Does anyone have ductless air conditioning/heat?

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ductless air conditioning/heat

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AKA window unit?

The cost is about the same as what?

I have mixed feelings about them. On the one hand I like them. On the other hand, sometimes I feel like they're accomplishing the same thing as a window unit for 5 or 10 times the cost.

I do, it's pretty popular in newer construction in areas of the country where central air is rare (pacific NW). I've got an LG system with 4 units cooling an 1,800 square foot place. We can keep it pretty cold in there even when the temp is high 80s/low 90s by just running one or two units. Strength is obviously going to vary based on the setup you choose, but ductless should be more than enough for 400 square feet.

The only downside is that maintenance on them can be a real pain in the arse. Most service companies aren't as familiar with them, or only work on specific brands.

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'm working with about 400sq feet and I'm getting recommendations for ductless but I don't know anything about it. The cost seems to be about the same.

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They work great. People don't realize that most places in the world use mini-split ductless systems. Daikin isn't the world's largest A/C manufacturer for nothing. Most dwellings around the world do not have attics. Mini-splits have been around for a very long time in most other markets. My only suggestion is to use a Japanese brand not Chinese.

Mini-splits are very efficient and rarely have issues.

sounds good in theory, if walls are covered you'll still need to run copper and wiring to the outside, also there's a pump to move the water that has to be installed, if that's the only place that needs ac it might be something to look into

What MardiGrasTexan said.

I'll add, it can't be reiterated enough. Do not buy the Chinese units! Stick with Daikin, LG or Mitsubishi. There are also units branded for the major carriers that we are familiar with in the US such as Lennox but I would imagine that those are just rebrands of one of the three manufactures mentioned above.

The Chinese units, like most Chinese shite, are very unreliable or hit or miss but the most important reason to stay away from the Chinese units is Parts availability. It's virtually nonexistent. I made the mistake of buying a $600, 5000 BTU, no name, Chinese mini split and it ran for about two years before the circuit board took a shite and I searched everywhere for parts and I couldn't find a single Part for that entire brand. They barely have a website. It's one of those Shady, single page, foreign Websites

Also, they're way more efficient because they utilize an inverter to control the compressor.

Another problem that I could see occurring and my experience here is going to be limited because I've only ever used a mini split in a small room so I can't say for certain, you might see hotspotting with mini splits. With a traditional central air unit you have multiple Supply Outlets which evenly distributes cold air throughout each room and the return is usually centrally-located. With a mini split there's only one Supply and the return is Right Above It which can create a loop. You can get around this by using multiple indoor units but who wants all those units on the walls in their house? Plus it would be cost prohibitive.

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These units have very high seer rates

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Excellent.

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They run on 110V's.

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Not so much.

You want a 240-volt system. It's going to be way more efficient than anything on 120.

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I'm working with about 400sq feet and I'm getting recommendations for ductless but I don't know anything about it. The cost seems to be about the same.

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If you're in southern Louisiana or Texas mini-splits are going to suck. Go for a simple window unit for that space.

A mini-split system isn't going to be able to keep up with the heat, a window unit can and is cheaper.

Mini-splits are a good choice further up north where you aren't contending with so much heat. Colorado, Nor-Cal, Oregon, Washington etc.

You'll be frustrated in SEC country with one of those.