Brownstoner Reno
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August 10, 2005
(Ugly) A/C System Almost Ready to Roll
The Mitsubishi ductless airconditioning system we selected has presented its share of problems. The biggest issue that they look like crap. We had--mistakenly--assumed that they were designed to be hidden behind discreet vents or registers. Nope. They are designed to be on full view which seems crazy. So we have had to build boxes in the wall for them and are still hunting for attractive grills to put on the front of the boxes. That said, the system should be fully operational this week.
Comments
The system you chose must be much cheaper than the separate zoned a/c that I have specified for my brownstone reno. Otherwise, why bother? My architect designed my system (with an HVAC engineer) to fit unabtrusively into my house. No ugly boxes. A minimum of grilles, but the ones we have are designed to look like they have been there for 100 years. It all looks great with minimum intrusion on the aesthetics of the house.
So, I figure, you must have saved a bundle compared to my system. Otherwise, why do that to your house? (By the way, I had your system in my apartment in Tokyo. It works by wireless remote. Make sure your wireless remote works when you install the grille.)
Posted by: Anonymous at August 10, 2005 8:10 AM
Unfortunately, it's the one thing we didn't pay enough attention to in the planning process...God knows, it wasn't cheap. In fact, beginning to think we got taken to the cleaners on it. Our one big screw-up on this project--live and learn.
Posted by: Brownstoner at August 10, 2005 8:43 AM
brownstoner, at least you'll have a/c!
Posted by: Anonymous at August 10, 2005 10:02 AM
I thought you were doing a full a/c system, vented throughout. I had Mitsubishi system when I lived in Mexico. It was great, although not a lot different that a window unit. Why didn't you put them through the rear exterior walls?
Posted by: Anonymous at August 10, 2005 10:12 AM
Tough to say. Hopefully when we get some attractive grills in place the whole thing will have a happy ending, but it's been a pain in the ass for sure.
Posted by: Brownstoner at August 10, 2005 11:33 AM
8:10 poster you are obnoxious.
Posted by: Anonymous at August 10, 2005 1:23 PM
i'm in the process of installing fujitsu iaq. for me they were the obvious answer to window units and ducts would prove too costly and innefficient. the are quiet and energy efficient and while they aren't invisible they're much more discrete than window or in wall units from inside or the street...
Posted by: nsm at August 10, 2005 5:55 PM
I went with a 3-zone split system, and it was very unobtrusive..most of the ducts fit in the crawl space between the original ceiling and the floor above, or came through the floor. Besides kitchen/bath/closet, only one room in the house has a drop cieling, to fit an air-handler.
Also, it cost 18k (3 story bstone).
Posted by: Anonymous at August 10, 2005 9:02 PM
I am interested in these Mr. Slim units. I just have one question (for now) about them. I understand each unit has its own compressor/fan unit on the roof. Do they make ones that have only one unit on the roof for more than one inside unit? Doesn't that seem more efficient?
Posted by: Tom at August 11, 2005 9:11 AM
What sup wit dat tangle, yo! Looks lik a sheet house, Mon.
Posted by: Anonymous at August 11, 2005 9:34 AM
B'stoner, I'm with you. The Mr Slims look like they might be a necessary evil in our CH house as well. I'm not that fond of the look, but the alternative involves a huge lot of busted walls. When the previous owner opened up the chimneys to run ductwork (for forced air gas furnace), they optted to run unlined galvanized, unsiutable for A/C. We're reluctant to repeat the process; we have decorative plaster in our parlor floor that is the gem in the house's crown and it would be a heartbreak to damage it. I like your solution and I think it'll blend nicely. My friend John (www.laidman.com) does great work in stainless if you're looking for a custom grille made to order. Anyhow, good luck - love the blog.
Posted by: Anonymous at August 11, 2005 10:16 AM
Did you consider a high velocity mini-duct system like SpacePak or Unico? I know they're really expensive but in terms of being unobtrusive, they're pretty great for historic usage. I priced one out for my home in Ditmas, but it was just too much dough for me at the moment given other priorities. Anyway, if I had the $$, I would go with one of these two systems.
-pk
Posted by: pk at August 11, 2005 1:53 PM
by the way, not that you need my approval, but I definitely think you did the right thing by putting in a central system.
-pk
Posted by: pk at August 11, 2005 1:54 PM
FYI, we have nine units running off three roof-top compressors. Total price tag a little over $30K. Hope we didn't get taken to the cleaners.
Posted by: Brownstoner at August 11, 2005 2:23 PM
Just bought an already-renovated 4/story 2/family in Clinton Hill with 7 Carrier Split System units. They look like the Mitsubishi you have. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but as many have already said, these beat window or in-wall units by a long shot. They're mounted high and close to the ceilings, unless I am pointing the remote control at them, I hardly notice them. After six beastly hot weeks, we find they provide quiet and comfortable cooling, and seem efficient. Haven't received a Con Ed bill yet though . . .
Posted by: tt at August 11, 2005 3:19 PM
If you put a grill over the system, it'll look fine. I agree they're much better looking than window A/C's or through-the-wall units.
Posted by: Daniel at August 11, 2005 4:34 PM
I'm just getting started planning my major renovation of a 2 story house (including a lot of plumbing and electric) - i've been assuming I would just go with window AC units (I have a new one now and find it quiet, if ugly). 30K for central or ductless would be a big part of our budget, but it seems like "everyone is doing it". Is it really so great?
-SC
Posted by: sc at August 18, 2005 3:11 PM
we are in the process of closing on a property in Park slope ...and I have enjoyed reading your comments as we are looking to install split-type
wall units in our duplex (1200 sf).
Can anyone recommend two vendors to us ...along with your feedback on them.
Thanks in advance
- Avery
Posted by: Avery at August 30, 2005 12:58 AM
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