How To Wall Mount a Mini Split Outdoor Condenser Unit

[@steventrott8714]

Who else slipped a disk watching that install?!?!? PHONE A FRIEND!

[@alfredofuentes8959]

Man! you just reminded me when I was young , I used to lift heavy loads and now my back is showing all that stress . Take care of yourself! Don't kill your back!.

[@markchidester6239]

Same thoughts here, that's me 20 years ago! Now it's, nope, I'll get someone to help

[@royhi1809]

Things are always more fun doing it with your children... and it's what makes a family A FAMILY. Great job!

[@jointhejourney7472]

Love seeing you work with your 2 daughters

[@gregrichard9192]

Great job Ben Safety first Hulk is a marvel character

[@johnnybourbon4823]

I like how you tell people to have at least two people help install the outside unit and then proceed to do it yourself…just like I would stubbornly do…lol! Great video, Ben, and very informative as I’m considering a mini split system for the upstairs bedrooms in my split level.

[@robertcook6058]

Bring out the engine jack and start cranking

[@sylviaisgod6947]

My sister-in-law used to lift things like that...now in bed after back surgery number 6 and $100K + in medical bills later....DON'T LIFT LIKE THAT! EVER! I had so much respect for this guy and his great videos but then he did this.

[@leroydrayton1910]

When I got started in this business we did commercial restaurant equipment and I moved a lot of heavy ranges stoves refrigerators all this by myself so I'm gonna start feeling 1000 pounds I'm 60 years old and it's going to hurt if you don't stop it now and get some help it's fun when you're young but it ain't worth it when you get older that being said I have been watching your videos and I want to thank you for putting them out because even at my age I either forgot or haven't kept up with the latest information so thank you by the way I can always learn new shortcuts and this old dog doesn't mind learning new tricks

[@bulklogan539]

Ben, you are a well explained tradesman and GREAT DAD to your children. Appreciate all of your videos. Keep em coming bud.

[@AustinJamesMike]

Ben, when you get to the next video on hooking up everything, I have a minor suggestion for the condenser drain line. 11 years ago I installed my first mini split and just ran the drain line that came with the unit out of the wall. In about two years after installing it looked like a critter or something was eating off the end of the plastic. Turned out to be mother nature (UV light) so I had to add a short run of one inch PVC pipe to avoid the damage cause.

[@kylegrimes1497]

Thumbs up for your daughter's singing. Very cute. And also the lag screw recommendation.

[@MoltenFungus]

I've watched a ton of DIY videos on KZbin and really can't thank people like you enough. However, this one has to be the most real. The kids coming and checking out, the foreman (wife) coming to inspect, and finally the old using the top of your knees to lift the unit. Just 2 cents, use a weightlifting belt. Im older than you and speak from experience. Save that back, your famiky will thank you. Great video.

[@HobbyOrganist]

"...have two people to lift the unit onto the bracket as they can be a bit heavy" Especially when you bought the 300,000 BTU sized unit with the 900 pound condensor ;) The struggle is REAL, you gave it the college level try and WON!!!

[@matthewwiemken7293]

You are the reason I used an ATV winch and scrap lumber to place the unit on mount lol. worked quite well with a couple straps around the unit and a small 12v battery. Winch didn't seem to notice when lifting:)

[@vt20247]

I have to lift a lot of heavy stuff by myself. Always learning how-to and not how-to; this one definitely goes into the not how-to. One thing I learned along the way is to lift in increments. You could have stacked cinder blocks or something stable to halfway to the height if the rack. By leveraging it in you only lift half the weight and to half the height.

[@robertcook6058]

I have a few steps to my front door (~2 ft). The UPS / FedEx drivers have picked up both my 65lb mini splits condensors from the back of the truck instead of using the lift gate. My knees hurt just watching this.

[@theElderberryFarmer]

I'm glad that you got through that lift without an immediate injury or a damaged condenser. Next time - some lumber, a pulley and some rope to fashion a quick a-frame gantry might make for a better/easier day. But to be fair - hindsight is always 20-20 and I was once young, strong and impatient.

[@JasonW.]

Country strong

[@JoeLinux2000]

You have to think these things through in advance. In his situation either putting it in the back of a pick up or rigging an incline plane would have been best. He was able to do it, but it's more a video on how not to do it.

[@matthewroller]

Thank you. I love how he got stronger once his wife showed up :) The mic thief....muaha

[@johnmay371]

Great video! I very much appreciate the time in detail that you put into your videos. I’ve been waiting to see more about this mini split. You have very much influenced me and I intend to purchase the exact same unit for my Garage space in the future. Thank you very much for all the detail that you put into your work. PS seeing all the kids is great! You’re a good dad.I look very forward to seeing the rest of this installation.

[@MistyJune]

This was the best installation video I found yet.

[@mindset-s7y]

Love your videos man!!!! Congratulations fir the beautiful family.

[@hdwoodshop]

The shenanigans and the lift partition were golden. I was laughing then dead serious hoping the mini split wouldn’t go splat!

[@raybchoi]

Great video! What kind of bolt did you use / how long was that you put directly into the studs? Any reason why you didn't use the anchors that came with the installation kit?

[@poconojoe90]

You’re an American treasure! Thanks so much for taking the time to do these videos!

[@xxvodanhxx]

Mounting on the ground reduces noise and vibration. I have one on the roof, and one i'll put on the wall soon, both because we don't have a lot of room on the ground, and I already hear it quite a bit in my room on the roof mounted one. I thought it was the head unit until I realized, I had mounted the condenser right above my bed on the roof. I chose the location due to other constraints (Flatness, shade, distance from head unit, etc) , and didn't realize until months later. We often man handle thing in DIY, but really its not safe, but often you just don't have a second set of hands to help. Definitely wouldn't recommend it for daily work. Mine was a bit smaller and I managed to bring it up to the roof now that I think about it..... by myself... probably not the safest lmao We seem to think we're invincible, until we break something inside us. Next time with that much open space, back your truck up to it, load it onto the truck bed, then get on the truck bed and move it over to the bracket.

[@InvisibleCitizen]

I’ve decided to mount mine on a wall-bracket that is mounted to a post-stand. I am augering two 36” deep holes similar to fence post. My post are 6”x6”x6’. I’m routing two dado for 2x6 cross members. One for the wall mount top rail and one for the lower stand-offs. I have faux brick that comes up 3ft and I do not want to mount to it or through it.

[@hoofhearted1326]

2 things. 1 I liked the Long,long,Long,Long song and B I was on the edge of my seat when you were lifting the unit onto the mounting bracket. It was like watching the strong man competition.

[@jnicksnewstart]

You have very talented helpers.😀

[@reedrobb]

Good timing, I’m planning to hang a Daikin unit on my new wall but it will be about 10’ off the ground. I will definitely need some help. You had me laughing there for a few minutes, glad you didn’t drop it.

[@gregh7457]

i just lifted my 12k btu daikin about 8' off the ground a week ago and let me tell you, it really calls on the muscles in your arms. I was reliving that painful experience watching him

[@johnwongyoutube]

I mounted it my minisplit on the ground and was surprised how much vibration came through with just the insulated piping contacting the wall. I can't imagine how much vibration would come through if the unit itself was on the wall. I had to wrap some lead weight around the piping to dampen the vibration. This was a Mr. Cool 12K unit.

[@milesharlan1]

Benjamin..I love your video's..Next time you decide about lifting large things by your self try my idea..I try and get the object up in the air. I use concrete blocks or 4x4 to start to get object in air. Your particular situation you could have put the unit in the back of a pick up truck and you are almost at the correct height. Now drive around the back of the garage. Lift up on to your brackets. Take care and see you in your next video..

[@KootMed]

Man . . my back went out just watching you with that condenser😱

[@StevenSchroeder-u4o]

Thanks for the video. I'm trying to decide whether to mount mine on a pad or on the wall. One consideration is, per Cooper Hunter, the unit needs 12" clear to the wall behind it. Looks like you have maybe 6". What are your thoughts?

[@watsonthumb4997]

Dang man I really felt for you when you were lifting that condenser onto the wall mount and the bracket kept moving out of the way. One of those moments where you really gotta give 110 percent just to get it up there, then things dont go to plan and the margin for error is already slim. You pulled it off though, gotta give credit where its due!

[@RB-uy4pn]

A fellow SW Minnesotan! I subbed, liked and commented ( long live the YT algorithm )

[@HobbyOrganist]

I ordered a mini split 12,000 btu. I think I will mount the outside unit on a platform I'll build 2 feet off the concrete and the unit mounted on it a foot out from the wall. I have a large fenced concreted area for the dogs, and a gate to a much larger play area filled with sand. My back door to the concreted area has a little overhead roof about 4 feet out and 8 feet long parallel to the house that would provide excellent cover over the unit to keep snow and rain off it. The lineset only has to go horizontally about 9 feet and up and in.

[@ia6363]

Nice add of the rubber isolation, mum and dad has a unit that vibrates the hell out of the wall when the unit is in heat pump mode, got the rubbers just have to get back to finishing it off, luckily i have until next winter to install them since winter is over here.

[@ronaldcach2779]

HI, kids are great at that age. My son is already 22 and a police officer in Woodhaven Michigan. Where does the time go LOL Thanks Friend

[@danberm1755]

Can't believe you made that lift! Right on man 👍

[@frankjamesdra]

It was good to ride along with your quality and attentive "crew".It will be a few years before they will be able to help you lift things like this. Also it's pretty funny that you got busted by the "boss" in the video comments. Thanks for letting us ride along with your life for 15 minutes as well as the good information.

[@MegaFinalRound]

@12:48 if there is a gutter to catch the water from the roof, would the mini split be able to be mounted underneath that side of the garage/building? 🤔

[@typrus6377]

Pucker-factor 10 as you soloed it up on the wall... my back feels for yours

[@Billbobaker]

How many inches away from the wall is it? My instructions say a minimum of 11 1/2 inches .

[@davidfrisby]

Ben, most MFGs recommend 12 inches clearance between the house and condenser. Most wall mount brackets dont provide that much, as in your case. Do you thing 5 to 7 inches clearance on the back side in sufficient? Im getting ready to mount my 24000 btu

[@molddorm]

Great video. I mean REALLY great. I loved your narration. I loved your straight forward directions about where to place things & WHY. I thought the kid closed captions were humorous & wasn’t excessive. I *really* like the cleanness of the video & just the whole package presented! But what i loved MOST about this video was the absence of profanity. So many creators believe it’s just a part of their expression to use their profanity & it just shows a lack of respect file the audience. Well done overall & you’ve EARNED yourself a subscriber.

[@BrandonDoesStuff1]

OMG... lifting that mini split looks like something I'd try to do!

[@lazmotron]

Great video. It's there a difference in price between a heat pump and a cooling only unit? Thanks.

[@markstamp872]

Nice video, but clearly the kids are the stars. I have a slightly smaller Cooper & Hunter unit and I'm wondering how much spacing is required around the outdoor unit for proper air flow. I can't find that info in their online documentation. Btw, I'm originally from Iowa, but now I must've become one of those "smarter people" as I live in California...

[@jepito29]

I’d recommend spacers between the bracket and the siding to compensate for the ribs. So that the lag bolts can actually get tight

[@speedbuggy16v]

I had almost forgotten how cute lil ones can be, aaaand there goes the mic. Now there is a good boy! Good effort, but that get it done attitude is going to make you pay later in life. Get help whenever you can. Love the videos. One question on placement of the outside unit. You say out of the sunlight which for us in the US means the north side of the house. What about any possible efficiency gains of placing it on a south wall, avoiding our cold north wind here in KS, but also inside what would be a greenhouse in the winter months, but open during the summer months with an overhang that eliminates the sun hitting it in the summer?

[@swanman11187]

It's been 2 years since you installed. Are you still a fan of C&H? I am looking to install one for a 16x24 workshop, with lofted office space, I built is SE wisconsin!

[@muohiodpowell1974]

You have never slipped a disc before!! Life as you know it now will never be the same!

[@chefchutardo5215]

And just those two bolts are enought to keep the unit from flying away in 60mp/h winds ?

[@wattheheck6010]

Congrats on your plaque! Well earned. I always learn so much subscribing to your channel, Ben. Loved your helpers, the two and four legged!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks!

[@naomisahlstrom]

The Boss thought she confirmed there would be a second person coming to help lift it in place... I was not aware of the solo lifting feat until after I saw the video. 😬 I tried. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

I think I said that I "might make a phone call" right? ;) You're totally correct though. I should have asked Reuben for help.

[@VULVOLINE009]

I live in a co-op where every renovations/work is approved by a committee and they often tend to go on the cheap side... i don't really have questions here, i'm just looking for opinions/feedback etc. Right now every unit is having a 12 000 btu AC mini splits (from Direct Air) installed, my unit is 3 bedrooms on top floor and each floor is just about 500sq feet + finished basement... so far iv'e only seen completed installation on the the smaller units (2 bed rooms/400sq feet floors) and the outside condenser/fan part is installed directly underneath a wooden porch/deck structure , say when i step out my patio door i'm pretty much @ ground level where as when they walk out their patio door? they're about 5-6 feet of the ground so they have a tiny deck&stairs to get to their yards) , about half the residents here are retired folks who spend an INSANE amount of time relaxing in their backyards so anyway, got something on the stove so ill cut this short..... here are my worries; edit BTW, those backyards are all SMALL, i'm talking a resident sitting outside reading would almost always be within less than 10 feet from the machine,20 feet if they sit on the edge of their yards, most have gazebos setup just a couple feet from the decks... 12K btu is not enough for for my unit (about 1000sq feet + basement) and even if it were? the machine would be running hard most of the time, i live in Ottawa, we often get 40C/ 104F with humidex) The outside part of the system makes about 57decibels (comparable to a 2 person conversation 1 meter away or a 3-4 person conversation a few meters away) since it'll be ramped up during the hours of the day those folks like spending time in their backyard it might get pretty noisy, especially since some residents will be hearing their machines on top top of their two neighbors's machines... since in some cases the machines are installed under that wooden deck, i imagine to a certain extent some of the noise will be "contained" in that enclosed space under the deck and reflect out in the easiest path which aims directly at where these folks like to sit/read/chat etc also most of the heat from the condensers will probably hit the brick wall right behind and then radiate upwards through the decks which ... could be it's own problem. Could affect the wood itself? whatever paint is on those decks? but mostly, some residents like to put plants on those decks, can't imagine plants will enjoy the 60C temperatures, other residents also like to setup their BBQ on that deck, they fire up the grill and often step out the patio door barefoot to check on it... now seems to me like the deck could be so hot at times walking bare foot on it would be painful, attending the BBQ would be unbearably hot, i have some other issues but i think the smoke alarm is about to go off again so ill leave it at that... again, no questions just... opinions/feedback if you think we're heading for headaches or not etc. and yes... i'm drunk ;) sry for saying deck so much lol, i'm french,couldn't think of a better word :P Edit; here's another thing, in my case i live in a corner unit, i have an outer wall that's connected to my stairwell which makes the installation easy but in some other cases ive seen so far, the machine sits on the ground and the conduits are installed outside the wall(covered by a small plastic channel/cover) and they run all the way to the attic, so that's well over 20 feet of somewhat insulated conduits who are sitting right where the heat coming off the machine rises if there's no wind and then there's the added length going through the attic in order to reach the inside part of the machine... i'm not doing anymore research to determine how having such long conduits will affect the performance, i'm at least certain it won't help :/

[@mikez4132]

Any concern about the mount keeping the unit so close to the wall? My manual for the CH 18k wants 12" between the wall and condenser. Mounts that big are hard to find and are not affordable.

[@monczaopl]

That is for the on-ground scenario where there is no ventilation below the unit. When mounted on the wall you get additional ventilation from the bottom and the unit can be installed closer to the wall

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

@@monczaopl Great answer. I had the same problem, now feel better to have at 4 inches away from wall.

[@RazorStrap]

Anchor a come-along few feet up the wall and it will do wonders for lifting that unit. I sometimes clamp an anchor point to a beam for the come-along.

[@darwinawardcommittee]

I ordered mine with the wall mount to keep it out of snow. After ordering it I realized I need to be 3 feet from combustibles as it has the heat strip for -13 degrees heating. Now I need to figure a stand. I don’t feel like spending $250 bucks for a stand. There’s a relatively inexpensive one fo 40 bucks but it’s too small for my 24k Pioneer. I just bought a flux core welder that I haven’t mastered yet. So I have some practicing to do.

[@kevinmach730]

I have the same compolaint about Michigan weather. I'm not saying we get Flordia weather, but with what we deal with as an average temp the rest of the year, you'd think we have a lot more Summer days in the low 70s and fewer day in the high 80s and 90s.

[@JasonW.]

From experience, wall or ground mounted, make sure the roof has very good water runoff control or the roof overhangs enough to keep water off the top of it. The rain water might help cool it in the summer, but the ice build up in the winter hurts its ability to heat.

[@julienturcot8112]

Exactly. Or he might want to install gutters for the rain. In Winter, proper roof insulation and/or attic space to prevent ice formation. These units are meant to be outdoor.

[@JamesEid]

I'm glad you didn't wimp out and ask for help to lift that mini-split compressor like the advice you gave everyone else.

[@donaldmackenzie2686]

Just how much does that outdoor unit weigh? Slightly heavier brackets might be in order, yes/no? For some reason I didn't think those units were quite that heavy. Anyway enjoy the summer while it lasts. Cheers

[@floatybyboaty]

Hi I have just purchased the same style and size unit and weighs 40Kg. (24000BTU) The brackets say they are good for 120Kg but look so small. Fingers crossed they hold up as they are solid but look similar to yours that you have installed Isn't there a minimum space between wall and Unit?

[@trentvlak]

Can you link to the pdf where you measured the mass and frequency of the system, calculated resonance, and solved for how much damping you needed when spec'ing out those rubber dampers? Thanks.

[@John-vk1ij]

Hi it's been three years. How do you think the noise/vibration level this condenser makes?

[@perryebersold1946]

would like to put mini system air conditioner in new lake cottage. any tips on preplanning for install on new construction? also recommended size BTU system Cottage is single story 960 sq feet Thank You

[@RevNoch]

Thumbs up for the commentary by the kiddo.

[@tomp538]

You could always add a couple of cantilevered struts from the bottom of the structure to the supplied brackets, to increase stability.

[@trace1571]

Did you add lag bolts on the bottom portion of the mount or just let the bottom part rest against the wall?

[@mking806]

The mini split I'm installing says the outdoor unit must be 12" from the wall. But my line set may not be long enough, so it might be more like 6" from the wall. Most wall mounts don't seem to be 12" from the wall so how can you get away with that? Yours doesn't look like it's 12" from the wall. Is that rule just something to be ignored? I'm asking because I might have to ignore it myself.

[@JoeLinux2000]

His looks to be about 6" away from the wall. I think it would depend on the location of the air intake.

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

Someone answered that question here saying if wall mounted it will get more air from bottom and ok with less than the 12" required for ground installation.

[@zensurfer55]

Dude! You da man! That's totally me trying to lift stuff; always on the edge of disaster. And, your daughter's cameo was an unexpected treat! I just got my mini-split today. The condenser is a bit smaller than yours. I think it's just over 100 lbs. I'm considering wall mount options but may just build my own shelf.

[@greenmanalishi1129]

What about the 12 inch clearance from wall?

[@abrad3061]

Is it supposed to be level or slight tilt down

[@joeferrucci]

I’m liking this video because it was fun watching you struggle to get that up there haha. And because it’s a good video 😂

[@TheRealoldcar]

Have you had any experience call their technical supports and or getting parts?

[@johnsutter1497]

How did you and your brother learn to do a variety of skills? Did you go to trade school?

[@yellowdued]

Did you put some kind of rubber between the bracket spacer and your wall? and is it just pressed against one another?

[@awakenedwonders]

definitely worth watching till the end! thank you!

[@920HVAC]

You are a brute! I was sweating watching you lift that outdoor unit. Well done!

[@holleighciardelli-tlapa5927]

Can we move it to the wall once it has been installed on the ground?

[@linochow3997]

700 sq ft home. What AC mini Split would you recommend?

[@starshipgus8578]

I was gonna comment on your installation,but instead I’ll say your little girl is so cute,lol

[@CinderQ]

Your kids are precious. Love that microphone thief at 10:45. :)

[@chrislang2341]

What brand and type of pliers is that red handled pliers. I’ve worked in home improvement for 32 years and not seen one like that. Do you use it often? Is it any good? Nice job of all of your videos. Very helpful to many people. Yes, Minnesota winter can be challenging just in a different way from 116 degree days a friend has been getting in AZ.

[@jerrymyers7686]

Why that brand? I prefer Mitsubishi myself. The hyperheat model will do a full capacity btu down to 5 degrees outside.

[@SqueakyHinge]

In your part of the country your heat pump mini split is going to be operating more supplying heat so having the outside unit in the sun assists in a warmer area, that is where the heat pump gets a portion of its heat for free, and also causes the snow/ice to melt away from the outside unit allowing the air more free flow around the outside coil for heat pickup. As for lifting the unit in the air most any supplier can sell you a sky hook for ease of installation.

[@JW77]

Can I just put the outdoor unit one the concrete slab if I have no snow and no flood?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Absolutely! That's a great option for sure in your case.

[@JW77]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom Thanks. A contractor kept telling me I need a pad for my outdoor unit on the slab but I'm not convinced. I don't have grass or foliage near it, no snow in the winter and it hardly ever rain.

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@JW77 You probably already did it, but put some pea gravel down and then some concrete blocks on top of that to get it up of the ground at least a bit.

[@SocalNewsOne]

DUDE! Thas was not a safte deal! Glad your back survived and the unit did not end up back in the box as a parts-only Ebay deal. Kids are great for the slow parts of the video.

[@markshortridge8291]

As others have mentioned. Isn’t the condensing unit supposed to be at least 1 ft from the wall? I see all the wall mounting brackets are putting the units within a few inches. Will this reduce the efficiency of the unit?

[@JoeLinux2000]

Depends on air intake location.

[@acdnintheusa]

Benjamin - Thanks for the video. I have seen some vibration dampeners for the floors and hangers. Do you know of any that can be used on the wall mount rack?

[@tomsviewphotographyadventu2514]

How much did that solo-lift cost you in terms of pain, discomfort and chiropractor bills?!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

No pain, no discomfort, and no chiropractor bills! It wasn't smart though and I do not plan on doing it again that's for sure.

[@tomsviewphotographyadventu2514]

Benjamin Sahlstrom I am glad you weren’t hurt!

[@davidderoode7691]

Love the sound of bugs buzzing you

[@aweebunny]

I have an elevated deck that has a 5ft clearance from the ground. Can Install my outside unit underneath that sucker?

[@ralphvickers2339]

could I mount it on 2 - 4 x4 post sunk in the ground and not on my brick ?

[@Darnic-Fab]

What do you professional installers think of the wall mount he is using in this video? I see everyone saying they have remake the bracket to make it work.

[@robertjonas2740]

I’m wondering about your indoor unit. I bought a Gree system which is the same unit. Or at least it has the same manual. My indoor unit has a power cord pre-installed, and nothing in my manual explains it. Any ideas???

[@victorradilla1333]

Hey bro your kids are fantastic

[@southernboy9786]

I'd say I went overboard on making my own bracket I have my bracket bolted to a concrete pad that's 6'× 4' and the concrete is 18" deep not to mention i used 1" 1/2 × 1" 1/2 × 1/4 thick angle iron 2.5 foot tall that's bolted down with 6 5/8 × 8" concrete anchors and I'm in Florida

[@fanzfanzilla]

When I google search the clearance for outdoor unit especially the distance from the wall, I get 12 inches to 24 inches away from the wall. If you use the wall mount bracket. this only allow barely 6 inches from the wall. Is it ok to be only 6 inches from the wall?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

It really should be fine but having more space is always better. Also, I wouldn't recommend using the wall bracket I did. Would be much better to just build one out of angle iron and or have a local welding shop make one for you. Then you could get it made to be 12" out as the manual recommends.

[@skipduld3630]

LIKE U SAID PUT UP HIGHER FOR SNOW. IM IN MD, EASTON SHORE, WE GET VERRY LITTLE SNOW, MORE RAIN THEN SNOW. MY HOUSE A/C IS ON FEET ABOUT 8" OFF THE GROUND.

[@MO-zu9xq]

Hey Ben I’ve got two single zone C&H hyper heat 12k units. Love them but one doesn’t work as well as the other in heat mode. Room temps drop 6-7 deg below setpoint, then it kicks in and brings the room up to temp. Temps then drop back 6-8 below. Repeats this cycle from peak to trough every hour or so. Other one is smooth and holds temps dead on. Currently winter here. Any thoughts on this? If it were refrigerant related I’d have a code for that right?

[@Kregorius]

Greetings from northern Europe. C&H are sold here too but no seller recommends them. It's not a reputable brand. Just a sticker name slapped on random Chinese import. Main problem isn't that it's Chinese. It's the deception in numbers. You can write whatever numbers on the product sheet, but if they don't hold any water in winter, than it's just wasted effort. The money people save by choosing the cheaper option will be spent triple when the actual efficiency numbers have a meal with electric bill in winter.