Mini split and window unit, why did you pick one over the other?
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rok_hunter
Well-known member
BTU's are what you need to consider. There are calculators available online that will all give slightly different answers but will get you in the ballpark. The main consideration is window units are likely sized to tweak the temp for a single room in a residential house, mini-splits are sized to provide cooling (and in most cases, heating) for a defined amount of square footage. Long term the mini-split is probably advantageous for overall efficiency and capability in that size building.
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JackOfDiamonds
Well-known member
My HOA doesn't allow window units.
Jagmandave
Well-known member
I had a window in my garage/shop, and a big window unit was not expensive and I can move it if needed.
Black Oak
Well-known member
If your choice is driven by cost , then the window unit . A mini split will out perform it by a mile , but costs more . It also will heat , dehumidify , and probably cost the same or less to operate . At 600 sq. ft. , you need a 1 ton unit . I installed mine and had zero previous experience , thanks to Youtube and a friend . In texas , I'd go Mini Split .
dcg9381
Well-known member
I don't think you're going to get a window unit to do 600 sqft. Maybe multiple window units. I did consider PTAC - but the ductless systems are more efficient. And as they came pre-charged and can be DIY - that made the choice for me.
I do the 1100 sqft first floor of my house with a single 18,000btu window unit. And it's really more than I need for my part of the country.
Window units are common up to 24,000 btu
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Assuming they are equal, mini-split are almost higher efficiency.
You can sometime find used LARGE (240V) window shakers at a very good price. Hard to beat when your cooling season is only 3 or 4 months.
Of course a mini-split does provide heat.
Mini split will look more finished, and you may be able to place it optimally on a wall higher up, instead of being limited to a window.
Heat and cool in one unit seems to be your main criteria which to me justifies the higher upfront costs.
I will be using mini splits in an unfinished area that will need heating and cooling.
Heat and cool in one unit seems to be your main criteria which to me justifies the higher upfront costs.
I will be using mini splits in an unfinished area that will need heating and cooling.
dmcintosh
Well-known member
In my pervious 24x30, I opted for the window unit and built it into the wall. Wanna say it was 24,000 BTUs, (not really sure), used an online calculator to select the right size. This was a good cost effective option and worked well for me. And I already had a 5 kw electric heater so heat wasn’t needed.
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Notgrownup
Well-known member
Long term costs made me spend a little bit more and get a mini split.
mini splits are much more efficient, much quieter, look better, and do not 'ruin' a window (reason for a window is to be able to look out and have light come in, this doesn't work so well with a big a/c in it).
obviously the window unit is cheaper and easier to install.
if you plan to stick around the house any length of time and/or you're going to run the unit a lot, a mini split is definitely the way to go.
obviously the window unit is cheaper and easier to install.
if you plan to stick around the house any length of time and/or you're going to run the unit a lot, a mini split is definitely the way to go.
Metallitubby
Well-known member
Mini-Split.
The reasoning? My GF works for Mitsubishi Electric, and my new house is being used as a test platform for net-zero house builds in my area. Free HVAC system for both the house and shop makes the decision fairly easy.
The reasoning? My GF works for Mitsubishi Electric, and my new house is being used as a test platform for net-zero house builds in my area. Free HVAC system for both the house and shop makes the decision fairly easy.
MrSurly
Well-known member
Window unit 'thru-wall' in my shop and the decision is mostly cost but there's more to consider.
The biggest selling point of the mini-split is efficiency (well, there's also the "Trendy" factor and the Prius factor) but efficiency means *NOTHING* if it's not running.
Are you going to climate control your shop all the time? Mini-split is your answer (or even a conventional central system).
If, like me, you are going to ONLY run the AC maybe three afternoons and one weekend a month, during only two months of the year... then paying a thousand extra to get a 25 SEER cannot be justified.
The biggest selling point of the mini-split is efficiency (well, there's also the "Trendy" factor and the Prius factor) but efficiency means *NOTHING* if it's not running.
Are you going to climate control your shop all the time? Mini-split is your answer (or even a conventional central system).
If, like me, you are going to ONLY run the AC maybe three afternoons and one weekend a month, during only two months of the year... then paying a thousand extra to get a 25 SEER cannot be justified.
I used similar thinking on SEER. In Florida so run AC 24/7 most of the year. But electric where I am is dirt cheap so no reason to spend the big bucks on what may be troublesome high tech SEER ratings.
Garage same thing, cool it once in a while, so will make a hole in wall and install window AC.
Mini-Split.
The reasoning? My GF works for Mitsubishi Electric, and my new house is being used as a test platform for net-zero house builds in my area. Free HVAC system for both the house and shop makes the decision fairly easy.
I think they need a test platform in the south with 78° dew points . I’ll volunteer .
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Shovelhead
Well-known member
Yes, they do. And I have seen many that leak.
Look at a window unit and tell me how to flash it. It usually can't be done without relying completely on caulking.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
The cost of operation of a mini-split is much, MUCH less ! Depending on how many hours per years will depend on how long it will take to pay back !!
strutaeng
Well-known member
I built an 2,000 square foot addition to my house. About 900 sq. ft. of that is 17' high ceilings. Last year while I was working on finishing interior I bought an LG inverter 22kBTU window AC and kept it cool at 75F all summer long. I was really blown away by the "window shaker."
R38 fiberglass ceilings and R19 fiberglass+R5 XPS walls. High ceilings need ceiling fans to keep cool up there if you need it.
This Spring I installed a 24kBTU for just the 17' ceiling portion, as the remainder was conditioned by house central unit. The LG is going in my garage, which has a natural gas heater already.
As far as energy costs in my case, the inverter Window AC and minisplit have been the same so far.
If you ONLY need cooling, I would jump on the LG inverters. My garage doesn't have any windows and has a generous 30" overhangs, so not worried about waterproofing it as a thru-wall system.
You need to compare inverter Window AC vs inverter minisplit to make it apples to apples. Of course any inverter mini is going to be more efficient to a single-speed window AC. If they were to make an inverter Window AC WITH heat pump, that's basically a "packaged" inverter mini split heat pump.
Just purchase, unpack and drop in any available window, plug into outlet and flip to "ON," LOL.
R38 fiberglass ceilings and R19 fiberglass+R5 XPS walls. High ceilings need ceiling fans to keep cool up there if you need it.
This Spring I installed a 24kBTU for just the 17' ceiling portion, as the remainder was conditioned by house central unit. The LG is going in my garage, which has a natural gas heater already.
As far as energy costs in my case, the inverter Window AC and minisplit have been the same so far.
If you ONLY need cooling, I would jump on the LG inverters. My garage doesn't have any windows and has a generous 30" overhangs, so not worried about waterproofing it as a thru-wall system.
You need to compare inverter Window AC vs inverter minisplit to make it apples to apples. Of course any inverter mini is going to be more efficient to a single-speed window AC. If they were to make an inverter Window AC WITH heat pump, that's basically a "packaged" inverter mini split heat pump.
Just purchase, unpack and drop in any available window, plug into outlet and flip to "ON," LOL.
30x40x 13 ft ceiling height. I put a 25000 btu window unit in and it cools very good. Two things I notice over my central air in my house are, cooled air is cooler (window unit) and humidity level is as low as 41% vs 52% in my house.
Metallitubby
Well-known member
The odd thing is that we didn't even have to ask. Someone in Mitsubishi's Marketing group heard that we are building a house/shop and they volunteered.
Terry D
Well-known member
You might be thinking of a small PTAC unit. They look like a window unit, but fit in a sleeve that goes through the wall. They are also have heat, either a heat pump or electric strips.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXU971Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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Whatever I put in will have to be a ac/heat unit. I lean towards a window unit because if something happens it’s a new unit more than likely, easier install. I lean towards a mini because I think it would perform better heating and cooling.
greenskeeper
Well-known member
Window unit was free. Same reason I have an oil fired forced air furnace.
I use an 18k Friedrich that cost about $600, through the wall to cool my 800 SF shop. This one has an electric heater in it but I use a natural gas shop heater for heat. I have a similar 18k Friedrich unit without the heater at another house that cools about 900SF. They work great. Cheap, simple.
Mini splits are getting cheaper, though, and the heating part is getting better in cold weather (have as cold as -20F in NH). Today, I would consider one.
Mini splits are getting cheaper, though, and the heating part is getting better in cold weather (have as cold as -20F in NH). Today, I would consider one.
gerryw
Well-known member
Black Oak
Well-known member
I think the point to remember is the OP is in Texas . Mini Split all day for me , his heating needs will be minimal . I've retired down here in Ark. I was born in Michigan , and never really knew how hot and humid it can get . At this moment it's 97deg. outside , and my shop is 72 with a 12,000 btu. Mini Split . And it is cheap to operate .
Notgrownup
Well-known member
That’s me in NC as well^^^^^same scenario, the heat isn’t really a concern. That is why I went Mini split, 18000 seer 18k btu. Install was easy. Had it leak checked lineset cut to the right length by a pro for $200...all in at $1500.00 . My power bill might’ve gone up $10-$12 per month.
Have an 18,000 BTU window unit for 600sft. I wish it would fail because I want a quiet mini-split with humidity control that I can leave on all day. Quiet would be especially nice now that I telework there due to COVID. it’s got an electric heater that I use rarely in the winter but when I need it, I really like having it. It’s great to be spoiled by AC. Number one garage feature in Houston.
gerryw
Well-known member
I hear what you are saying, ( and agree with you) but the question was “ why did you pick one over the other?”
Gerry