Unico vs Mr. Slim

[mross]

Which type of system would you recommend? I have a duplex that currently uses room ac. I would like to replace this in the future with a ductless system, as the house has no ducts. So far in my research I have come across the Unico system and Mr. Slim(and it's variations). I can't seem to get a handle on which would cool the best with the least amount of noise. I have heard Unico can re rather loud. Can both systems handle the heat in NJ during the summer? Any ideas on operating costs and maintenance costs?Thanks.

[Kevin Weaver]

The Unico IS a high velocity duct system and it DE-humidifies 25% better than any thing else I know of. You can get them in electric heat pump with strip heat as back up. As far as the noise, if the contractor runs the 2 inch pipe with the sound arestors on all ends, it will be fine.

[motoguy128]

I'd be suprised if a HV can remove humidity better than a Mini-split. The VRF units with EXV's last I checked can maintain a 33F coil temp.

The only way to improve on that is with chilled water system using glycol, or a dessicant based dehumidifier.

[BaldLoonie]

1 story? 2 story? Personally I like just a regular duct system as opposed to high velocity.

[mross]

It's a two story. But each floor is a seperate unit so it would need a seperate setup for each unit. It's a summer rental only in OCNJ so heating is not an issue just cooling. There is a crawl space, an attic and room outside for equipment. The top floop is insulated using the icynene system, the bottom has no insulation.

[skibme]

Both would work.Depends on the look your going for.Unico is less visible than a mini split.How full is your electric panel? One panel per floor?

[mross]

Both would work.Depends on the look your going for.Unico is less visible than a mini split.How full is your electric panel? One panel per floor?

Yes, One panel per floor and I'm pretty sure I have some open circuits. If both would work then next would be cost and longevity.

[skibme]

Either way it will cost money.The HV system if done correctly is nice.What kind of room layout do you have? Multiple wall mounted units may be required for the mini splits.

[motoguy128]

The minisplits also have ceiling casettes and ducted units that cna be hiddne just abotu anywhere. IF you combined capacity in over 5 tons (and less than 20), Mitsubishi also offers vertical air handlers that I beleive are rated for high velocity, but you'll then have a single outdoor condensing unit. OS you cna mix conventional, wall mount and high velocity on a single refrigerant header/system.

[mross]

Right now I have 3 window units on each floor. There are 2 bedrooms, each with a window unit, one bath, one kitchen and living room which are connected and have a large window unit in the living room. These keep the rooms comfortable. I'm just guessing here but I think the sq ft for each level is around 900sq ft. From what I have read of the minisplit I would still need three units on each floor.

[BaldLoonie]

I'd go a standard air handler and duct system. Lots cheaper than a Unico or 3 head minisplit. What's under the house? Crawl? Basement? Then the 2nd floor unit in the attic or 2nd floor closet blowing into ducts in the attic.

[mross]

I'd go a standard air handler and duct system. Lots cheaper than a Unico or 3 head minisplit. What's under the house? Crawl? Basement? Then the 2nd floor unit in the attic or 2nd floor closet blowing into ducts in the attic.

Intresting had not thought that was possible. That's why I'm asking you guys!I have an attic with a fair amount of space. I can't stand up in it but then I don't have to crawl either. There is a crawl space, but in heavy rains and high tide it can flood. If we get hit with a NorEaster such as in "92" then it will flood. Nothing can be done about that.

[skibme]

I was gonna ask about outdoor units/tide issues... You may have to build platforms to lift the outdoor units up.You could put two unico air handlers in the attic and duct down to the first floor via closets or chases.This would solve the crawlspace issue in regards to air handler placement.