Senville is quite possibly the best company for home climate control that you have never heard of. Unless you are in the industry as an HVAC Technician or installer, you might not be aware of this mini split AC manufacturer. It is time you got to know them.
This article will examine the Senville mini split air conditioning unit, review them, and compare them. We will also cover things you should look for when buying a mini split system from anyone, including Senville. Read through our Senville mini split review to find out why this brand is the perfect cooling and heating solution for your home:
Senville Mini Split ACs Compared
Best Senville Mini Split Review
Senville produces single and multi-zone mini split units. They also have various series of lines that boast different features. Here we offer you Senville mini split reviews and compare the most popular models from the two main zone systems.
Senville SENL-09CD – Single Zone
Senville SENL 09CD mini split air conditioner is one of the top-selling models in their lineup. This latest technology air conditioner is ideal for a single room and smaller offices, providing you with enough cooling and heating power to run all year long.
Size/BTUs
The Senville SENL line has several BTU and size options to choose from. The 09CD model is a Senville mini split air conditioner 9000 BTU system with enough power to chill a room up to 450 square feet. If this isn’t enough for you, there are other single-stage mini split sizes available.
The Senville SENL 12CD is a 12,000 BTU model that is also popular and well reviewed. This air conditioning unit will cool spaces up to 750 square feet and is the second most popular model in this line. However, if you truly want the full range of cooling and heating, look to the Senville mini split 36000 BTU single-zone beast.
Ideal for garages, large office spaces, or any area over 2000 square feet, the SENA-36HF/Z is sure to meet your needs.
Top Product Features
While we could debate the best product features for days on end, the easy choice is the cost savings. The 9000 BTU model boasts the highest SEER rating (25) and costs only pennies a day to operate. On average, running the system for 8 hours a day at the national average of 12 cents per kWh, the Senville SENL 09CD mini split air conditioner will only cost you $0.96 per day.
Compare that to a 14 SEER central air conditioner with a 2-ton condenser, which can cost up to $4 per kWh and you are saving over 800% on your annual energy bills. Comparatively speaking, that makes the Senville mini split system has paid for itself in savings in the first two years.
Cooling Zones
The SENL-09CD model is a single zone system. This means it has a single heat pump and a single indoor air handler. If you are looking to outfit your home with a mini split setup and want indoor units in each room, you will need to invest in a multi-zone system (see below).
Each zone comes with its own remote control, dual cooling modes, and very quiet operation. In fact, with the fan set to high, the indoor air handlers only produce 38 dB of noise. This is slightly less than a normal speaking volume conversation in a quiet room.
Installation must be done by a licensed professional. However, when it is, you get one of the best warranties around. All Senville heat pumps come with a 1-year warranty on all parts and either a 5- or 7-year warranty on the compressor. The warranties start from the day of purchase, and the warranty length is determined by the model you choose.
Senville 36000 BTU – Multi Zone
We wouldn’t be thorough and complete without talking about the Senville Aura mini split reviews with multi-zone features. A multi-zone mini split heat pump is a system with a single outdoor compressor and heat pump but an interior air handler for each room.
You can find Senvile mini split systems in dual, tri, and quad-zone setups. With dual-zone systems, you can install air handlers in the living room and master bedroom. Or spring for a tri-zone system to add heating and cooling to the kid’s room.
Related Article – Guide On Zoning And Number Of Mini Splits You Will Need
Size/BTUs
One of the best investments, though, is the Senvill 36000 BTU quad-zone Auro system. This is a 4-way 9000 BTU setup (36000 BTU total) for your entire home. With a total coverages area of over 2000 square feet and features to make everyone comfortable, you can’t go wrong.
All air handlers are pre-charged with enough refrigerant for up to 25 feet of line. For the air handlers that require further installation, you can get extension kits. Just realize that you will need to add more refrigerant to the system.
Top Product Features
One of the best product features with the multi-zone set up is the Follow Me function. The entire system relies on infrared heat signatures to know which room or rooms are occupied. Based on the temperature and mode settings you have chosen, the system will turn on or off to maintain the desired temperature in whichever room you are in.
If multiple rooms are occupied, the Follow Me feature will average the temperature in each room for more level control. However, each air handler also comes with a remote control for individual climate control options.
Cooling Zones
With the SENA-36HF/Q you can have up to 4 different climate zones. Each zone can be programmed as a whole or individual to maintain the room temperature that best suits the owner of that room.
The warranties are the same across the board for all Senville units, and the outdoor compressor warranties for multi-zone systems work the same, as well. At 22.5 SEER, even multi-zone setups get the efficiency and cost-savings of the single zone systems. It’s a deal that is hard to beat.
Why Choose Senville?
Senville is a small start-up that houses just about 60 employees. Founded in 2001, they are one of the youngest climate control businesses around, and they have staked their name on their reliability and customer service.
Hailing from Compton, California, this small company grows by the year and has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Once you install energy star certified Senville mini splits in your home, you will know why they are so great. These energy star rating-based systems are durable, reliable, and crafted to last for years without worry.
Related Article – Learn More About the History of Air Conditioning
5 Considerations for Buying Senville Mini Splits
What should you look for when you set out to buy Senville mini splits? The top 5 considerations are listed below. Make sure you know what you are getting before you push that “buy now” button.
Reliability
Senville has a reputation for building and maintaining quality mini splits. It doesn’t just end on the assembly line, either. The company goes out of its way to make sure that every purchase is satisfactory and works without worry.
Once installed, your Senville system will keep you cool on the hottest days so you can feel cozy and comfortable in your own home. The systems are also known for their remarkable heating abilities. While they won’t match the low-temp hot air supplied by bigger units like Mitsubishi, during cold snaps and moderate or average winters, you won’t need supplemental heat.
Related Article – Our List Of The Top Mini Split Heat Pumps for Cold Weather
Heating and Cooling Capabilities
The Senville mini splits are quite adept at cooling your space. There are many mini split AC sizes to choose from to match the coverage area you need to be cooled or heated. When making your purchase, it is ideal to find a unit that slightly exceeds the square foot recommendation, without going too large.
For smaller spaces, a system with a lot of BTU capacity will cause excessive power draws, which will raise your monthly bill more than a system designed for the space. The cooling and heating capabilities will also be much more efficient when choosing the right size. All Senville systems have high energy efficiency SEER rating and are economical.
Running Cost And Energy Efficiency
The average cooling SEER rating from Senville mini splits is about 19-21 SEER. This means that, on average, the units will cost you about 11- 13 cents per hour to operate your AC. This, of course, will depend on your cost per kilowatt-hour, as well as if you leave it on all the time or run it excessively.
In an average year, for both heating and cooling, running the system for 8 hours per day on an average weekly cycle, most Senville indoor and outdoor units should only cost you about $147 – $220 per year in your energy bill (versus no heating or cooling at all).
Nevertheless, these Energy Star certified units are some of the best cooling and heating system, providing increased energy efficiency and quiet operation.
Related Article – What Is The Average Number Of Watts That A Mini Split Consumes?
Repair Parts, Costs & Warranty
As a smaller company, you will get more personalized service. Senville offers a 1/5 warranty on all of its systems. This is 1 year for parts and 5 years for the compressor. During the warranty period, any faulty parts will be replaced at Senville’s expense.
After the warranty period, you can purchase replacement parts, like filters, or components directly from Senville, or through online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. To further save money, you can also purchase refurbished parts direct from the manufacturer, if needed.
Related Article – Learn More on Purchasing Air Conditioning Parts
Value for Money
Across the board, the Senville prices are competitive. While some larger companies can afford to sell at a lower price, few will match the experience and customer service levels you get with Senville.
On average, the value for money is high. The systems are built to last and are energy efficient, saving you money over time and with use. Other systems may have a lower initial cost but will end up costing you more to run daily. In the end, Senville mini splits match or beat most of the competition in the overall price.
Related Article – Is Owning a Mini Split AC Worth the Cost
How Does a Senville Mini Split Air Conditioner Work?
A Senville mini split system is an actual air conditioner.
Mini splits are very similar to a central AC, with a few notable exceptions.
The first thing you will notice is that there is a lack of ductwork that runs through your ceiling or attic.
Ductless mini-split systems still use a compressor and an evaporator unit, like a central AC, but without the air handler or ducting needed.
Everything to chill the air is housed in the internal unit that blows the cold air into the room.
Heating is controlled by the heat pump and condenser unit outside.
Senville mini splits are also more economical.
Unlike a large AC unit, they don’t require as much time or energy to run.
Most systems can reach the desired temperature in a matter of moments.
Most will require HVAC professional installation as you still deal with refrigerant lines, and installation does happen in the walls.
Related Article – Learn More On What A Mini Split Is And How It Works
Pros & Cons of Senville Air Conditioners
Unfortunately, not every system can be perfect. While there is most likely a Senville mini split air conditioner and heater system that is ideal for you, all of them have their strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
There are several advantages to owning Senville mini splits, as detailed here.
- These systems have a high SEER rating across the board, and their Aura series is Energy Star certified to use up to 30% less energy consumption.
- They are built for every budget. Regardless of where you stand, there is a model and series right for you. The Leto series, for example, are some of the lowest cost models in the industry.
- The Senville warranty always applies. Even if you can provide proof of purchase date, the warranty will still take effect (starting 120 days after production date).
- You will find that most Senville mini splits are low in care and maintenance, which helps you save time as well as money.
- Even with a higher upfront cost, the systems are efficient and reliable enough to end up paying for themselves through the savings in your monthly energy bills.
- Utilize DC inverter technology to facilitate excellent performance and energy efficiency.
- The 28000, 18000, and 12000 BTU capacity are enough to meet any kind of coverage area, from 1900 to 500 square footage.
Cons
Senville isn’t without its share of disadvantages, though, as seen here.
- The company is young, and we don’t know the true life span of these newer systems. Only time will tell.
- As a small company, replacement parts are more challenging to find and can be more expensive.
- For the warranty to take effect, the system must be installed by a licensed professional. Any DIY setup, while possible, immediately voids any warranty.
Senville Mini Splits Vs Other Brands
Senville will go toe to toe with almost every major brand of HVAC or climate control company out there. Companies like Mr. Cool or Gree are decent brands with a long reputation for quality service. However, they lack high energy efficiency and aren’t as economical as the lineup that Senville offers.
Mitsubishi is one of the top-tier manufacturers in the US, and Senville units may one day compete with them. As it stands, the cost of production is still causing Senville to have higher prices than Mitsubishi, and for the same or lower-end products.
Compared to other known brands, though, like Pioneer, Senville units can easily overtake them. The Senville vs. Pioneer installation is simple, care and maintenance are done faster and are less frequent, and the output is better in most cases. While Pioneer has high-quality and durable systems themselves, it is often a coin toss to determine which is better. That says a lot about Senville and its products.
There are several brands of mini-split air conditioners on the market and we have covered many of them on other pages on our site You can read about all the models below.
Related Article – Pioneer Mini Split Systems
See also – MR Cool Mini Split Systems
See also – Mitsubishi Mini Split Systems
See also – Gree Mini Split Systems
See also – Daikin Mini Split Systems
How to Install a Senville Ductless Unit
This section is prefaced with a warning: DIY installation of Senville mini splits will void your warranty. While DIY installation is possible, and with a working knowledge of electrical and refrigeration systems, it isn’t that difficult.
However, voiding your warranty could end up costing you more than HVAC professional installation costs. You will receive everything you need to get the system up and running when you order. Most systems will ship with 16 feet of refrigerant line and power cable.
The heat pump and condenser unit should be mounted outside in an area that has open air without obstructions. Mounting away from direct sunlight is also ideal. Once installed, the power lines need to run to a shut-off junction and then to a properly grounded circuit in the main power panel.
In interior unit should be mounted high enough on the wall that the airflow can cover the entire room. The refrigerant lines need to be attached and run through the wall, out to the heat pump. The interior unit will also need to be powered and attached to the thermostat wires that run to the thermostat or directly to heat pumps.
After the initial mounting and connections are complete, you will need to insulate the wiring and refrigerant lines, seal any holes and connect the drain lines. Thorough testing of each component should then be carried out and any adjustments made.
The installation manual is a guide for the HVAC technician, though it can be followed as a step-by-step install guide for the DIYer.
Troubleshooting Guide: Fixing Common Senville AC Problems
Lucky for most Senville owners, there isn’t a lot of trouble that happens with these machines. However, they are air conditioners and heaters, electrical, and have moving parts. Things will go wrong from time to time.
The good news is that most of the issues you will encounter are self-healing. This means that it is a temporary problem and the unit will correct it soon. Most often, you will see the indicator on the LCD panel blinking a trouble code. It is advised to let the system run as usual for about 10 minutes. Most trouble codes will clear themselves.
Things like defrosting an AC that’s frozen up can create extra moisture in the system. This will throw a trouble code. However, as the system runs, the moisture will evaporate, clearing the code.
The most common non-clearing codes are the Senville mini split error code “EC” and P* codes (the * represents a number 0 through 9). EC is a general code that tells you there isn’t enough refrigerant pressure in the system. This is most common when you use refrigerant line extensions beyond the included 14 to 16-foot lines. You need to check the level and add more refrigerant to the system.
The Senville mini split error code “P6” is also common, and tells you that there isn’t enough refrigerant in the compressor. Another tell-tale that you have used more line than the system was prepped for. The other common P6 cause is that the valves in the refrigerant lines weren’t opened fully during the initial setup. Check that all valves are open, and if so, you will need to add more refrigerant to correct the imbalance.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Where can I find Senville mini splits manuals online?
Senville’s website hosts instructional videos for troubleshooting, support topics for quick access and help, and online manuals for all of their systems. You can find the manuals through your browser on their support page.
How long does a Senville unit last?
All mini splits from Senville are warrantied for up to five years. However, with proper care, routine maintenance, and fixing issues or leaks as soon as they are noticed, you can extend the life well past the warranty period. Even though the company has only been producing mini splits since 2005, their first line is still going strong, and the newer systems prove to be just as durable.
Related Article – What Is The Lifespan Of An AC?
How much will it cost to have an HVAC contractor install Senville indoor and outdoor units?
The actual price of professional HVAC installation will vary depending on several factors. Your region and location are the most prominent. Some regions require special permits, while others only require the installer to be licensed. Other cost factors include the length of refrigerant lines, circuit breakers, drywall and paint, and removal of an existing system (if applicable). The nationwide average for installation falls between $1500 and $8000, according to Home Advisor, with the actual average about $3350. Note that these prices include the price of the system. Average labor only costs are about $500.
Where do I find the best HVAC contractor in my area?
One of the most reliable resources for the best HVAC contractor in your area is found through Networx. This site will walk you through all of your needs to find the ideal HVAC contractor for you. Use our form below to start the process of finding a reliable contractor.
Are Senville mini split systems energy efficient?
Senville mini split systems are among the most energy-efficient in the industry thanks to DC inverter technology, with top-end models having a SEER rating of around 19. They’re Energy Star certified models, consuming less power every month. This means you can save enough on your electricity bill.
Related Article – How Does SEER Affect Your Air Conditioner?
Where is the best place to buy Senville mini split parts and accessories?
The best place to buy Senville mini split heat pumps is through Amazon or Sylvane. Senville does sell through their own website, but they focus on 3rd party online retailers to do the bulk of the ordering and shipping. This saves everyone money, and the savings are passed on to you. The best deals, fastest shipping, and easiest customer support will be found through these online retailers.
Conclusion
Senville is a brand that is quietly making headlines and becoming more and more popular across the nation. As their demand rises (and it will), the prices will increase while the small California company moves forward to keep up.
While not everyone will find the top-tier cost and “new guy” lack of longevity alluring, those that do can experience a mini split heat pump, like the Senville SENL-09CD, to keep their home the proper temperature year-round.
Related Article – Our List Of The Best Ductless Mini Split ACs
Our Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
