24k mini split vs 2 ton central air

[minytrker]

I have a 24x40x12 shop that is spray foamed and has insulated doors along with finished walls 8ft high. I also have a second floor 10x24 for storage (perfect place for central air) The mini split seems it would be easier and quicker to install but I dont want to short change myself on AC. I do not think the AC will be ran 24/7. Whats pro's and cons of each?

 

[justinjoyal]

Mini-split will cover only one floor and displaces much less air.

If you don't need the second floor conditionned, then the mini-split could be fine depending on several factors.

How did you come up with 2-ton ?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Mini-split will cover only one floor and displaces much less air.

******** !

Almost ALL quality mini-split systems can drive multiple interior air handlers, each with its own thermostat. As matter of fact, for best results, I would install 2 air handlers on the first floor, sort of at opposite corners. A third one for the upper room.

The ones on the first floor can be "slaved" together. You will still need some ceiling fans, especially with that 12' ceiling.

Quality mini-splits are much more efficient than a traditional heat pump and do a good job of heating down to below 0F.

BUYER BEWARE ! Understand the specs of the system you ar buying.

 

[minytrker]

A place that sells mini splits recommended the 24k. I read somewhere online that a 2 ton was the equivalent. IM leaning toward the mini split and 2 fans moving air. Im not worried about air upstairs but do want some air below. I dont plan on the ac running alot, mainly during bad weather when I cant open the doors and when its really hot.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Ask the dealer how many heads/casettes can be ran off of the 2t Miki split.

 

[justinjoyal]

******** !



Almost ALL quality mini-split systems can drive multiple interior air handlers, each with its own thermostat. As matter of fact, for best results, I would install 2 air handlers on the first floor, sort of at opposite corners. A third one for the upper room.



The ones on the first floor can be "slaved" together. You will still need some ceiling fans, especially with that 12' ceiling.



Quality mini-splits are much more efficient than a traditional heat pump and do a good job of heating down to below 0F.



BUYER BEWARE ! Understand the specs of the system you ar buying.

Easy with the BS claim...

OP didnt mention a multizone setup, but a 2-ton mini-split.

A single head will move less air, with poor distribution compared to a central air handler with ducts.

Ask the dealer how many heads/casettes can be ran off of the 2t Miki split.

Two or three.



OP: 24k btu = 2 ton. One ton of cooling is 12k btu.

If you don't need to condition the upper floor and don't plan on using the A/C much, the mini-split will be just fine, especially with ceiling fans.

 

[theoldwizard1]

A place that sells mini splits recommended the 24k. I read somewhere online that a 2 ton was the equivalent. IM leaning toward the mini split and 2 fans moving air. Im not worried about air upstairs but do want some air below. I dont plan on the ac running alot, mainly during bad weather when I cant open the doors and when its really hot.

If you don't plan on running the A/C a lot and you have no requirement for heat, a couple of good sized window A/Cs or a couple of PTACs would be more cost effective.

Of course, if that requirement changes over time, your electric bills will hurt big time.

 

[Warrenator]

A mini split will be substantially cheaper to install, and once installed, will be a lot less likely to suffer efficiency losses due to leaky ducts, and long duct runs. The inverter style mini splits are super efficient, in "cruise" they can burn about 200 watts of electricity just chugging away. The way the inverter mini splits work is that they turn on in low power when demand is low, and they just run a little faster when demand increases, rather than turn on, turn off like a conventional unit. That way you save the power that would be used by the inrush of current starting and stopping the compressor. They are wicked efficient. I installed a 22 seer unit , a single 24k, at my old house in the great room, and it cooled the whole house and was stupid cheap to run. Might need a fan to blow air into a bedroom or something but generally the air circulated itself.

Pro installers seem to really hate mini splits, personally I think they are seeing the potential income from installation of all that ductwork going out the window.

 

[Jackfre]

TOW1's advice on understanding the specs of the individual unit you are thinking of vs the competition is vital to your happiness with the mini-splits. Their capabilities vary widely even within the same brand. Single units are more efficient than multi's as JR pointed out. Twin 12's mounted kitty corner on the opposing long walls will give you the best air circ, but a central 24 will be more efficient and the 24's that I know (Fujitsu's) have a 4-way air sweep to give better air circulation. Your choice, but understand the specs.

 

[justinjoyal]

Food for thought: a central setup offers much better filtration.

Sometimes the type of work you do in a shop requires more filtration, so I thought I'd throw that in.

 

[Falcon67]

I'd pick a 2 ton air handler over a mini. Personally, I'd shop the AC install/service places for a take out unit. For me, ducts could put the air where I need it easier than plumbing multiple cassettes. I really don't give a rat about how efficient it is - when it's hot and I'm in the shop, it's on. When I leave it's off. I ain't living out there, so total run time is pretty small over a month especially compared to the house.

If I was all wound up about efficiency and costs, I wouldn't have 3 race cars.

 

[minytrker]

I am leaning towards a mini split for ease of installation and since I won't be running the AC 24/7. The central air would probably work better but is alot more involved to install and take alot more time which I dont have right now. I have a mini split in my gameroom which is poorly insulated due to some old sky lights and it does well if I turn it on ahead of time and let it cool the room down.

 

[NC357]

If you don't plan on running the A/C a lot and you have no requirement for heat, a couple of good sized window A/Cs or a couple of PTACs would be more cost effective.

I agree with this. You can get a 24k BTU window/wall unit for under $500. Or get a pair of 12k BTUs for about $300 each. Then you can spread them out or only use one when conditions require.

Mini splits aren't much more efficient than a modern window unit as long as they are sized correctly.

I had three 25k BTU window units setup in my shop last year, it worked fantastic, over 6 tons cooled down fast so I didn't have to leave it running. Once cooled I only had to run one. (I got a good package deal on the units) Nothing else is easier to install...

 

[James-W]

I have a window unit in my garage as well and it works great. I like it because I can put it in when it starts to get really warm in the Spring and I can take it out in the Fall when it cools down. I don't need to run it all the time, but if it is super hot and humid I will turn it on in the morning right away and run it all day long, whether I am working out there or not.