Mini Split Worth It?

My wife and I am doing renovation to our townhouse and are thinking about putting in mini split units for the whole house. The cost for the install is really eating into a budget that is already getting too tight. My question is it worth it over window units? Obviously window units are much cheaper to buy and I can install it myself. The mini splits are better in all things in comparison to window units except price. I know the mini splits will be more efficient in energy but living here in nyc I will probably never recover that savings since its only really hot here 2-3 months out of the year. Does the heat pump feature offset any heating costs? That could weigh into my decision but I doubt its enough to offset the cost of the mini splits in a reasonable time frame.

zhideng

in Brownstoner Renovation 11 years ago

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mmvh | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Did you ultimately get the work done? I am considering having 1-2 installed in my a garden level rental and want to hear others experiences with: a. installation, b. how well they provided heat in this ARCTIC winter we’ve endured c. electrical costs to run. Who did the installation? Were you happy with them? Were you able to install the outdoor unit in the backyard? My e-mail is mvonhalle@yahoo.com. Thanks. mmvh

kvolandes1 | 10 years and 10 months ago

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Nancyk and Metal Karen: Can you please both send me your emails, since I am in the process of renovating 4 units and would like your insights on HVAC systems. Thanks. Kenny 917-699-4558

zhideng | 11 years ago

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metalkaren, not sure if this matters but when we were drawing plans for this the compressors had to be on the roof. our architect said that the DOB wasn’t allowing units to be in the backyard anymore. it might vary examiner to examiner but that added to our cost as we have to pay for a crane to lift the units. We don’t have any opening large enough to fit the condenser to the roof.

steam_man | 11 years ago

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metalkaren Our shop is shutting down for a summer break tomorrow until 9/5\. I’d be happy to talk to to you in depth and answer any questions then. Also happy to provide a price for you. You can find our contact information under Molten Mechanical & metal Works in the Brownstoner Directory. We are a certified Mitsubishi installer. ilovestoops You were a pleasure to work for. We really and truly love our customers! Enjoy the rest of your summer! Steam_man

NeoGrec | 11 years ago

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It should be possible to do this work without it coming to the attention of LPC. Just sayin’.

metalkaren | 11 years ago

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Daveinbedstuy: Do you know what the cost issues are? I am considering this on a landmarked home. I thought the only issue was the location of the compressors. We are submitting plans to LPC to put two compressors under a small back deck. If they approve it, I didn’t think there would be and additional costs or issues. Also, could anyone give a rough estimate of what they paid? The units themselves don’t seem too expensive so I assume it’s mostly the install . We’re considering 2 compressors, 4 units.

bksouth | 11 years ago

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We installed mini-splits 10 years ago (Mitsubishi–a/c only) and couldn’t be happier! Energy efficient, quiet, and the most important, being able to see out my window. If you plan to sell, it is much better to have “central air.” And in terms of only needing ac 2-3 months a year, think climate change. This summer was cool but last year we used the AC from late April through late September.

nancyk | 11 years ago

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i have no basis for comparison as this was my first winter in a house in brooklyn, but i can definitely see keeping the thermostat way down and using the heat pump instead. if you plan on installing them, make sure you get at least 3/4 estimates and make sure everything is included. my hvac bids were all over the place (double in 2 instances). if you want the name of the guys i used, send me your e-mail address.

zhideng | 11 years ago

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Did the heat pumps offset a decent amount from the regular gas/oil heating costs?

nancyk | 11 years ago

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i installed 3 mini-splits in my unit and 4 in my upstairs tenant’s unit (2 condensers). they are very energy efficient, quiet, and effective. last winter, we used the heat pumps and were amazed how well they worked. i know i made the right decision and think they are worth every penny.

ilovestoops | 11 years ago

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I had mini-split installed in my 1 BR apt last year. It was a huge expense and a real splurge for me, but I absolutely love it. Don’t know how I lived without it. A neigbor had it installed in a 2 BR apt. with ducts to other rooms and they are very happy as well. Haven’t tracked elec expenses but it it works great and is so quite, inside and outside. Don’t know how it compares to getting central a/c for whole house. Molten Mechanical & Electrical Security (aka wirelights) from brownstoner did the install.

zhideng | 11 years ago

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The building is not landmarked, so I don’t see this as becoming an issue.

daveinbedstuy | 11 years ago

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    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Friend doing these has had costs escalate dramatically if building is landmarked.