split ductless sytems…what’s out there
We have an 70 year old tudor with radiant heat. About 5 years ago, I got serious about researching central air options. At the time, my options were about 10k for one of the mini-duct systems professionally installed or a split ductless system. The split systems didn’t seem all that popular in the US yet and couldn’t find many options locally.
Needless to say, we’re not spending 10k on one of the mini-duct systems when for $500 we can easily cool the upstairs and downstairs with two window systems.
However, the window systems are getting heavy to haul in/out twice a year. And they’re always noisy. So I thought I’d consider the split systems again. Any new/more popular options these days in the states or are they still a bit of a novelty?
I’m pretty sure we could get by with a 2-unit system as the two window units we have now seem to do a decent job of cooling each floor (though the kitchen is always a bit warm…)
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At work they replaced the very old central AC with 3 separate mini-split units. I can't remember the brand, but I think that the boxes said made in Korea on them. They were supposedly the cheapest ones available here at the time. This is the 3rd summer, and they have been great. They are really quiet and plenty cold. Unfortunately, I'm the only one at work that doesn't like it icebox cold. I think that they were 1.5 ton units. If I ever get AC in my house this is the way I'm gonna go. I'm convinced that mini split systems are a decent choice. I put radiant heat and a wood stove in my house so there is no ducting in place.
I Googled this just yesterday thinking about 'down the line' for the basement and the DIY install. Here is the Google 'split ductless' results:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=split+ductless&btnG=Google+Search
We just had 2 ductless splits installed about 3 weeks ago. I looked around at several manufacturers and in the end I chose the LG artcool models because they had a nice modern look which appealed to me. http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/home%20appliances_air%20conditioners_art%20cool%202006_LA121CNM.jhtml
We got a 1 ton unit (picture above) for the bedroom and a larger 1.5 ton unit for our main room. They look great, and the smaller unit is very quiet, while the larger one is somewhat louder (which I guess is to be expected). They seem to work very well so far, and total cost installed for us was $7100 plus tax (Canadian $). The outdoor units are nice and quiet also (good for the neighbours, and for sitting outside).
whoa...those LGs are cool looking. Nice find. Thanks for the feedback folks!
I've had a Sanyo Tri Zone split system in the house for about 14 years. The drain install is key to a good working system. I've been happy with the system.
Our church's office has small, crank windows that prevent use of window units. It also was built in such a way that ducting could not be installed without a YUGLY (that is pronounced you-glee; it is beyond ugly) installation.
We installed one of the Sanyo units. It has been about 8 years now without problems. And yes, drainage is a must, but only a small hole.
As a small bonus, it came from the manufacturer with a digital thermostat with timed settings.
Although I did mention that they are good, I have one complaint about the ones that we have at work. They only are turned on, off and adjusted by remote control. Sometimes the remote isn't left where it is supposed to be, and you have to find it to do anything with the AC. I wish that they had a set of buttons on the unit themselves. This is my major complaint with lots of new electronic things, the device is completely useless without the remote. I'd be checking for a brand that has controls on it as well as the remote. I'm guessing that one probably doesn't exist though. Is this planned obsolescence by all manufactures these days?
Gorilla glue the remote to the case. and a Piffen screw for good measure.
I have heard good things about the Fujitsu 21 seer mini splits.
No real experience though.
So, in looking at the mini-splits mentioned, most seem to consist of 1 indoor unit with one small outdoor unit. Are any of these capable of, or are others specifically designed for having one larger outdoor unit but 2-3 indoor units?Or is it kind of a 6/half dozen issue and that I might as well just have two small units outside side-by-side?
Multiaqua uses one outdoor unit with multiple air handlers.
John
This past June I installed a Fujitsu system in my home. It has a single outdoor unit, that runs three separate indoor units.
I have an 18K BTU unit for the first floor, (1) 9K BTU unit in the master bedroom, and (1) 9K BTU unit on the third floor (large bedroom).
It has only been about 1 month, and while it has not been the hottest July on record, we have used them and they definitely exceeded my expectations.
I installed all the units myself, and then had a friend who is an HVAC technician charge the system up for me.
The equipment and necessary tubing, wire, hangers, fasteners, etc. ran $4200.00. About 1/3 the cost of having a central system installed. Plus a couple cases of beer for the HVAC guy.
The fujitsu units also come with heat pump option which was included with my units. I will have to see how they work out this fall.
Mitsubishi's Mr. Slim. Been around forever--in Japan and Europe before here. Everybody else is the latecomer.Fantastic. Had 2 indoors to 1 outdoor here for 5 years now. Quieter than central A/C. Outdoor unit sounds more like a fan. No heartattack when it comes on and you're standing nearby.No problems. Easy install.