Mini-Splits in Residential

[drwillie]

I don't see many posts discussing mini-splits for whole home heating and cooling, and I was wondering the feasibility of using a mini-split system in a ranch style home of about 1000 square feet with three bedrooms and one bath. The home currently has an older oil furnace and to convert to a split system heat pump would require a major electrical upgrade to handle the additional amperage required to run the heat pump, as well as the costs of the heat pump and modification of existing duct work. With a mini-split system, no electrical upgrade would be needed and the oil furnace could be retained for auxiliary heat when needed.

Does anyone on this forum have an opinion and/or recommendation? Specifically, I would like feedback as to the advantages/disadvantages of using the mini-split.

[hangfirew8]

Does anyone on this forum have an opinion and/or recommendation? Specifically, I would like feedback as to the advantages/disadvantages of using the mini-split.

The biggest disadvantage is a great big A/C unit taking up a chunk of wall space. Some people don't care, but it is a cosmetic difference that many are not used to.

I've seen mini-splits advertised with up to 3 zones (or indoor units) hooked up to a single outdoor unit. However the local guys are not familiar with this setup and usually quote matched pairs. I'd say the biggest challenge is getting a contractor that has actually done a whole-house system like yours. Ask for like system references.

-HF

[drwillie]

The biggest disadvantage is a great big A/C unit taking up a chunk of wall space. Some people don't care, but it is a cosmetic difference that many are not used to.

I've seen mini-splits advertised with up to 3 zones (or indoor units) hooked up to a single outdoor unit. However the local guys are not familiar with this setup and usually quote matched pairs. I'd say the biggest challenge is getting a contractor that has actually done a whole-house system like yours. Ask for like system references.

-HF

I have read that the mini-split units provide more usable BTUs because there is no heating/cooling loss due to duck leakage, but would air distribution be an issue if there were only one or two wall units for the entire house?

[hangfirew8]

I have read that the mini-split units provide more usable BTUs because there is no heating/cooling loss due to duck leakage, but would air distribution be an issue if there were only one or two wall units for the entire house?

Probably. That's why I mentioned 3-zone systems.

Imported mini-splits are often more efficient simply because they are more technologically advanced.

-HF

[johnsp]

If the house needs 3 tons of cooling, a 2 ton mini-split still needs 20-30 amps of 208V power. You might find 1 ton 120v units, but then you 'll need several for the home. 3 or
4 mini-splits installed will probably cost more then a single conventional split system

[Skip 2 my lou]

If the house needs 3 tons of cooling, a 2 ton mini-split still needs 20-30 amps of 208V power. You might find 1 ton 120v units, but then you 'll need several for the home. 3 or
4 mini-splits installed will probably cost more then a single conventional split system

Thats true, I installed a 1 ton lG and the entire system pulls 6.5 amps. That sounds really good, and it works really well. Until

6.5
X 4

26 amps.................ouch