Velair A/C Anyone?

[booomer4600]

I’ve been looking at this line of Italian-made, self-contained, variable-speed compressor units to replace three split systems. (Note that the 7K btu model shown is not variable speed.)

https://www.uflexusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Brochure-pages.pdf

These seem to have a lot going for them. I spoke to an engineer at Uflex Marine, an independent installer and a couple of owners and the feedback has been consistent:

—low amp draws and inverter-friendly—able to run on a suitably sized house bank
—no start-up surges; compressors and fans ramp up and down with demand, similar to household variable-speed units
—extremely quiet operation
—WiFi-controllable

The Velair line is reportedly manufactured at the same facility that builds the crazy expensive Frigomar line using many of the same design features and parts. Uflex, an 80+ year-old company, is planning to unveil a new line this fall that they claim will be 20% more efficient and priced lower. They are also standing up a more robust North American dealer and support network.

Potential downsides include their somewhat larger size, questionable parts availability and limited feedback from actual users.

So, I’m looking for folks with direct or indirect experience with Velair. Based on the two mentions of Velair in the archives, I’m not terribly optimistic.

I bought a new Seawind sailboat with a Velair 16 k unit. It ran for 18 months. The fan died and I contacted Velair and they took 4+ months to ship replacement parts. They were on holiday then went to a boat shoe. The unit now will run a short time and shut off . Sometimes starting and will run after shutting off the main breaker. Total different issue than a bad fan. After two more months of emails pictures and videos. Their last Correspondence was they believe the problem is fixed. Seawind and I contracted them multiple times with no response. I've had a marine electrician and a boat air conditioning tech both say it's the new parts are not compatible with the old electronics board. Now I think it's time to throw away the garbage. Please pick a reputable manufacturer.

 

[booomer4600]

I’ve been looking at this line of Italian-made, self-contained, variable-speed compressor units to replace three split systems. (Note that the 7K btu model shown is not variable speed.)

Uflex USA - Premium Marine Steering & Control Systems

These seem to have a lot going for them. I spoke to an engineer at Uflex Marine, an independent installer and a couple of owners and the feedback has been consistent:

—low amp draws and inverter-friendly—able to run on a suitably sized house bank
—no start-up surges; compressors and fans ramp up and down with demand, similar to household variable-speed units
—extremely quiet operation
—WiFi-controllable

The Velair line is reportedly manufactured at the same facility that builds the crazy expensive Frigomar line using many of the same design features and parts. Uflex, an 80+ year-old company, is planning to unveil a new line this fall that they claim will be 20% more efficient and priced lower. They are also standing up a more robust North American dealer and support network.

Potential downsides include their somewhat larger size, questionable parts availability and limited feedback from actual users.

So, I’m looking for folks with direct or indirect experience with Velair. Based on the two mentions of Velair in the archives, I’m not terribly optimistic.

I have a 16 k Velair. Worked for 18 months then stopped the evaporator fan was no good. Velair took 4 months to send parts. Didn't work. They won't respond. Don't waste your money. Buy a reputable manufacturer

 

[ksanders]

Curious??? You dug up a old thread on Velair AC units from two years ago...
Then you posted four messages of the five messages you've posted here on TF trashing them.

Am I correct to say you cruising the internet looking for Velair posts, to say your peace about the product????

Not that that's bad, it't just a bit ...different.

BTW I have three velair units, and have had them for two years now, zero problems. but... I have not dealt with their customer service so maybe???