Through-the-Wall vs. Ductless AC
Hey, We have an apartment in the back of a brownstone in Brooklyn Heights and need to replace our AC units. Right now we have three through-the-wall units. We are considering replacing them with a ductless system. We know this is a more expensive way to go and were wondering if anyone has any experience…
Hey,
We have an apartment in the back of a brownstone in Brooklyn Heights and need to replace our AC units. Right now we have three through-the-wall units. We are considering replacing them with a ductless system. We know this is a more expensive way to go and were wondering if anyone has any experience with the change? Also, does anyone know how the difference would affect the re-sale value of the apartment? Would the additional expense of the ductless pay off in the end?
thanks!
Yes, mini splits are great for so many reasons. Aesthetically, they mount high on the wall and are out of the way, plus you no longer have a big box in your window blocking light. Also, you don’t have to remove them in the winter (or leave them in and have a drafty window). They are also close to silent and are very energy efficient. Finally, you can also get them with heating strips, or some now make heat pump versions that will work in our climate, if your place get cold in the winter.
Installation can be involved and will depend on your site–sheetrock is easy, plaster and lathe is another story. Ideally, these are installed when you’re doing a renovation and have the walls opened up and an electrician on site.
And, no, no, no, you can get units with a single condenser that support several air handlers. That is what is so appealing about them.
Pretty interesting.
Sanyo, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu all supply multi zone condensers. Sanyo accepts a maximum of 4 air handlers.
You will need a site to install the condenser, with 220 power with a shutoff. A line set (two copper lines, an evaporation drain, and wire set) must run to each air handler.
A ductless system will be much more efficient, a heckuva lot quieter, and worth much more on resale.
The obvious problem you will have is closing the through wall openings.
If you have more than one area to cool, the ductless may not be the best solution as I have not yet seen a system that can have more than one ductless evaporator per condenser..in other words, you may require 3 condensers which seems excessive for 1 apt in a brownstone. If you’re in a floor with reasonable ceiling heights, perhaps best consider a standard split system with an air handler and minimal ductwork. OR, use the ductless for the prioritized area, and maintain the existing thru-wall openings with upgraded units in the other 2 areas.
best luck –
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