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Air-Con Mini Split?

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Scramblur

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May 21, 2010
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160
I lived in Barbados for 3.5 years and split units are all they use. I love them. Absolutely the best idea ever. You only use them when your're in the room. Saves a ton of energy. I had Mitsubishi and they were very reliable.
 
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mo2872

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Nov 17, 2008
Messages
402
Location
Oklahoma
Yeah, the Mitsu's have the best rep, but they also come at a steep premium. Considering I'm only going to be using the unit when actually in the shop, I'm looking for on that is more budget friendly. Been looking at the Ramsond units, as well....so, everyone with "budget" mini's, post up your experiences, thoughts on your brand!
Thanks!
 
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jackierae

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May 29, 2010
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mo2872 said:
Any experience out there with these? Big bang for low buck.....?

http://www.justminisplits.com/products/24000BTU_standard_ductless_mini_split.php

Toshiba compressor.....

Also have seen a Heil 30k BTU heat pump for 1199.00.....better unit?

Thanks!
Todd
Click to expand...

Funny seeing that site here. We bought a Shinco mini off Just Mini Splits over a month ago. We love the unit. Not noisy, cools the room perfectly, and we saw little to no change in our electric bill.

The guy who owns the online store (think his name was John) told us to buy the Shinco over the Air Con because it had a higher SEER (9K,12K,18K all 18 SEER), and saves on energy cost. Not only that, but the unit we bought qualifies us for a 30% tax credit on the unit and labor. Just something to consider:)

Here is more info for those of you who don't know about the tax credit on the higher SEER units.

How much:


30% of the cost (including installation/labor costs), up to $1,500

Timing:

Tax credit in effect in 2009 and 2010. Must be installed in your "principal residence" between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.

Details:


Split Systems: SEER >= 16 & EER >=13 (What is SEER/EER?)

Package systems: SEER >= 14 & EER >= 12 (What is Split vs. Package?)

Important Note: It is likely that you will have to replace your furnace as well to get an air conditioner that qualifies.

The new air conditioner does not have to be replacing an old one to qualify.

Did you purchase an air conditioner between Jan 1 and Feb 17, 2009?

Find qualified models:

The best way to find tax credit eligible CACs is to ask your HVAC Contractor (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning). To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. Or search the Manufacturer's website.

A user-friendly list of all tax credit eligible CACs does not exist. There are two partial lists of qualified air conditioners designed for HVAC professionals which we do not recommend for consumers.

How to apply:

File Tax Form 5695 with your tax return.

You must have a Manufacturer's Certification Statement to qualify.
 
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panel pete

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Nov 3, 2009
Messages
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Location
Bay Area, CA
I am an HVAC contractor, and can't praise nor criticize this particular brand of equipment as I am unfamiliar with this manufacturer. I will say that I have installed, maintained and worked on MANY of the ductless mini splits and you DEFINITELY get what you pay for. Most of the lower end units I have seen, installed and worked on have had issues and failures that any of the higher end units do not have. The quality in the materials used for the coils, controls, and compressors can't compare with the larger manufacturers. I'd recommend a Mitsubishi Mr. Slim, Daikin AC or Sanyo unit, all are reputable names with great equipment and customer support. I understand that any of these will cost more up front, but they will save more $ in far fewer service calls for nuisance problems and repairs.
 
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mo2872

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Messages
402
Location
Oklahoma
Thanks, P-Pete....I may have to just choke out the few extra coins, and go for a Sanyo or Daikin unit. Those two seem "easier to swallow" than a mitsu.....gads, pricey. But, with everything else that has come in under bid, I'm thinkin the savings can be put to use towards the a/c. Got a local place that supplies Daikin and Friedrich, with a neighbor that has HVAC contractor pricing, so.....we shall see. (Very "cool" of the neighbor to offer that, IMO.....pun intended)
 
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panel pete

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Bay Area, CA
WVBrady said:
I couldn't figure out the difference. Do you know?
Click to expand...

jackierae said:
By package they mean conventional duct systems.
Click to expand...

A package system is an all in one unit - meaning everything is contained in one case. These are most commonly used in commercial applications on roof tops, the smaller units however can be used in residential applications. They are no longer very popular for suburban residential use due to their size (average size for a pack unit is 48"x48"x40" tall) and lack of vissual appeal on rooftop's in residential applications. These will all require a traditional supply air and return air ducted system.

A split system is what is most commonly used in homes these days, they typically consist of an indoor furnace and evaporator coil (fan coil in place of the furnace and evaporator coil if you have a heat pump), outdoor condensing unit and the standard supply air / return air ducting.

Both of the above are used for whole house/multi room conditioning and in my opinion are also best suited to condition large open spaces (large shops due to the airflow generated by the indoor fans)

Now, ductless mini split systems are used to condition specific areas, usually computer/phone server rooms of individual rooms in a home. They are as the name implies used without ducting therefore they will only condition the one room they are located in. Think of them as a very hig tech window mounted A/C without the ease if installation. They are VERY efficient, quiet, unobstructive, and don't require a window for installation. They do however require profesional installation, a dedicated electrical circut for power and a quality name brand unit generally costs about the same as a lower end ducted system once installed. I have installed these in server rooms, wine cellars, rooms in older buildings that couldn't be conditioned with a ducted system and even a few in smaller shops.

If you are trying to condition a standard two car garage or even a three car garage, so long as it has decent insullation a ductless mini split should meet your expectations. If you are attempting to condition a larger shop, shed or pole barn building I would advise a ducted system due to their ability to move large quantities of air.

Hopefully this helps to answer any questions on these systems.
Pete
 
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mo2872

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Nov 17, 2008
Messages
402
Location
Oklahoma
Yes, once again, Pete offers good, layman termed explanation.....Thanks, Pete.....

We were originally going to use a PTAC unit, but, from what we could find, they top out at 15k btu's.....not enough. Thus the switch to ductless mini. Still researching from various suppliers the neighbor has an in with, so, should get a good mid-to-higher end unit for not a bad price....:fingersx:.....
 
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mjn

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Jun 19, 2009
Messages
49
Another thanks out to ya Pete! I have a guy coming Friday to give me ideas on heating and cooling my garage. Will see what comes up with and how much its going to be thats going to be the scary part I bet :( Im having a hard time trying to come up with most the most efficient and cost effective way to heat and cool my 3 car garage at about 800sq ft in IL.
 
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mo2872

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Nov 17, 2008
Messages
402
Location
Oklahoma
As a little update, I chickened out(or wised up), and ordered a Sanyo 18k cool/20k heat heat pump mini split. AJ Madison had them with free shipping, so once that was factored in, the "cheap" units were not far off from the "big three"...Mitsu/Fujitsu/Sanyo.....depending on whose site load calculator I used, I got that I would need from 12k to 24k btu's.....I figured this one would do the trick. I was looking for "comfortable to bearable", not frying/frigid...should be a dandy! Thanks for all the posts!
 
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