mini-split system for tractor home

[raykos]

I have just built a 24x40 combination 2 car/tractor garage. I'm thinking on heating & cooling the tractor section. At the moment, something called "mini-split sytems" looks interesting; supplies both heat & A/C without any duct work. Has anyone had any experience with or opinions about these units?

 

[Hawghauler]

I am looking for the same. Used them in Iraq. Samsung I think. Great units.

 

[czechsonofagun]

We have one in the loft of the barn - quest room/play room 600sf. Works since 2002 without any problems, it heats it up (even with 36F outside) and cools it down no problem.

Bought it on ebay, installed pipes and connected wiring and had an HVAC guy to come over to pressurize the system.

 

[ustmd]

I just installed one, 2 months ago, in an attic converstion that I use as a home office. The office is small (250 sq ft), but it is surrounded on 3 sides by an unconditioned attic and a roof with dark shingles. So fare, the unit has been great.

I am in central Texas and the room has 2 skylights. Prior to putting in this unit, the central HVAC did not keep the office confortable (more having to do with the location of the thermostat, than anything else). With days in the mid to high 90s, the split unit has kept the office cold with no issues.

Also, I use the unit every day (I work from home) and have not seen a big spike in the electric bill (maybe $15-20 month)


I got a Mitsubishi unit and would recommend it. I am considering that when the main HVAC goes, I may install the larger Mini splits to cover the main house.

 

[2manyrocks]

I don't have any direct personal experience with a particular brand, but the obvious benefit of a mini split is that you're not sharing any ducting between living space and the tractor space.

One of the primary applications for these units is in older homes that don't have space for ducts.

Other advantage is that you're just running refrigerant lines instead of cutting holes in your building to fit a particular HVAC unit that won't likely be the same size whenever it goes out in the future.

Supposed drawback is the fan noise from the interior unit compared to a air handler located elsewhere, but you aren't likely to notice it in a tractor space anyway.

 

[Baub]

I have been an HVAC/R contractor for 30+ years... I only do commercial work, but I think I can add a few thoughts that might help.

Stick with an established brand- Most of these units are built in China, and I have seen on several occasions a company will start-up, sell a low priced unit made in China, then go belly up. No parts or warranty after that. There are a lot of good names, Samsung, Mitsubishi, LG, just to name a few.

Go with a high SEER rated unit. With new DC units and variable speed compressors, SEER ratings of over 20 are possible. That is amazing, considering the average central system in use today is about 8-12. I'm thinking about getting a 12K split heat pump for the center of my house for late spring and fall heating, just to keep the NG boiler off.

Money spent during installation, will pay-off year after year. Energy prices are not going down.

Last point- the installing contractor should be the deciding factor. I would rather have bottom line equipment installed by a competent contractor, as opposed to the best stuff installed by a hack.

I hope this helps some.

 

[AHNC]

I represent Fujitsu in the New England market so bias noted. Fujitsu General America

For your space in PA, make sure you get an inverter heat pump and not just a cooling only unit. You could get by with an 18kbtu for the 800 sq ft, assuming decent construction. Should you choose to go higher there is a 24 also.Fujitsu 18 and 24 RLXS models qualify for the fed tax credit as well as local rebates. Check the local rebates, it does vary by area.

You will be very pleased with the operation. Make sure you mount the condensing unit at least a foot off the ground Airtec Products - Home make excellent wall brackets for this application. I've used the WBB300 and it is fine.

If you have any specific questions, fire away.

 

[MacLawn]

Has anyone had any experience with or opinions about these units?

Yes, experience - I lived in Japan for over 27 years (Japan right now, sitting in a room cooled by one of these), and they have used them here since before I came in 1981. As far as I know, this is a Japanese invention. We had four units in our last house here. They are great - and QUIET! I am thinking about getting a couple for our house in America, and for my home office in my workshop. Installation just requires a about a 2" hole in the wall behind the unit and electrical outlet. 120 or 220 (here in Japan, 200v) volts are available. And, as AHNC mentioned I also say get the inverter heat pump unit. And, yes, Fujitsu is a great brand. I would say stick with a Japanese maker such as Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Sanyo, Daikin, Sharp, etc., even if they might be actually made in China. Typically, Japanese makers have good quality control. I have had about every brand mentioned above. Did I say they are QUIET?! Yes! You will be surprised at how quiet.

Hmm, just re-talked meself into getting one!

 

[raykos]

Thanks, guys.

Really appreciate the responses/input. So much easier to make decisions when you have input from someone who has, "... been there done that...". Especially the response from 'Baub'; a person whose been in the business, and is going to put a mini-split in his own private residence.

 

[AHNC]

You might want to run the numbers at www.miniheat.com It is based upon Fujitsu models. Try it with a 15 or 18 model. Whichever manuf you go with, be very careful with your model number choice. For instance, with Fujitsu I have 3 models of 18's. One cooling only, two HP's. Only the new 18 RLXS qualifies for the federal credit. The 18RLQ does not. As always, the devil is in the details.