Minisplit Questions

[jjtrou2072]

Here is my situation,

I have a 40X20 space on the second floor of my "barndominium" build.
Preengineered steel building with basic insulation package.
I will also add a layer of insulation in the 2X4 cavity when I frame up the stud walls.

I would like to frame out the 800sqft rectangle with one larger room on the left, an open area in the middle, and two smaller bedrooms on the right. Will a minisplit work for this application? I was hoping I could install it in the middle of the rectangle blowing into the open area and somehow devise a way to condition the rooms on either side.

I'm just wondering how successful this setup will be at keeping the room(s) on either side of the space conditioned?

I am also curious about the tonnage required? It's the second floor of a metal building in Georgia so it's pretty hot and humid. It may be overkill but I was thinking about a 3 ton Mr. Cool DIY system.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Jackfre]

The larger the btu on a minisplit the less efficient they are. You could Tjernlund Airshares for the transfer fans to other areas. They work well in this application. A 3 ton in 800 sq ft. There is oversizing and then there is oversizing. This is oversized Can you improve the insulation a bit and go with a two ton?

 

[jjtrou2072]

Could you elaborate on the Airshares / Transfer Fans? What name brand / price range?

I agree 3 ton is probably a little too aggressive. A 2 ton will probably suffice, I just don't want to wish that I went bigger at a later date.

 

[jjtrou2072]

Ahh I see now, I thought Tjerlund was a misspelling.
Google has enlightened me.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Garages and bedrooms/living space can't share ducting or ventilation...

Tommy

 

[Jackfre]

https://tjernlund.com/airshare_ventilation.htm

 

[jjtrou2072]

Thanks for the info. I think a couple of these fans should solve my dilemma. Has anyone on here used these or have any experience? How load are they?

 

[Movover]

If it was me and It was all new I would go with a multi head unit and not even look at other options. Maybe 2 2 head units, one for the bedroom 9k each and 2 for the other rooms 2 12k or something.. Trying to cool all that space with one unit and getting the proper amount of cool in other areas with out freezing the main area is not worth the hassle of fans and ducting. Just a thought

 

[jjtrou2072]

I agree with you and think a multi head unit would be ideal but I believe that would preclude a DIY system correct?

I was really hoping to keep it as cheap as possible. I’ll have to think about it and figure out if the extra expense is worth it.

 

[Movover]

I agree with you and think a multi head unit would be ideal but I believe that would preclude a DIY system correct?

I was really hoping to keep it as cheap as possible. I’ll have to think about it and figure out if the extra expense is worth it.

Depends on how much DIY you can do, or call around and see if you can get some to turn up a system you install. I know a few of the GJ's on here have had great success with that. I personally bought the Vacuum gauge, Pump and borrowed a nitrogen tank. Turned up 3 a few years ago with no issues