[jayp]

I have an attic space I'm finishing off to make it habitable year round. I do have room to put in ducting in the eaves of the a-frame roof but I don't think the capacity of my current system is enough to cool it. My blower is in the basement and I'm already cooling about 1200 sq ft on the first floor. I've been told that the most realistic option is to add a second unit for the attic. I've been thinking about the ductless systems like the Mitsubishi Mr. Slim as a good option. I need to cool about 650 sq ft.

I know some people who use these things in tropical areas to cool large rooms and they seem to work well. Plus, you can't beat the price over a new HVAC system. I don't think I'll ever need to heat my attic as it's insulated pretty well and I live in the south. During the winter, my prediction is that enough heat will escape from the first floor to keep it cozy.

Anyone have experience with these types of AC systems? I don't want to use a window unit because it will obstruct one only two windows that I have up there.

 

[Home Air Direct]

Sounds like you are a perfect candidate for a Ductless. If your area is open, allowing the air flow to reach all inhabited space, and the fact that heat is not a big issue, you will probably be very happy.

Even though you think that you will not need heat, I would go the extra money and get a Heat Pump model. Because you are basically hanging your air handler on the wall in one place, you do not get the even airflow that you would get with a balance ducted system, but in your case this may not be a big issue.

At 17-21 SEER, the price is hard to beat. And, you will blown away by how quiet these things are. Almost silent.

Good Luck
Jay

 

[Mazz]

Check the maximum piping run for those units too. Don't know them off hand, but since you're in the attic...

 

[kenmac]

You can add more to the line set.. just have to add more refrigerant

 

[Mazz]

You're right. I checked my catalog. It said 100ft and it can be extended to 164ft.

 

[7echo]

We run a bunch of Mitsubishi were I work and they are great. The HVAC crew loves them. I hear that Daiken and Fujitsu are good brands as well, but I have no direct experience with those outfits.

 

[jayp]

Thanks guys

THanks for all the advice! Anyone know if there is such thing as a small ducted setup -- something like these ductless systems but with the option to pipe a few small ducts out of it? Wishful thinking?

 

[beenthere]

Daikin makes them.

 

[yuri]

Fujitsu makes a mini air handler that you can run 2 ducts from. I just finished a course on them.
http://www.fujitsugeneral.com/multi.htm

 

[pcampbell]

Sounds like a good idea to me. What sort of temps do you see in the attic in the winter?

 

[kennzz05]

just something to think about just cuz its called a window unit dosent mean it has to be put in a window, they can be installed thru the wall also so you dont lose your window and if you are somewhat handy you can cut the hole and install it yourself. you could purchase maybe 8 window units compared to the cost of one ductless split that being said the ductless units do work very well and are pretty quiet

 

[beenthere]

Why not use a thru the wall unit then.

 

[jayp]

hmmm

Fujitsu makes a mini air handler that you can run 2 ducts from. I just finished a course on them.
http://www.fujitsugeneral.com/multi.htm

That sounds interesting but I don't readily see the air handler with ducts on there. Which unit is it?

 

[yuri]

"Concealed ceiling indoor unit" Meant to be put in a false ceiling but could be used elsewhere. The cassette unit can also use 2 branch ducts. Fujitsu has the sheet metal fittings and charts but you need a COMPETENT experienced installer to design/lay it out properly.