Pioneer makes several mini-split units, with the 12,000 BTU unit being one of them.
The Pioneer Company is a relatively new name to air conditioning systems and is known for making inexpensive products that compete with big-name brand companies.
Besides the 12000 BTU units, they also make smaller and larger units, 9,000-36,000 BTU.
12,000 BTU is a 1 Ton package; most homes have a whole-house air conditioner that is 2-4 Ton units.
This makes the package smaller than most homes traditional air conditioners but a big improvement over a window air conditioner.
Mini-splits are great units to have installed; they are out of the way, quiet, and cheap to run compared to other options.
The initial cost is more than a window package but is much cheaper than running duct-work and installing a big traditional home HVAC system.
The efficiency rating for a Pioneer unit is 19-23 SEER, which is a very good rating.
Pioneer’s new WYS series has the higher 22-23 SEER rating.
The lowest allowed by law is a 13 SEER unit with many homes built in the 1990s having units with an 8-10 SEER rating.
There are units with a better SEER rating if a highly efficient package is needed; of course, the price will reflect this.
The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is and lower the cost to operate.
A nice feature about the Pioneer unit is it is a heat pump, so it both cools in the summer and heats in the winter.
Heat pumps work by reversing the refrigerant cycle depending on the temperature and can put out cold or hot air.
Overview of Pioneer Mini Split Installation
Besides the price, one of the top selling points for Pioneer mini splits is anyone can buy and install them.
They are sold in a kit that comes with everything needed for the install besides the wiring.
Units are sold online and are shipped straight to your home.
I have installed several Pioneer units, which I have written about, and made videos on how to install them.
Read Here for the Tutorial on the Install of a Pioneer Ductless Mini Split and Video.
While Pioneer is popular with many DIYers, someone should be hired if you have no experience with wiring or HVAC in general.
The cost for installation can vary depending on your location and the time of year.
For example, having an HVAC system installed in the middle of the summer often takes longer and costs more since HVAC technicians are in such high demand during this time.
Installation costs usually run between $500-$1000 dollars; again, this will vary on location and time of year.
If you are a do-it-yourself type of person with some experience in electrical and HVAC, then installation should not be a problem.
Mini splits require electricity to be run to the unit and connected to a breaker.
They also require refrigerant lines called a line-set to be run from the outside condenser to the inside evaporator.
Running the line-set requires drilling a 2-3 inch hole in the wall for the lines to go through along with control wires.
The outside condensing unit will need a solid flat surface to sit on, which is usually done with a small cement pad.
The inside unit is placed on a wall located in the best place to distribute air.
Since mini splits do not blow air through ducts, strategically locating the unit is a good idea so air can flow into other rooms as much as possible.
Ceiling fans are often used to help air distribute better.
Pioneer Mini Split Durability
Since Pioneer is not a big name in HVAC, many wonder if they are a good brand.
Personally, I have been at times disappointed by name-brand names and surprised by companies such as Pioneer.
I have installed several Pioneer units and have not had any problems.
One install is currently seven years old, and the unit is still working good with no problems.
Big Brand name companies are no doubt preferred to an unknown brand.
If in doubt, go with a known name such as Daikin or Mitsubishi, which have been in business for many years.
Names such as Pioneer are built for those on a budget and need a low-cost unit to be installed in their home.
There are many positive reviews about Pioneer mini split units, and it is popular with many people.
Be sure to read the reviews on Amazon or elsewhere on any unit before purchasing to be sure it is a good fit for you.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Read More Reviews Here on Amazon
Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS012G-19 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Heat Pump, 12000 BTU-208/230V
Summary
Pioneer Mini Split heat pumps are good units and a good fit for those looking for a low-cost solution to cooling and heating a space.
They also have several types, including the Pioneer Diamante Series, WYS, RYB, CYB, and more pioneer branded units.
Name brand packages are also a good option, but the price will reflect it.
When buying a mini split, be sure to get a heat pump that does mini split heating and cooling.
Some units will cool only, which may be good in some scenarios, but a unit that also will heat is ideal.
Mini split units are also much more ideal compared to portable AC and window units that are not very inefficient.
Energy costs are much lower compared to common HVAC systems since they have such a high SEER rating.
The indoor sections can also be wall mounted ductless units or ceiling mounted units.
Ceiling mounted units are called cassette mini split and usually cost more compared to wall mounted units.
There is a variable speed that will blow in cold air or hot air as needed.
Pioneer has become very popular with DIYers since it comes as an installation kit with everything needed for the installation, including an outdoor unit, inside unit, and line set.
After installing several Pioneer units for myself, friends, and family, they all are still working great.
Most people are impressed at how well they work along with low operating costs.
While they are low-cost for HVAC units, If you plan on hiring someone to do the installation, it may be best to talk with an HVAC company first to see how much the cost would be.
just would like to no if any one can tell me where I could find the outside main board of a pioneer mini split Model AN013GLFARCIA3 this is an old model mini split ?
Best regard
Hector
I live in Avondale AZ and our summers are very hot, I have 6 Pioneer mini splits, 18kBTU in big master bedroom, 24kBTU in dining/living room,18kBTU in big kitchen family room, 12kBTU in home office, 12kBTU in garage and a 18kBTU in workshop. The oldest one was installed 4 years ago and still works like new, never had any issues with any of them. One recommendation for desert areas get a unit with over sized capacity, you need it to compete with 110 degrees, my preference is the 18kBTU unit, cools rapidly, very quiet. Pioneer minisplits support Cielo smart phone remote control with interface. Extremely please with Pioneer , service and reliability.
We have 2 pioneer systems, 18000btu. one upstairs the other downstairs. I am delighted with today’s results i.e.
this mourning, n w Montana- 7degrees below zero outside 70 degrees inside, the system is rated for 5 degrees
and at 8:30 am the units were still producing heat at the wall unit of 87 degrees. high seer it would appear is
a good company selling a well performing package. thanks—I installed my own systems and the only problem
i had was of my own doing. A HAPPY CUSTOMER
Hope you can answer a question (?) Purchased a unit on Amazon- we need to cut off excess refrigerant lines- the manual has info on making the cut, as well as maximum tubing length; we want to be sure there is no MINIMUM tube length.
Having researched several makes of mini Splits, most say 15 feet is min. I have a YMGI installed and the minimum is 15 foot for lines.
I recently noticed that you can purchase 10’ line sets from Pioneer. I would guess that is probably the minimum length for their refrigerant pre charge. However, I would call their technical support to verify. It would be worth the wait time on hold.
Does the outdoor unit compressor run constantly in these despite the outdoor temperature? It seems it never shuts off while the unit is powered on. Had professionally hooked up after DIY installed.
It depends on the temperature how much it runs, but they don’t run constantly.
Its an inverter compressor they modulate up and down similar to hitting the gas pedal on a car. like a car more energy is consumed on stop and go. The idea behind an inverter is to maintain temperature on low idle. Keep in mind there are 2 amperage readings to look at the RLA (run load amps) SA (starting amperage) your running amperage could be 6a while your starting depending on load and size could be 15+amps. Mini splits are designed to not turn on and off constantly thus saving energy so its nothing to be alarmed about. However if its revving load constantly and not keeping up then you have a sizing problem and the unit cannot handle the load.
No, it really shouldn’t be running all the time unless you have either an extremely high heat or a very low cooling setting. Something is probably wrong, but it would take some specialized knowledge to determine the cause(s). It could just be the condenser fan that is stuck on, and not the compressor. Hopefully the performance is meeting your needs.
What is the nominal operating gas pressures for cool and heat modes at the low side service port for the Pioneer WYS012GMF122RL system? Label provides design pressure but what is the refrigerant pressure at the low side service port to be?
Page 33 of Installation Manual:
“System pressures change based on inside and outside air temperatures. Usual range pressures are (R410a): a. Suction pressures in Cooling Mode: 120 to 155 PSI. Both copper pipes are cold but do not exhibit any frosting. b. Hot gas pressures in Heating Mode: 320 to 440 PSI. Both copper pipes are hot, but the gas side is much hotter. Note: Values are only indicative only.”
I am a little surprised by the 440 PSI since the Design Pressure on the nameplate shows 340 PSI on the Low side of the system. However, I suspect the nameplate number may be conservative.
Want to know how to leave mini split unit on in our Florida home in summer while we are back in Ohio, without the unit running ALL the time. Any suggestions as to what we should do?
on most controllers there is a time and schedule option perhaps have it run for a few hours during the hottest time of the day