A/C and gas heat in one unit?

[INTMD8]

I've been attempting some research on mini-splits and what I keep finding is the heating capabilities may not be sufficient for what I need.

A friend says he can install a wall mount unit that is A/C and gas heat. Still waiting to hear brand/model but haven't been able to find what this might be.

Is this something that is commonly used and is it still called a mini split or something else perhaps?

Thanks!

 

[Gerald O]

If its a wall unit with furnace and AC then it's probably a PTAC (Packaged Terminal AC). You often see these in hotels and motels. Some of the more advanced ones are called hybrids -- they have both a heat pump and a natural gas/propane furnace as backup heat.

Usually they go in a window wall because they need a sizeable opening through the wall that needs to be framed properly.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've been attempting some research on mini-splits and what I keep finding is the heating capabilities may not be sufficient for what I need.

Depending on just exactly what you are trying to heat/cool, a mini-split is the most efficient heating and cooling solution.

Mitsubishi mini-split with "hyper-heat" will still deliver 75% of their rated capacity at -10F !

 

[INTMD8]

Gerald- Seems to be something like that. I have the part # now and it is an Armstrong 38HWC183-A-3B I see it referred to as "Magic Pak". I can get 2 of them for 1000 each installed.

theoldwizard1- It's a 36x47 pole building. No insulation at the moment but the plan is closed cell spray foam. Thanks for the info, from what I read people were saying the heat pump wasn't efficient enough for very cold temps but what you have listed sounds promising!

 

[Bogey won]

Used for $600 bucks,5 ton heat and ac self contained unit for double wide 5k in footage,no regrets.

$350 wiring and install,47 amps pulling on a 60 amp breaker,no insulation on 800 sq ft when i open the door between shops.14degrees out a 14 inch hole,enjoy the breeze.

cycles even if the man door is open.your shops too big for small stuff,you need a bigger gun,here it is.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Used for $600 bucks,5 ton heat and ac self contained unit for double wide 5k in footage,no regrets.

$350 wiring and install,47 amps ...

Great initial cost. I hate to see your electric bill.

 

[Bogey won]

^Electric is $230 to $260 and that's with 14 double bulbs burning 24hr 7days a week.

Not as bad as you might think,want to see some high bills,just put 2 window units in,i have 2 window units in my lake house shop,but i never use it till the sun goes down.(No insulation either place)Bill for lake is almost same same as in town.

Worth every penny,i say,without it,a car wouldn't have been built or a rebuild on my bike,or a build on the pards bike,I open the shop door(16ftr) and work on the pickup outside and let the ac blow on me while working,it aint a waste of money staying cool in the Texas heat,best to ya.

Remember? cooling hose top side,not bottom,catch more air,and stuff in the way doesn't block the flow,like working out the door under the hood of my truck.

 

[JohnX14]

Depending on just exactly what you are trying to heat/cool, a mini-split is the most efficient heating and cooling solution.

Mitsubishi mini-split with "hyper-heat" will still deliver 75% of their rated capacity at -10F !

Most efficient initial cost or to run? A high efficiency natural gas heater will be more efficient than the mini split heat pump.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Most efficient initial cost or to run? A high efficiency natural gas heater will be more efficient than the mini split heat pump.

But then you have to pay extra for cooling.

Heat pumps are extremely efficient in the 30-70F range.