Mini Split A/C systems

[dstig1]

I have been considering something like this for my shop. Right now I just use a dehumidifier, which helps knock down the humidity, but when we have extended hot stretches, like now, it still gets pretty hot in there. Looking up the MrCool website, I see they have zero information on how to size a unit for a building. Does anyone have a reference? I'm hoping there is something simpler out there than a full Manual J analysis...

 

[Jlblake]

my units are supposed to arrive today. Installation takes place Thursday and Friday. Looking forward to having this project off my list and having quiet, cool air upstairs!

 

[Jlblake]

On another note, we spend most of our time (almost all of it) downstairs. Upstairs is incredibly hot. Would it be more efficient to set the new units to hold a certain temperature or better to only turn them on when we plan to use the upstairs? Right now, the cool air doesn't seem to go upstairs at all. Seems like we should only use the new units if we're going to spend time upstairs since it appears the downstairs unit isn't losing too much energy to the upstairs...but, I know nothing about air conditioning.

 

[Jlblake]

A/C guy let me know that the manufacture sent a 22 seer unit rather than an 18...same price. I got all excited. I ran a calculator and estimated that I'll save $52 per year. $52 is $52, I'll take it. Just not quite the savings I expected.

 

[milkman636]

On another note, we spend most of our time (almost all of it) downstairs. Upstairs is incredibly hot. Would it be more efficient to set the new units to hold a certain temperature or better to only turn them on when we plan to use the upstairs? Right now, the cool air doesn't seem to go upstairs at all. Seems like we should only use the new units if we're going to spend time upstairs since it appears the downstairs unit isn't losing too much energy to the upstairs...but, I know nothing about air conditioning.

Well, now that you’ve had them for a few weeks, what do you think of them? I know it a little late to answer your question, but my recommendation would by to keep them in cooling mode at a higher set point than your downstairs. That will keep the spaces tempered and dehumidified a little. That’ll probably take a little load off your downstairs unit, and it’ll hit your desired set point faster when you do use the space.

 

[Jlblake]

Well, now that you’ve had them for a few weeks, what do you think of them? I know it a little late to answer your question, but my recommendation would by to keep them in cooling mode at a higher set point than your downstairs. That will keep the spaces tempered and dehumidified a little. That’ll probably take a little load off your downstairs unit, and it’ll hit your desired set point faster when you do use the space.

So far so good. They seem to take a little longer to get everything cooled off but they work well and they are quiet. I keep them set at 80 which does seem to help. I'm happy with the decision at this point! Thanks for asking.