rm.
After warranty expired – nothing but continuous problems. 3 out of 4 units had developed noise issues, and every visit by HVAC technicians was in $500-$1500 range. Some issues come back after a year, others take little longer to reappear.
We are done with putting good money after bad, and will start looking for replacement.
Learn from others’ mistakes, do not consider Fujitsu.
I had 3 Fujitsu systems, 2 installed 2012 and 1 installed 2015. 1 unit (24k BTU) installed in 2012 failed in 2019 — 7 years. Then the unit installed in 2015 failed this month. 6 years. BOTH leaking at coils inside. It’s really badly rusted. I don’t even know what to say. The 3rd unit is still “alive,” but I expect it’ll fail soon as well. Really sad. Will have to get the 2nd unit replaced soon…it won’t be a Fujitsu.
Just took apart the indoor unit of our 12RLS, 11 years old. Was surprised to find a lot of rust on the support members on the inside of the unit (behind the plastic casing).
Thought the motherboard was bad but it turned out to be just a broken 5A fuse to get the unit running again (at the outdoor unit).
Just switched out an older Fujitsu 15K unit (about 12 or 13 years old) with a multi-head Mitsubishi. So far, so good. One nice feature of the Mitsu is that the temperature is adjustable in 1 degree units instead of 2 degrees at a time on the Fujitsu.
I am another sad, dissatisfied Fujitsu mini split customer. In 2014, I had a unit for a large single room installed by a local HVAC contractor who has done a lot of other work for me. The unit worked fine until this past fall (2020) when it began acting erratically and then stopped heating altogether. My contractor says the coil leaked all the refrigerant out. 6 years old it’s not covered by the 5 year warranty. I could get a new coil installed for $1,700 all-in but the part would have only a 1 year warranty. He’s looking for another new head unit which would have the 5 year warranty, and the same faulty design and construction. It looks like throwing good money after bad ($5,500 to serve a single room). I see no sense in continuing with Fujitsu or with my contractor who clearly knew about the coil problems but didn’t warn me in time to get warranty coverage.
I need to replace the unit – considering now going to a whole house approach but it will be expensive. And thinking strongly about Mitsubishi/Trane and other units better designed and built.
What I really wonder about it why there isn’t more publicity about a major brand so poorly executed and worse, completely unsupported by the manufacturer. I bought the Fujitsu based on my contractor’s recommendation and any available 3rd party reviews I could find at the time. I found no hint of the kind of problems I and others have experienced. Thank you Ted for sponsoring this forum. I’d like to go more public and thinking about how to do that.
Darn, that’s cold (pun possibly intended).
Out of 5 units 10-13 years old, we have three without ever a hiccup.
One has a leak and must be replaced entirely.
Another has had the interior door fail, and the motherboard in the outdoor unit go. We live with the broken door and the outdoor unit had the board swapped.
Fujitsu QC needs work and their warranties are pathetic. No reason these coils deteriorate like this. Bad bad quality control.
Good luck and let us know which brand you pick (though I have NOT heard good things about TRANE).
I have a complete fujitsu 3 mini split system professionally installed by a reputable installer. The system came with a 5yr warrenty. Purchased in 2014. Ran great. Loved it. Raved about it to my friends. Now just short of 7 urs old all three mini split units leaking. contacted fujitsu and asked if they would stand by my system. They said they would send me three new condensor coils. I would have to find a contractor. This would be a one-time deal and no warranty. Now i cannot find a contractor to do the work. They only install the entire mini split head. My custom install came to $9000. Now they want me to buy three new heads at a cost of$4700. I have a contractor arranged but told me it will be sept for the earliest install. I am very disappointed in fujitsu. I paid $9000 for a system I rhought would last me 15 -20 yrs because this was the top of the line mini split. Boy was i wrong. Doubt i will buy anything from fujitsu.
Sometime in late 2018 one of the air handlers evap coils was replaced. Was told that apparently Fujitsu was making the coils in a not to spec environment which caused moisture/rust to accumulate once constructed and leaving it to fail within a couple of years. It is now 10 Jan 2021 and both units have sh!t the bed, outside temp here in middle TN is 38°. Apparently both units evap coils are leaking/bad and a 3-way valve sensor is bad. Lol. Fujitsu used to make some pretty good car stereos. I guess I’ll be switching to Mitsubishi.
I have a ASU12RLS3 high efficiency purchased in late 2016. Evap coil (interior) blew out in Nov 2019, replaced and new blew out in October 2020. Mine does run 9 months out of the year but this is ridiculous. All under warranty for parts but labour gets expensive. High initial cost and high repair costs. Also have an LG same size also high efficiency with the same issue.
The only pro is Fujitsu replaces the entire evap assembly, LG replaces only the coils and requires considerable silver soldering of individual piping as ONLY the coils are replaced. Would never buy an LG again under ANY circumstances.
Good to know LG has trash support on their splits as well as their refrigerators…. and don’t get me started on their Washer/Dryer combos.
They skimp on parts, putting products out the door with a shiny appearance on the outside, and the cheapest possible components on the inside.
Lucky Goldstar.
I’m old enough to remember when people avoided Goldstar products like plague.
I have a Fujitsu model #ASU15RLS2. The front lid that goes up and down does not go up anymore. The unit is working fine if I tape the lid up. Does anyone know how to fix it?
Same on 9RLS – been that way for 9 years. Then the motherboard died in the Outdoor Unit. May be just cheaper to replace everything or upgrade to a multi-head unit.
Not so sure about Fujitsu though.
There is a small actuator motor on the right hand side of the evaporator.
Have to take off door
Cover (two screws under tabs on bottom) and pop tabs on top (hard to see…. Flathead screwdriver facing outside of unit left and right on top)
Then remove a few shields on right
Actuator motor on right hand side plugged into motherboard.
It’s not a job for the feint of heart. Could probably get a contractor to do it for $200. Good luck
My Fujitsu mini-split system has failed for the fifth time since it was installed in 2014. All three interior refrigerant units that were replaced under parts warranty are now once again leaking. I’ve been without air conditioning now for nearly 3 weeks, as the contractor is waiting on parts.
That’s literally tragic. The actual interior units are leaking at some place other than the connections?
I was discussing your issue with my new guy who is really experienced with these systems. He said that some contractors don’t properly set up the refrigerant lines with proper flare connections. Apparently, the connections that come from the factory aren’t to be trusted so he redoes them.
But if you’re are leaking in the coils themselves, that sounds like a manufacturing defect OR, it’s possible that there’s something corrosive in the air that is degrading the coils.
I would like to know what kind of installer uses the original flares and flare nuts that comes with a line set?
The line sets are purchased separately from the Fujitsu units and there are several brands of line sets to chose from.
The Fujitsu units are all supplied with factory flare nuts.
The installer is supposed to cut off the ends of the line sets create new correctly shaped flares and use the Fujitsu flare nuts for the install.
However, again we have little information from the op.
What is leaking?, what parts are the op waiting for?
I had 2 Fujitsu residential heat-pumps installed in Spring, 2018. In Maine, got them for heating; the a/c was a bonus. They cooled well and cost-effectively in summer. However, in winter I couldn’t get them to heat above 20 degrees of the outside temp, Then I got my ellectric bills. The first month of regular use was over $200. Mid-winter it was over $300!! This was comparable to what I usually paid for kerosene heat– which I was still supplementing the units with! I called the installer, who sent someone out. The tech said that the units were in too small an area, forcing them to cycle too frequently. Note: I have an 1880, mostly insulated house, the back is shotgun style, making placement difficult. The installer was new in the business and so worked with me by re-installing the units in what would be a better location. The only effect that had was that now there is NO heat in the back because both units are in the front of the house. The low heat output continued, as well as the high bills. After a month I stopped using them since the Monitor heater was better and less costly. So I’ve spent a ton of money for 2 air-conditioners that cool the downstairs front of house. Since “they work;” i.e., they produce some heat and a/c, it apparently isn’t a warranty issue.
Sorry to hear about that.
The units probably are working to spec, as you said, since the AC work. Heating, especially in cold climates like Maine, are tough, and the original installer should have known that you’d need many of these small units to supply all the heat for the house. In my own home, I have multiple systems, like you, working in tandem. I’ll use the mini-split heat pumps as supplements, but at lower temperatures, I have to use my propane boiler to adequately heat.
The challenge with heat pumps is the amount of heat they produce DROPS as the outside temperature decreases, which is exactly the opposite of what you want. But that’s physics. So, for example, if the system is designed to heat your house appropriately at 40 degrees, it will be drastically undersized to heat the home at 20 degrees, and at 10 degrees, you’ll only get a trickle of heat out (this is a generalization, but the physics holds).
It really is the job of the installer to educate consumers about these limitations, because, like you, people will be unsatisfied when the system doesn’t perform to their expectations (and rightfully so).
You need to disclose the model number of the Fujitsu mini split. There are now 4 different low temp rated models. 15, 5, -5, -15.
In Maine January night time lows often are around 0 and can go even lower.
If you have the 15 or even the 5 you are not going to keep warm in Maine in January.
I live in upstate NY and have 3 XLTH models rated to -15 and have no problems keeping warm.
My heating bills dropped in half and have had no repair issues after 3 1/2 years. Very very happy with Fujitsu mini splits.
That’s great info. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your response. This was Model 12RLS3.
I agree with JP. I’ve had a high output Fujitsu for over 3 yrs and its absolutely flawless in its heating or cooling. It’s obvious to me that this website is running on past issues and not current status of these heatpumps. I have recommended Fujitsu to all my friends.
Although not sure if Ted allows links, I think it would be good for people to understand why they need extra capabilities of a mini split when temperatures drop well below 0 in winter in some areas of the US.
Not trying to promote 1 brand over any other both Mitsubishi and Fujitsu offers models capable of extreme low temperature.
The added features are well explained in the brochure from Fujitsu found here:
Click to access fujitsu-RLS3HY-Brochure.pdf
Thanks for posting. More information is good. Glad to see information on low temperature units. Clearly there is a need for this in many areas of the country.
I have installed a few dozen Fujitsu slim duct, floor mounted few wall heads. mostly multi-zones. They have a problem with a galvanized brackets steel is premature rusting and attaching the copper tubing creating leaks. I am not 100% why, but it is excessive rusting and that holds the evaporator cooper tubing together. I have had 4 leaking coils this year, outdoor fan blade break apart, 4 entire circuit cards assemblies, two total outdoor condensing units replace all in the last three years, Two branch boxes with eev problems replaced. Total junk. Changing another coil today. April, 14, 2020. I am doing the best I can for my customers, But, I am looking in to finding how much of this shit has been install and if a class action lawsuit is needs. I would like to here from all who have coil leaks. Not flare leaks, this is do to sloppy contractors. And from the above mention issue, crappy flare nuts. I will never install this Fujitsu crape again.
Galvanized AKA (Zinc) should never be placed in contact with copper. Galvanic reaction will eat away at the copper anybody in high school chemistry does this any engineer that went to applied science organic chemistry would know this. Copper + plus moisture equals battery. Our plumbers know this when I was eight years old helping grandpa ( a plumber ) had me soldering @ that age. Warns me to never let copper water pipes touch galvanized EMT (electrical conduit) because were they touch may cause a water leak over time. That was nearly 50 years ago.
Sounds like the consumers have a slam dunk win in a class action lawsuit. This is what happens when you let marketing and sales man take over what engineers have to say. And when hiring the youngest least experience D Grade student engineer as your designer.
I have a lot of the slim ducts and have the same corrosion problems. Fujitsu’s Representative says they will do something to correct my problems but will not give me an answer. This has been going on for almost 2 years. I’m getting my attorney involved.
I agree re class action. The coils in these things seem to be made of inferior materials and let go for no apparent reason. $8000 spent and nothing but headaches with Fujitsu splits. I won’t be buying again and I don’t recommend that anyone else does either.
Hello. My name is fred from st paul mn. I had a brand new fujitsu. 3 head system installed 6.5 yrs ago. Worked great. All warranty work done per fujitsu requirements. Now this year i tuen on my system for some heat. But no heat. Tested the cooling part. No cold air either. Decided to call in a tech. After a thorough inspection and pressure testing. Tech found all three condensor units leaking. Not one but all three. Same issue with all three units. Now my contrator wants me to buy 3 new heads at a costof$4700. The entire system cost me $9000 which i just paid off. Im reading alot of people having the same issues. Aluminium coils with steel cooling lines rusting. All three units leaking. I only use my system for cooling 3 months out of the year. Fujitsu says they will replace the leaking coils but cant find a contractor who will install it. Very disappointed in fujitsu. Bought a system i thought i would last 15 to 20 yrs. Nope. I got only 6. But in actuality my system only ran for 18 months. Out $9000. Now should i replace with new fujitsu or go with an entire new system with a much better warrenty.
The cycling story sounds like complete baloney.
The beauty of inverters allows the units to run smoothly and consistently at various speeds rather than simply cycling on and off.
Contractor doesn’t seem up to speed. Sorry for your costs.
We installed three Fujitsus (2X 9RLS and 1X 12RLS) in 2010. An old student installed them as a “thank you gift”. They’ve been reliable though one of the indoor units has always given problems with opening and closing like the gears weren’t lined up right.
Today the outdoor unit failed on that unit: Two blinking orange red lights. Outdoor unit won’t spin up. No cooling. 😦
I’m not sure if it’s the motherboard (my guess). All the fuses seem intact. Tried turning the breaker off and on a few times… no luck.
Question now is how to repair and move forward. These units have provided tons of great cooling (and even heating) over 9 years. The only issue that has bothered us was the phantom load which we’ve addressed by just turning off the breaker when not in use.
Those blinking lights form a diag code. Count the number of flashes of each color. Then get the correct tech manual for your model.
BTW some of these models don’t reset unless you shut power at the outdoor cutoff. The circuit breaker doesn’t do it.
I went thru something like this last winter. My minisplits (Fujitsu) both we’re toast. Replaced with a multi head Mitsubishi.
Thanks, RickG. I pulled apart the condenser to look for a popped fuse (all 4 looked intact and tested with the Fluke didn’t show an open circuit) and pulled the outdoor cutoff for safety.
There are two blinking red lights showing on the indoor unit.
The fan on the outdoor unit does not spin up.
I have a second AOU9RLS unit at home.
I could try putting the “bad” motherboard in there and see if the good one works, using safety precautions for static discharge. If it doesn’t work then I could try and repair or source the MoBo.
If that’s not the issue I’ll have to bring in an expert. My a/c installer sadly died, and his replacement hasn’t gotten back to me.
I’d like to get a few more years out of these units as they’ve been generally good to me, but eventually would like to get a single condenser and five heads like you did, someday.
Just to follow up – I got a motherboard off Ali-something.
It was obviously repaired, but the soldering was poor.
The unit turns on now – and cools!
Only problem is that the fan on the outdoor unit won’t shut off if the indoor unit is off.
The replacement board was under $50 including shipping, so it’ll work for the summer, but I wish I could figure what’s wrong on the original board.
The replacement board had D60 D61 and D62 replaced (at least) next to the little T60 transformer.
You all just had horrible HVAC techs. I’ve installed a few dozen units. All flawless. Some in operation over ten years. When I did use Fujitsu tech support, they were very helpful and helped diagnosed a simple fix to get that unit working.
An AC is only as good as the tech who installed it. They is a shortage of good techs in the industry and is getting worse.
I would bet good money every commenter with issues had a bad install. The author is crazy to think Fujitsu should lengthen their warranty just for them.
my fujitsu unit in heating mode runs constantly and never shuts off, when it is around 35 degrees outside. It basically throws out 98 degrees at the head unit. Do you have any ideas why my unit never shuts off?
That doesn’t seem unusual. These units are designed to run continuously to keep the room at a constant temperature. They will change their heat output and fan levels as needed but shouldn’t turn off like a conventional unit which only has the ability to run full blast.
If it runs continuously on high, then it’s telling you that it can’t keep up with the heating requirements of the room.
I wish that were true. But it’s demonstrably not. A number of us have developed leaks in the coils after just a few years of use. That’s clearly a manufacturing issue not an installation one. Also, being in the energy industry myself, I was extremely choosy about who I picked to do my installs and used only those that were factory certified and highly professional, trained staff. The problem was compounded by the short warranty which used to be only 3 years and did not cover labor so it ended up costing more than the price of the unit to have the units diagnosed and repaired.
I’m happy that you’re qualified and haven’t had any problems. You must provide much better support that goes beyond the factory warranty.
How do you explain 6 evaporator leaks caused by rust in only three cooling seasons? What did the Tech do to make a condenser fan blade fly apart the middle of the cooling season? Fujitsu Tech support two month ago apologized for send us the “3” circuit cards. After installing them, the system STILL did not work. After back paddling and reviewing our Tech and Fujitsu telephone conversation…they authorized the condenser replacement because their “expert script render” had all of our correct ohms readings. Your on the phone waiting hours some times. I have nearly a dozen RMA no. And have NEVER had one come back as an Installation Issue. No your wrong i have proof your wrong. Am done with attitude “This is the “BEST” equipment. Someone is brainwashed or just pain Naive to mass of junk being peddled by ALL MANUFACTURES. I been in service for 40 years….NONE is “ALL FLAWLESS” none.
I tend to agree it’s a Technician problem. I installed my Halcyon in 2015 as a DIY project. I did my research online bought the necessary tools and fittings and installed it without a hitch. We use our unit both winter and summer and it works flawlessly. We live in the Canadian westcoast where it rains for 6 months. No rust!
I did notice that if we left our windows or doors open while AC ran that mold began appearing on the interior vanes. Turns out this is typical and so we now keep doors and windows closed.
When AC is running and windows are open, the warm moist outside air enters the house and as it cools condensation will occur.
Because I have been following this blog for years, I keep wondering when my Fujitsu will finally bite the dust, but it just keeps doing duty. It really is an incredible little machine. Can’t believe it’s so efficient too.
I know that fujitsu is terrible system. So many times problems and a lots of costs for replacements and repairs.
How are the HVAC Techs causing leaking coils? I would bet that your bet is a bad one.
Mishandling, making bad connections at the flares – shouldn’t be an issue of bad air getting in though as the units are pre-charged and should be critically loaded when new.
I have 8 units installed back in 2011. One of the 9RLS start leaking last summer. I had it refilled and works for a few months. than it’s not heating/cooling again. All freon is gone again. I spoken to local tech i and they told me most like it’s the coil and it’s not worth looking into. An suggest just get a different unit. Anyone know any good tech in the NYC area to help me determine if the issue with flare fitting or coil. I hate to replace a unit without knowing the root cause.
3 years, 3 Halcyon XLTH units, 0 issues……..
Great news. Thanks.
My first 3 years were trouble free too. Now I have a leaking coil diagnosis at 5 years. 3 services calls in the last 2 years.
We installed 1 Fujitsu Mini split System in 2015 as a test and then added 23 more in 2016. Nearly all of the 23 have had at least 2 service calls some with 6 and some have had even 8 calls in a 2 year period. Error code 1A (low refrigerant) They are absolute junk and their support is the worst ever. The flair fittings they use sucks! They expand and contract in the heat mode causing refrigerant to leak. as a maintenance manager I would not even install a Fujitsu in a dog house. We changed HVAC technicians and the new group said they actually cut the flairs off and silver solder them for this complaint if their customer insists on Fujitsu, That seems to fix the leaking fitting problem. Now the coils are all going bac and they are blaming moisture inside the coil not covering the warranty. 20% of the install price has already been spent repairing these junk mini split systems. Buyer beware If installer offer Fujitsu RUN THE OTHER WAY!
Update purchased a property with 7 of these Fujitsu junk units. Totally different installation company and the coils are all leaking too. They are out of warranty and no parts availability, (Go Figure) Now I have to rip them out and replace with another brand that offers a 10 year warranty and doesn’t suck.
Over the past two decades I found and so has my father decades before me flare fittings to usually be you’re number one source of leaks usually technician error untrained unskilled experience is not always a rating meaning somebody is qualified even after 20 years if they’re not experienced with flare fittings . My father taught me back when my teenage years if the job is important cut off the flare fittings and silver braids them problem solve . It doesn’t not matter if the technician has sat in on a several hour class and got trained by the manufactures to do the installation usually because of rushed jobs and bonuses to be acquired time schedules need to be met a boss writing to ask the technician somebody being cheap ignorant or lazy or a combination of all of above results and leaks no matter what manufacture . I myself do you have issues with FUJITSU and the distributors they choose to lie in bed with to distribute their product because they’re just salesman who want to make a bonus . I purchased and installed a FUJITSU on my personal house for heads 3 ton system never had any leaks just a blown out transformer down the block voltage spik took out the board . It took six weeks to order a new board and had the same problem once again on one customers product and he was not very pleased so I bought another condensing unit to strip the port out it and I Collett a $2500 fuse and never bought another fUJITSU product again . My fUJITSU personally has never had any leaks from the flare fittings approaching 20 years but then again I was taught by my father in my teenage years how to properly apply flare fittings . Two months ago I was called out to a job site with 22 FUJITSU 3 ton condensing units and all 22 out of 22 were leaking 100% leak. The systems were being routinely topped off that should never be done in the first place proving the individuals servicing these for yo The systems were being routinely topped off that should never be done in the first place proving that individuals servicing these units don’t understand you cannot cop off they made multiple attempts at repairs and the repairs leaked again proving the incompetence they had three contractors come out there still leaking we completely disassembled all fittings on all 22 systems remove them at the indoor heads in properly flared and reattach the condensing units . Systems leak free. I have been solely installing LG units usually large commercial VRF and some residential . Last weekend out of desperation a customer had a bunch of large residential mini commercial 5 ton single phase LG systems installed . Two Different contractors seven different attempts System still not operating properly so the customer paid for us to fly from San Francisco to Fresno . Just to do a Plemon airy diagnostic most of the problems or leaks and if you hadn’t kinks in the suction lines hidden underneath the insulation a common new Be just to do a Plemon airy diagnostic most of the problems or leaks and a few hidden kinks in the suction lines hidden underneath the insulation a common nubee mistake and of course there is no senior tech or any kind of supervisor going around rechecking the work . This upcoming weekend they can pas this upcoming weekend The customer is paying us to drive out there 3 1/2 hours to repair leaks I want four air handler’s two condensers and replace three kinked to fittings . $1000 for the diagnosis and $4000 to come back and do repairs . The customer had to shut down his business due to lack of air conditioning his losses in time and product far exceeded the whole value of the system installed . So a total of $5000 to fix a couple fittings and replace three kinked small sections of line at a 90° band is only a small fraction of his total losses . You have to remember the blame is to be put on the distributing warehouse I was desperate to sell a product to make profit and sell them to anybody they possibly can no matter how unqualified they are to read off some slides in and out of pages of a book in a several hour class to make them qualify to purchase the product you can pull anybody off the street call them a technician send them to one of these classes and have them install the systems and the customer get screwed over this is the reality . in general if the owner contractor of the business himself is not out there working doing the job himself and he cannot fully install one of the systems himself with his very own hands and do all the diagnostics and then don’t do business with that company”. There are a lot of different scenarios to this installation stories bro are you Gotta do is follow the money trail the more middleman involved in the more incompetent the people selling the product to a more incompetent person who owns a company who is trying to save money by hiring the cheapest employees to make the highest profit what do you think the outcome will be . My job over the years has been to come up and clean up the dog poop left behind by the people who do these installations this is what I do on a daily basis . It’s either by big companies with large yellow page ads big shiny vans with lots of beautiful stickers on them nice uniforms with patches on the side of them or the other end of the scale Billy Bob but crack possibly an extra meth attic borderline drunk or just a misfit who is not qualified to work at McDonald’s gets hired to do the installation choose your scenario in your head about 90% of why the failures happen .
Surprises no one caught ” The flair fittings they use sucks!” especially Ted.
Later in this post “cut the flairs off and silver solder them ”
Makes no sense what so ever, if the poster is complaining about the flairs that was made by the initial installer, how can he blame this on Fujitsu?
Again evidence of an installation made by people not following Fujitsu’s recommendations and a frustrated consumer that will use this blog to smear Fujitsu.
It is high time for Ted to consider the value of this blog in general as it clearly has become a magnet for consumers venting their frustration over poor installations
Thanks for your feedback. I’ve debated the pros and cons of allowing this but came to the conclusion that allowing an open dialog is good. Comments like yours help greatly to inform and educate people about the critical importance of installation for the performance and life of HVAC systems. I’ve tried to amplify this through my own comments.
However, some of the issues raised have nothing to do with installation, and that feedback is important as well. Following my own advice, my systems were installed and worked on by one of the best known/best trained HVAC companies in the region. Even they took multiple visits to try to find and repair the problems. Having to replace coils and head units just a few years after installation indicates poor durability and QC on the manufacturer’s part – something prospective consumers deserve to know. Also, the manufacturers refusal to cover the contractors’ costs (which are then passed on to the consumer) is also concerning.
Fujitsu has extended their warranty which should reduce some of these problems.
I bought Fujitsu mini split ducted system in 2014. Lost heat in 2015and replaced the coils in 2016 and air handler. Now 2020, The coils are leaking again so another set of coils must be installed. The coils mare covered under warranty but the labor expense means I could replace the whole system for the same cost. So now I am getting quotes on another brand! Very disappointed !!!
Yes, when coils prematurely fail they should include the labor cost. It’s really unconscionable that it costs so much to replace something that is clearly poorly designed. And nobody can blame coils going bad on bad installations either. They develop pinholes because they are so thin.
So being a Fujitsu dealer, I would like to point some things out. #1 Did you use an authorized Fujitsu installer? The installer would have 100% backing from Fujitsu and would have been aware that the model you had installed was being discontinued soon, so they would not have even offered it to you. Fujitsu installers also give you a better warranty when a system is installed by them. This is what happens when you go with the cheapest bid. #2 I see many complaints of circuit board failures, more than likely the unit was dead in the water even before being hooked up. Why you ask? Static electricity, many HVAC installers doing mini splits don’t understand that static electricity knocks these circuit boards out. So when they go to pick up the outdoor condenser to move it to it’s new home and they get a static shock when they touch it, where does that little bit of electricity go? Since there is no ground hooked up yet it goes right to the circuit board via the temp sensor, which is why many of you get a temp sensor fail code. So basically when dealing with any mini split systems you should ground yourself before touching any equipment. #3 Multi zones/ Some indoor heads work and others don’t work. Chances are you exceeded the maximum line set footage. Most multi zone systems are rated for a combined 150ft of line set length before you have to start adding refrigerant. When ever you make a 90 degree turn with line set, add another foot for each turn. The installation manual should also tell you the maximum length you can go straight up a vertical wall with line set, it depends on BTU size of your system. The manual should also give you a number in ounces of refrigerant to add per how many feet you went over that maximum length. Also check to see if any of the line sets have kinks in them, usually found near corners. Before you fired up the system, did you put in a vacuum? #4 Leaks in flare fittings are common to installers who don’t use the right tools. First off, you never tighten a “dry” flare fitting together and you don’t “Hercules” tighten them either. I use Leak Lock or Nylog and wet the area of the fitting where the copper flare meets the brass fitting. Then tighten with an adjustable torque wrench. Torque specs for flare fitting sizes should be in the installation manual. Also sometimes the line set will just have a bad flare and you have to cut it off and make a new one. #5 The service guy came and refilled it with refrigerant. Ok, so did they take the old refrigerant out, put it in a vacuum, and put virgin refrigerant in? You can’t put new 410a refrigerant on top of old refrigerant and call it good, it won’t work right. #6 Main power issues. Before even starting the job, check power at the breaker panel. Most systems are 208/230 volts, most will say they can handle to @250 volts. Install surge protectors, this is a must. Me personally, if I’m reading higher than 245volts, the customer needs to call their elec. provider and get it closer to 240v. Also I have found many people are just running 14awg (good for 15 amps)wire to their condenser. Yes many of these condensers are only drawing 8-12 amps, but you have to factor in the indoor unit or units too because they are on the same circuit, so you can end up being well in the high teens for amp draw. Drawing high amps is not good for these systems. Hope some of this helps, good luck.
Hi, nice install comments and totally agree on almost all your points.
I think adding leak soap check on all the fittings is a very good practice which I am sure you also perform after the install or pre in a nitrogen pressure test?
Personally I am not sure about the Leak Lock or Nylog.
Fujitsu manual calls for proper refrigerant oil to be used on all fittings and flares, although this issue has been debated to death on various forums.
I’m so impressed with the HVAC CA comments. Installation is a huge factor and is under reported in this blog. As a first time DIY installer, I used Nylog as insurance and boy was I impressed. Not using Nylog on flare joints is equivalent to not using flux on copper solder joints. I strongly urge readers to research the competency of installers before buying. From research with top technicians, there is no debate about Nylog or equivalent sealants. They work and anyone that claims otherwise would not work for me.
Using products like nylog is for lazy tradesmen and people that don’t know what they’re doing.
Any good tradesman would never recommend such a product.
HVAC in CA is someone I wish I had locally. You are some clever person. As a plumber’s son who decided to go into medicine instead, I know how important the small details are in every endeavour. Before a DIY on 2 heatpumps (Fujitsu & Mitsubishi) I spent hours online gleaning every bit of info I could. I memorized the installation manuals. I bought all of the latest installation tools including flairing tool. For insurance I used NYLOG (brilliant stuff). That was 4 yrs ago. Both units work flawlessly, both winter and summer. I prefer the Halcyon for heating. But Mr.Slim works well too. I understand HVAC in CA. These heatpumps are incredibly intricate. A high school dropout is not someone I would want working on my units unless the technician has gone to yrs of trades school. So, buyer beware. Do your research on the pitfalls of bad installations. This Blog would be well served to change it’s theme to “Why Mini-splits Fail and How to Prevent these Failures”. I actually feel sorry for Fujitsu. They make a very good product.
Probably all good points but you fail to address the leaking coils. There is no other reason they go bad except for poor materials and craftsmanship. Fujitsu undoubtedly already knows this from the number of warranty calls received and in any other industry there would be a recall but for some reason – probably because installers are making a boatload of money – a class action claim has not come about.
We too have been greatly disappointed in the Fujitsu mini-split. As an Inn we’ve invested heavily, over $12,000, in this equipment and while we appreciated the design and the engineering, the technical support just ins’t there and we are now facing heavy expenses due to repair, delays in repair, lack of qualified technicians leading to misdiagnosis of equipment failure.
We are through recommending the purchase of Fujitsu mini-splits to our friends and fellow Inn owners. We are now facing another, in a long line of recent equipment failures and costly fixes to equipment that should last longer than 6 to 8 years. What a huge dissapointment!
BUYER BEWARE!!!! Fujitsu is junk!! I purchased an indoor mini-split for the storage room above my garage in 2014. Each winter I continually got the A1 temp discharge error code and had to have the unit serviced. After dealing with the nightmare of Fujitsu’s customer service I was finally able to get them to agree to replace the unit in January 2018. But I had to pay the difference in cost between my old unit and the new one as well as pay the installation cost. That was about $700 out of pocket on top of the service calls I had over the years.
My new unit was installed March 2018 and I had an A1 temp discharge error and had to have servicing. I made it thru the summer and most of fall and here in December when the cold snaps, “Bang!!!”. Here we go again. Another A1 temp discharge error.
I am now replacing the unit with a traditional unit and will never use one of these again.
Did they find a leak? These systems are very sensitive and run on the newer high pressure refrigerant. Many installers do a poor job of connecting the lines, leading to slow leaks that are really hard to find.
Couldn’t find a leak even under a higher pressure test. All the tech could do was a recharge.
I had the same problem. It was a good company but the technician tried several times to find the leak but couldn’t.
I had to demand that they send out their top technician who I knew to really know his stuff. He managed to solve the problem.
Unfortunately it would appear Ted’s block becomes the magnet for people that have problems with their Fujitsu mini splits due to the title of this article.
While it is perfectly understandable people need to “vent” their frustrations with costly failures it is totally unjust to blame only the manufacturer.
The original poster even clearly indicates he had 3 units fail due to a local utility company brownout, clearly the units should have had line protectors installed from day 1 to prevent such failure.
The issue that never gets emphasized enough in these post is the quality of the installation.
It does not matter if it is a Fujitsu certified installer or a back yard mechanic that did the installation, the only thing that matters was it done correctly?
Ted even recently posted he had to demand a top technician to find problems other technicians from a the same company could not locate, what does that tell you?
I am sure it is not only installations that is causing the problems but I am convinced they account for a huge amount.
Early adapters always pay the price, sad fact but always true.
This is true for many new technologies.
Replacement parts is a huge negative for Fujitsu mini splits. Some of the parts prices is darn outright unjust.
Small filters $50, remote thermostat kits $300 to $400?
Improvements over the years increases manufacturing reliability and Fujitsu should have had a program in place to offer reduced cost for newer replacement unit.
Have a nice day and stay warm.
Actually, if you read any of my replies, I am very careful to note the importance of the installation almost every time someone has an issue. A number of people, including myself had systems fail due to perforation in the coils after just a few years. To have the system fail in such a way and then charge almost full replacement cost for a repair is unconscionable.
As you note, Fujitsu has lengthened their warranty, which is a good thing. However labor costs can still be extremely high. But that’s for any system so I wouldn’t blame Fujitsu for that.
An update on my RLS3 installation in 2015….No changes, it works flawlessly. I also have installed both a Fujitsu and a Mitsubishi heat pump. Both have been absolutely trouble free. I use both summer and winter. In winter I prefer the 15RLS3. It is so efficient that I rarely use our hydronic heating system. The first year post installation, my electric bills actually went down in the summer time because I no longer had to use the room fans. Crazy but true. My natgas bills have also cratered. I purchased my RSL3 online for $1700 + $500 for linesets and electrical supplies. The heating cost savings have already paid for my investment.
I feel your pain… We installed 23 of the AOU18RLFC ARUA8RLF units in 2016. Nearly all of the 23 have had at least 2 service calls some with 6 and some have had even 8 calls in a 2 year period. Error code A1 (Temperature discharge error) they are absolute junk and the Fujitsu support is the worst ever. The supplier told me today they have little or no issues and it must be the installers. HA! The flair fittings they use suck! They expand and contract in the heat mode causing refrigerant to leak. As an engineer I would not install a Fujitsu in a dog house. We changed HVAC technicians and the new group said they actually cut the flairs off and silver solder them for this complaint, if their customer insists on new Fujitsu install that seems to fix the leaking fitting problems. Now quite a few of the coils are all going bad and they are blaming moisture inside the coil not covering the warranty. 20% of the 90K install price has already been spent repairing these junk mini split systems. We expected them to last at least 10 years. Not have to spend that much fixing this junk. Buyers beware! If your installer offers or recommends a Fujitsu RUN THE OTHER WAY FAST! Oh and all the original installers are all certified by Fujitsu for training. Other brands even an inexpensive Gree units are less trouble than these.
i have 2 of these pieces of junk in my new home 4 years old now the one on the bottom floor have problems when it was installed they replaced parts but never did put out much heat i called the installer the second year he worked on it again said it was working good charged me 300.00 still no heat the temperature is set on 78 today and its 60 degrees in the house i hate this piece of junk .would sooner built a fire in the floor at least i would have heat again JUNK JUNK JUNK
My Fujitsu unit has developed a coil leak one month after the warranty was up and now the contractor says the unit has to be replaced, this is after 30 wasted manhours and having the unit filled twice what is really aggravating is he installed this unit in 2014 knowing full well the problems Fujitsu was having. I received this news today and am now waiting for the contractor to get back to me with solution.
Yup, that’s about the same thing I experienced. Sucks, doesn’t it?
You might be able to get a replacement unit from someone for a reasonable price. When my first generation unit died, I asked around and a kind soul here sold me new components that were just laying around in a warehouse because it was an old unit.
I also had a Fujitzu Halcyon Mini Split installed in my laundry-room/art studio in 2009. However, I have been very pleased with it and am fortunate in that my unit is still running great in 2018…nine years later. Granted, it is a small room but here in Tucson Arizona air conditioners really get a work out. It was installed by the contractor that built my studio so I assume it was installed correctly, although I never have done any maintenance on it…looking at these reviews though, I’m guessing I probably should.
I purchased a Fujitsu Halcion mini split single 7 years ago and installed it myself however had a pro inspect it and do the initial start up. It has heated and cooled my off grid mountain home perfectly since day one only requiring occasional cleaning of the evaporator screens etc. one must remember these units run a line pressure of 800 psi. The correct copper lines and fittings are of paramount importance and the technician must really know these units as they are different than conventional HVAC equipment.
Of course having ultra clean 120/240 vac sine wave power there are no issues with open neutrals or power line problems.
B/S I owned two of them. Have a great line protectors and both failed before they were two years old. They were bought in June 2012. Replacement boards and switches were provided under warranty on the first call. Five and a half months later, another electronic board was gone in one of them. Fujitsu REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY BECAUSE THESE UNITS ONLY HAD A TWO YEAR WARRANTY. I REPLACED BOTH UNITS AND THEW AWAY $ 3150.00 with the installation. I posted a complain in Consumers Reports and AARP. I known many, many customers that paid the price to trust the early 2009-2014 Halcions. There are a piece of trash/garbage. I bought two TGM Clasics for $ 300.00 a piece. Much less efficient, but has not failed me since they were installed on 2014. Over four years now…Fujitsu NOW CLAIMS THE PROBLEMS WERE CORRECT ON THE LATEST MODELS BUT THAT IS NOT MUCH HELP FOR THE UNSUSPECTED BUYERS THAT BOUGHT THEM. THEY ARE EXPENSIVE AND UNRELIABLE AND NOT MUCH HELP FROM THE MANUFACTURER.
terrible customer service from Fujitsu .I will not install another unit !
I keep reading all of these horror stories about Fujitzu and because I have one, I continually expect mine to fail as well. But since installing my Halcyon mini-split 3 springs ago, I have had nothing but positive experiences. It continues to cool and heat exactly as well as the first season. It’s extremely efficient, costing 67 cents a day to operate here in Canada. My gas heating bills are so much lower than before. In fact I’m thinking of installing another unit in the bedroom wing. However, these negative blogs give me pause. Is it possible that Fujitzu has corrected past flaws and my newer unit is going to perform? I guess time will tell.
I have 2 Fujitsu units 24,000 BTU’s zone 7. Originally installed 2007. The first was a nightmare started breaking down after 1.5 years leaking Freon they kept sending repairmen I finally called the company and demanded they replace the unit after not being able to use for at least 1 year. The replaced it and now the evaporator coil is leaking the repair is almost $2000. Was not able to use the heat pump for past 2 winters since 2016 So for durability I give an “F” as these are supposed to last way longer. Now have to buy a completely new system. Everyone says they are top of the line I have yet to experience that, I know many people who have minisplits and have had no problems m, they are not Fujitsu.
That sounds almost exactly like my experience with my living room unit and is what soured me on them. Really disappointing!
so, what do you have now
I still have two working Fujitsu units and one Mitsubishi. Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi also had issues but it’s working well now.
Amen to that.
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