LG vs Mitsubishi vs Hitachi vs Other mini splits

[njcardsfan]

1. Is one of these brands any better than any other?
2. Is the thinking that combination (heating and cooling) mini splits are any less reliable than cooling only with a separate heating solution?
3. How about using a heat lamp in a bathroom? Is that a good solution for a BR in an attic renovation?

[johnsp]

1. Probably not. But Mitsu, Sanyo and Fujitsu have better distribution and parts in this country then the others right now.

2. A mini-split is not designed for heating in a cold climate. Problem with any Heat Pump in a northern climate: you need 24K BTU to heat, but only 12K to cool. If you get a 2 ton HP, you're oversized for cooling. Also a high wall mounted mini-split is great for area cooling, but blowing heat down from the ceiling is not the greatest way to heat.
The warm air rises up to the ceiling.

3. A candle will heat you also. But would you keep it on all day to keep the pipes from freezing? Heat lamps are good for keeping food warm, not heating a home. Maybe keeps your naked but a little warm when you get out of the shower but I don't see the heating value.

If money's an issue, just get a small electric wall heater or 2ft or electric baseboard.

[njcardsfan]

Thanks John. Does the fact that the attic will be well insulated change anything? I have one contractor telling me I need an LG mimi split to cool and a Rinnai to heat and the Rinnai can heat the bathroom if the door is an inch and a half off the floor. I have another contractor telling me I can do everything with a heat pump mini split but should put a heat lamp in the bathroom.

I wish there was some sort of consensus. Does anyone else want to throw their opinion out there?

[johnsp]

Warm air rises. What's a space under the door going to do?
Put a small electric heater in the bath to hold min temp?

What about extending your steam heat? The hot water loop I mentioned?

Mini-split fine for AC. What part of the country are you in?

[njcardsfan]

John, I haven't heard back from my plumber about the hot water option for baseboard heating. That would be ideal. He just hasn't been around. It's one of those jobs where work will be frantic for a day and then I don't see a soul for a week.

I'm in NJ. Do you consider that northern? It seems that there aren't too many folks who like the idea of a Rinnai for heating. Does that fact that I'm in NJ make a heat pump any more feasible? Having one system for both heating and cooling is attractive to me but if it's inefficient or just won't do the job then it makes no sense.

[johnsp]

I have 4 ductless mini-split HP's in my house (Long Island, NY). Great for cooling. I used for heat in spring and fall to shorten the use of the boiler. But since electric rates have gone up, no real advantage to use in heat mode. No way can they carry the house in winter time. OK when it's over freezing.

Now in a cetral air system, hp's work better but I feel many houses need more heating BTU's then cooling up North, so if you undersize, electric strip has to come on to help.

I also don't want to shovel snow off an outdoor condenser unit to keep the heat comming.

Direct vent gas heaters are OK for garages, sun rooms, cabins, etc. Just like a gas fireplace, I wouldn't let it run while no one was home. Just not as safe as a boiler or furnace. But maybe your home's steam system will keep it from getting too cold upstairs if doors are left open. Put the direct vent heater on to quickly bring up the heat when you're using the room. I also don't like the look of wall AC's and fireplace/heater vents on the side of the house.

A hydroninc solution will be the most expensive. But it's the quitest, safest and cleanest looking. If all of the attic construction is done, you might be limited on what you can run up there for heat, including 220V wiring for electric heat.

[njcardsfan]

John, that's hugely helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my ignorant queries. I'll let you know what I end up with.

Jeff

[njcardsfan]

My plumber told me I can't do hot water baseboard heat because I have a steam boiler. Duh. I guess I should have known that. I guess this speaks to the thread about consumers asking professionals stupid questions. Now I'm back to electric baseboard vs. Rinnai vs. heat pump. John, I understand your points about heat pumps. My potential HVAC contractor tells me that there's nothing to fear with a Rinnai in a living space. Does anyone else care to comment?

[johnsp]

Your plumber is not a hydronic heating contractor. Many people run a hot water loop off a steam boiler. He's not a heating pro. Checkout this web site:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/heating_howcome6.cfm

[Edited by johnsp on 03-10-2006 at 05:04 PM]

[njcardsfan]

John, you were absolutely right. I brought in an expert who told me that I can use my existing steam boiler to provide a heating solution to my attic. I haven't heard from him yet what that solution is, hot water baseboard, radiator, whatever.

So I've got heat taken care of. Now I have to choose a mini split for the cooling. I think I'll go with Mitsubishi. Do you think an electrician can install these units or does one need an HVAC contractor?

I know I've set myself up for a barrage of comments from the professionals. If it makes a difference I'm willing to pay for it. If installing a mini split isn't complex I know I can get it done by an electrician cheaper. Okay, let me have it!

[johnsp]

No, an electrician does not have the training or the tools. The mini-split condeser has a pre-charge of refrigerant. But the evaporator and linesets must first be hooked up and evacuated of air before the refrigerent charge is released into the whole system. Extra long linesets will require extra refrigerant to be added.

[njcardsfan]

Got it. I'll go with an HVAC contractor then. Just heard from my plumber. He's going to install copper fin-tube baseboard radiators for the heat. Was that what you were suggesting?

[johnsp]

Copper fin tube is usually for Hot water heat. I suppose he plans on creating this loop at your steam boiler with a tankless coil or tapping below the water line on the boiler. (Like the link I posted earlier.)

This would be your best option using your current heating plant. Good luck! Hydronic heat is the best!