tropostudio
Member
In selecting ac equipment for a total gut and 2nd story addition to a 1915 bungalow, I'm trying to decide between:
1) a multi-zone mini split system with 2 heads/floor (5 heads total - 2 at second level, 2 at first level, 1 at basement (mostly for dehumidification). I like this option for the high SEER and ability to microzone. I'd probably use wall hung units to keep install simple, but not thrilled about the plethora of refrigerant lines that'll be concealed in walls and pop out near the condenser.
2) a single zone mini-split condenser and matched air handler (probably LG), running conventional ductwork to sub-areas/rooms. I like that the condenser will be VFD as opposed to 1 or 2 stage, but then it's coupled with a pretty inefficient air handler - something that swings between only ~800-950 cfm. The ductwork would be a PITA, but solvable with a few soffits.
I thought about a high-velocity split system to make running ducts easier. The noise, additional materials cost and fact that the ECM air handler is still paired with a less-than-optimal condenser turns me off
Does anyone sell to DIY a VFD condenser + ECM air handler system? Seems like that would be a good way to go. If it could be interfaced with some actuated dampers you'd have a a highly tunable system with only 1 run of refrigerant lines. An air handler would have to go above 2nd floor bath ceiling and used for cooling only. HAve a new mod con boiler and Myson emitter set-up for heating.
1) a multi-zone mini split system with 2 heads/floor (5 heads total - 2 at second level, 2 at first level, 1 at basement (mostly for dehumidification). I like this option for the high SEER and ability to microzone. I'd probably use wall hung units to keep install simple, but not thrilled about the plethora of refrigerant lines that'll be concealed in walls and pop out near the condenser.
2) a single zone mini-split condenser and matched air handler (probably LG), running conventional ductwork to sub-areas/rooms. I like that the condenser will be VFD as opposed to 1 or 2 stage, but then it's coupled with a pretty inefficient air handler - something that swings between only ~800-950 cfm. The ductwork would be a PITA, but solvable with a few soffits.
I thought about a high-velocity split system to make running ducts easier. The noise, additional materials cost and fact that the ECM air handler is still paired with a less-than-optimal condenser turns me off
Does anyone sell to DIY a VFD condenser + ECM air handler system? Seems like that would be a good way to go. If it could be interfaced with some actuated dampers you'd have a a highly tunable system with only 1 run of refrigerant lines. An air handler would have to go above 2nd floor bath ceiling and used for cooling only. HAve a new mod con boiler and Myson emitter set-up for heating.