Case Study — Air Conditioning 2025

Multi-Zone AC - Calahonda

Four-room multi-split AC in a Calahonda townhouse — single outdoor unit, four indoor units covering living room and three bedrooms, all pipework concealed, installed in one day.

Calahonda, Málaga June 2025Ben HaydenBy Ben Hayden
Calahonda urbanisation, Mijas Costa — multi-split AC in a 3-bedroom townhouse. Outdoor unit on terrace roof; all pipework through ceiling voids.
Calahonda urbanisation, Mijas Costa — multi-split AC in a 3-bedroom townhouse. Outdoor unit on terrace roof; all pipework through ceiling voids.

Project Overview

Location
Calahonda, Málaga
Property Type
Air Conditioning
Service
Air Conditioning
Key Result
See the installation scope and equipment below; no financial outcome is promised.
—
Annual Production
—
Energy Savings
—
Annual Savings
—
Payback Period
—
CO₂ Reduction

The Challenge

The Calahonda villa had 5 wall-mounted Daikin split units installed across three floors in 2011. By 2025, two units were no longer cooling effectively, Daikin spare parts were on 6-8 week lead time from the Spanish distributor, and the entire system was running on R410A refrigerant that carries an increasing carbon tax surcharge under Spain's refrigerant legislation. The owners had a short lettings window and needed a complete climate control upgrade completed in 4 days maximum. The challenge was to specify a system that could be fully installed in a single working week, with all 5 interior units and associated pipework replaced without disrupting the newly-painted interior finishes.

The Solution

Mitsubishi Electric multi-split system for 3-bedroom townhouse. Whisper-quiet operation with individual room control.

Technical Specifications

  • Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-4F72VF outdoor unit
  • 4 x MSZ-AP wall-mounted indoor units
  • Wi-Fi control via MELCloud app
  • Low noise operation (19dB)
  • R32 refrigerant for eco-efficiency

Our Installation Process

1

Full System Assessment & refrigerant Audit

We assessed all 5 existing units using pressure gauges and thermographic imaging to identify refrigerant charge issues and heat exchanger fouling. refrigerant records for the installation were requested from the original installer — none existed, meaning the client had no warranty or compliance documentation. We completed a full site refrigerant inventory as the starting point for the replacement project.

2

R410A Recovery & Safe Disposal

All R410A refrigerant was recovered from the 5 existing units by our qualified engineers prior to removal. R410A is a high-GWP refrigerant (GWP 2,088) — correct recovery and disposal is both a legal requirement and environmentally significant. Recovery cylinders were weighed before and after to record exact quantities, and recovery documentation was issued to the client.

3

5-Unit Mitsubishi System Installation

New Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN Premium wall units were installed on the same bracket positions as the originals — critical for minimising wall repair. Existing refrigerant pipe runs were reused where internal diameter and condition allowed (checked with nitrogen pressure test), saving significant installation time. All 5 units, 2 outdoor condensers, and associated electrics were commissioned within 3.5 days — within the client's 4-day window.

4

Refrigerant Certification, Air Volume Commissioning & System Handover

All refrigerant recovery from the old units and recharge of the new Mitsubishi systems was performed by our qualified technicians. Complete Refrigerant equipment records were issued for each of the 2 new outdoor condensing units, including refrigerant type (R32), charge weight verified against manufacturer data sheets, engineer certification number, and statutory re-inspection schedule (annual leak check for systems ≥5 tCO₂e). Airflow commissioning on all 5 indoor units confirmed discharge velocity and distribution within Mitsubishi specification. An independent electrical test certificate was issued covering the new supply circuit and isolation arrangements. The property owner received a complete handover pack: refrigerant installation certificates, electrical test certificate, Mitsubishi 5-year product warranty registration, app setup guide for MELCloud remote control, and the service maintenance schedule.

Results

See the installation scope and equipment below; no financial outcome is promised.

Backed by Research

References for checking the proposed design. These sources do not certify this project's performance, savings, eligibility or commissioning records.

Assess airflow, capacity and compatible controls

Inverter operation and zoning can adjust output to demand, but do not guarantee a fixed percentage saving. Airflow, installation, setpoints, occupancy and maintenance affect results. Refrigerant work must meet current applicable requirements; do not assume a universal insurance outcome.

BOE — RITE: applicable thermal-installation requirements ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Author

Ben Hayden
Ben Hayden
English-Speaking Electrician & Independent Energy Advisor

Ben Hayden is an English speaking electrician and independent energy advisor based in Marbella, Spain, with over 15 years of electrical experience across Europe. He provides independent energy and electrical checks for overseas property owners and managers across the Costa del Sol — helping clients cut electricity bills, navigate Spanish regulations, and make confident decisions on solar PV, heat pump, EV charger and battery storage projects. Ben advises in plain English on projects where the paperwork is in Spanish and the stakes are high. His writing has appeared in ExpatArrivals, The Olive Press, Euro Weekly News, BuildingTalk and pv magazine.

    We Respect Your Privacy

    Optional visit and advertising measurement needs your permission. Change your choice anytime in the footer.