Conflicting Opinions

[macdweller]

I've had two different 'heating specialists' give me a bid on a ductless heat pump, both from a list of recommended contractors from our water and light department. They both came up with the same locations for the two heads but one recommended an 18 in one room and a 12 in the other and the other recommended a 12 and 12. No one really does that load test so I just have to figure out which one is right. I have a 1400 sq. ft. home and I live in Oregon. Our winters lows averages are usually in the thirties but can drop lower. I know there is so much more involved but can anyone guide me in the right direction?

[HVAC Pro]

Call and discuss with the two your concerns. Too often customers are concerned about stepping on toes or hurting feelings. I'm sure they are both professionals and won't mind validating their choices. Or, for $49 you can click on HVAC Calc at the top of this page and purchase the program and do the load study yourself. It will give you an idea of who is in the ballpark.

[macdweller]

Thank you, I never even saw that up there. Is it easy enough that I can figure out how to do it myself? I'm assuming I will need the square footage of the rooms but is there more?

[beenthere]

Room size.
Direction orientation.
Wall insulation.
Floor and ceiling insulation.
Window sizes, etc.


It will have screens for you to enter the info in.
And I think it comes with instructions.

If you have questions.
Don, has good customer service.

He is the original creator of this board.

[lbf]

Don't forget to ask about the unit's heating capacity at your normal winter temps. Several brands of mini-splits use variable speed compressors to allow for proper summer operation and this also allows the units to be sized for heating capacity. So if you do the heatload, look at your heating requirements.

[vlux]

I've had two different 'heating specialists' give me a bid on a ductless heat pump, both from a list of recommended contractors from our water and light department. They both came up with the same locations for the two heads but one recommended an 18 in one room and a 12 in the other and the other recommended a 12 and 12. No one really does that load test so I just have to figure out which one is right. I have a 1400 sq. ft. home and I live in Oregon. Our winters lows averages are usually in the thirties but can drop lower. I know there is so much more involved but can anyone guide me in the right direction?

Funny thing is, if you can do a load calc why cant the ecompany who is bidding on the work. Be careful and get as many estimates as possible.

[macdweller]

Thanks everyone I will give it a go.