09-03-2014, 03:14 PM
These so called split thingamajigs are originally Japan. We've used them in Japan since '81. Our Sharp unit lasted over 25 years, and was still working great when we gave it away in '04. I always got the ones with heat too, to me, it's worth it up front to get heat too. They are heat pumps, like American heat pumps, just have smaller compressor usually for only one inside wall unit. I've installed them myself in our Japanese houses. Just drill 2-3" hole up where inside unit hangs, connect to compressor outside, etc. I'd also run electrical outlet up where unit is attached so wire isn't run down wall. These are VERY easy to install. I like them, but for our house in the south, we'd need at least five to do wha' our American system does for heat/cool using ducts.