Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
Jim, I am still trying to sort out just how much these things cost. I've seen things calling themselves split minis for a single zone, for about 700 bucks. But I have also seen two and three zone units for four grand. So I am not completely convinced they are the same animal. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
Dan, they are the same. There are single and multiple zone units. Some have single compressors while others have more than one. Some have two speed compressors for single unit and multiple zone applications. The cost can really vary. Single units for single zones are cheap compared to the others. The bad thing about those is you need a couple units just like window units to do a couple rooms. Mini splits are designed for cooling-heating applications in one section of a building interior. They are being used in standard applications since they install easily and are really quiet and require no ductwork. ..bob [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
Bob, How much insulation is required on the lines running from the compressor to the chillers? More accurately, I guess, how bad are the losses between the compressor and chillers? Obviously, there are a lot of variables, like how far apart, and are you running them through the hot attic verses a cool basement. One concern I have is that if I get a professional installation, they will just run the lines on the outside of my house, where I would run the lines inside the walls. How likely is a leak in these lines? -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
Hello Dan, It is not so much as a loss as it is a supper heat gain since the cooling does not start till in the cooling section. Most I think have at least 1/2 to 5/8 inch foam on the suction or heat discharge line depending on in A/C mode or heat with a heat pump. There should be almost no loss what so ever in operation up to 35 feet at least. Once you hit 50 feet you might have to change the line size larger or smaller depending on upflow or down flow operation unless a variable speed compressor is used. Some units will only be offered with certain length line sets of tubing and they are already set for proper operation. ...bob [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
We had our air conditioning unit on the far side of the house, about 40 or 50 feet. It has had no problems. We did have a little luck, the fellow who charged up the unit was also installing a new breaker box, so he put the vacuum pump on our unit in the morning and let it run all day and our unit cooled better than spec's. We also used the condensate water to add water to my wife's pond. IN the summer it never needs filling. John http://WhiteCane.org http://BlindWoodWorker.com http://HolyTeaClub.comcom\whitecane http://anellos.ws - Original Message - From: Dan Rossi To: Blind Handyman List Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 10:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini Does anyone have experience with split mini air conditioners? I am trying to find information about a two zone, or possibly three zone model. I've just started looking but so far, the multi-zone units seem to be heating and cooling. I just want cooling. Does anyone know what the maximum run for the lines is? Or at least, my thought is that the compressor would go in the back of the house near the ground, but I would want the cooling units on the second floor. So, up the back, to the attic then across the house, maybe a total run of about 40 feet for the further of the two units. Any pointers would be appreciated. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel: (412) 268-9081 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
ok, just what is a split minny? jim in minnesota [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
A split mini, or ductless airconditioner, has the compressor unit separate from the cooling loops and fan. So, you put the big noisy compressor outside the house, then run the freon lines to wall mounted units inside the house where the fan is. You can have multiple units inside the house, for each room. You can essentially get central air without ductwork and they are significantly more quiet than window AC units. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
oh wow are they very spendy? jim [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
Dan, even on the noisy ones, they are very quiet. Be aware of the fact that some have only one compressor and others have multiple compressors. Cost will vary to purchase, but do take note of operating cost. Most of them really work well if sized properly and installed properly. Most have a really small footprint. Also most people that I know that have them, love them. .bob [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
I've started to stumble onto some useful information. I can get multi-zone cooling only units. And the line runs seem to be reasonable. I saw a quad unit, each unit 9000 BTU, the maximum tubing length, total, is 230 feet, with a maximum elevation of 50 feet. Some of these puppies are seriously quiet as well. At least the indoor portion is. One claims a 19DB rating, which is pretty damn quiet. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini
I have seen a couple of installations on television only. The reason you see heating and cooling is that these are heat pumps and reversing the heat/cooling function is simply a matter of reversing some valves. There just isn't any saving in eliminating the heat function. None of the installations I have watched showed any substantial runs of the tubing. From what I have seen though you can run up to three units from a single compressor. If you have a gable end in your roof it may be possible to mount the compressor there in some models. Basically then I am really just telling you I don't have a friggin clue but they are attractive looking solutions. - Original Message - From: Dan Rossi To: Blind Handyman List Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 10:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Split mini Does anyone have experience with split mini air conditioners? I am trying to find information about a two zone, or possibly three zone model. I've just started looking but so far, the multi-zone units seem to be heating and cooling. I just want cooling. Does anyone know what the maximum run for the lines is? Or at least, my thought is that the compressor would go in the back of the house near the ground, but I would want the cooling units on the second floor. So, up the back, to the attic then across the house, maybe a total run of about 40 feet for the further of the two units. Any pointers would be appreciated. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel: (412) 268-9081 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
