Ducted multi-split

[rick66]

Are there multi-split systems that are ducted? My house is divided in to three zones, and two of them should really be combined in to one.
A furnished attic divides the attic space so ducts can't be run between the two, so the builder had a 1.5 ton condenser servicing two bedrooms totaling about 300 sq ft, and a 3 ton servicing the remaining 1,100 sq ft.
My thought was to get one condenser servicing two air handlers, which would blow through the current ducting.

[mchild]

Are there multi-split systems that are ducted? My house is divided in to three zones, and two of them should really be combined in to one.
A furnished attic divides the attic space so ducts can't be run between the two, so the builder had a 1.5 ton condenser servicing two bedrooms totaling about 300 sq ft, and a 3 ton servicing the remaining 1,100 sq ft.
My thought was to get one condenser servicing two air handlers, which would blow through the current ducting.

rick,

Check out the products from Daikin. Others such as Mitsubishi, Sanyo and Fujitsu may also have ducted multi-splits.

For the most flexible systems with the greatest number of offerings in capacities you should look at the variable capacity systems known as VRV or VRF (page 6 of the Daikin product listing). These are totally variable systems (Variable Refrigerant Volume/Flow) with outdoor units that have inverter driven compressors and up to 8 or 9 indoor units connected to the one outdoor unit. And each indoor unit is also totally variable in output.

http://www.daikinac.com/commercial/documents/GPUSE09-04B-Product%20Line%20Up%20-%20Daikin.pdf

[bmathews]

That is a lot of tonnage for such a small area. You probably wouldn't even need the 3 tons for the whole house. Where there's a will there's a way. Go to the website mchild said. That is the best offerings. Or run furdown's and chase's to get the air where you need it.

[smoke]

Something to consider that is most always over looked until there's a problem after the fact...

How many company's in your area are competent enough to work on a multi-zone split system with a single variable speed compressor.

Split evaps have been used in supermarket reach-in's for a long time and are also used in transport refrigeration but you pay more for a qualified refrigeration tech to service them.

You're also saying that those two bedrooms are only 10' x 15' ?
Not much room to put a dresser in after the single bed went in.

Are you having issues with the systems you have?

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim units are the same ductless splits that would work as well


~smoke~

[mchild]

How many company's in your area are competent enough to work on a multi-zone split system with a single variable speed compressor.


~smoke~

Good point. I know the Daikin site allows you to search for contractors qualified on their systems listed. Just put in your zip code and see how many companies come up. If you pick the right company to do the installation then you should have the company that will provide follow on support, maintenance, and repairs. Like anything else - do your homework.

[rdy357]

You should go check out the 4 port multi that Daikin makes.
I used one with 4 9k btu wall mounts and it works great.
It was easy to install, only 20 AMPS total and is very quiet.

The VRVS is a nice unit, but the multi units are cheaper to install and are very nice.

[rick66]

That is a lot of tonnage for such a small area. You probably wouldn't even need the 3 tons for the whole house.

Total square footage is 3200. Given the run-times I've seen on the thermostats, the house probably needs only four to five tons max. The builder in 1979 installed three compressors, 3 ton, 3ton, and 1.5 ton.

I'll probably build a window seat in the furnished attic to conceal a duct, and run the small zone off of the large zone's air-handler. That will leave the house evenly split between living and sleeping spaces, and I don't have to worry about using a multi-split.