Converting Central Air Units to Mini Splits

We are miserable with our central AC loud & not efficient. There are two compressors (upper bedroom floor & parlor floor). Is it possible to convert one compressor to a mini split system? We should have installed mini splits in the bedrooms, so each could be individually operated – honestly I’d like to replace the whole damn system, but might be too expensive.

peaceout

in General Discussion 5 years and 2 months ago

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benjaminswanton

in General Discussion 5 years and 2 months ago

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Call Victor @ Ice Age Mechanical & ask for a quote. We love the mini-split he put in for us almost 10 years ago. He has put them in for other people we know & establishments in the area: (718) 331-4822

Guest User | 5 years and 2 months ago

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Don’t sleep on ceiling fans! We’ve been unhappy with our ducted mini splits (I think they are oversized) which have been way too strong for us. Just installed a ceiling fan in the front of our 1st floor, open floor plan townhouse, and it’s made a huge difference in our comfort level and has helped equalize the temperatures everywhere in the house and remove that stagnant feeling when we don’t necessarily want it colder in the space. Now we just need to do some in the bedrooms!

brucef | 5 years and 2 months ago

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BTW, hello eman. Long time no see.

brucef | 5 years and 2 months ago

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I’m not completely grasping your existing layout, but minisplits will, as pointed out, require new equipment. If the existing whips to the outdoor condensers are good, it saves on running power to the new condenser. There is somewhat of a learning curve to mini splits, so try to see if a single zone air handler works in one of your floors. Single zone minis are higher efficiency than multis, and it will introduce you to the pros and cons. I favor multiple redundant systems, rather than elaborate all fail at once units.

ndupart | 5 years and 2 months ago

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And don’t forget that anything freshly installed might still come with its load of new problems… I am not saying this to discourage you. I am just saying this to stay conservative when looking at your options. Opt for something easily done and well understood.

yudashasom | 5 years and 2 months ago

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I’m a big fan of ducted splits. You can probably use some existing duct work with ducted splits, but you’ll still have to open walls/ceilings to install lines and an air handler, and split the zones if you want to separate.

dorkofwindsor | 5 years and 2 months ago

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I’m going to assume those things on the upper bedroom floor and parlor floor are air handlers and your compressors are on roof and/ or yard. You would either need to replace either one or both systems, they work independently. Eman137 is correct, ductwork as a chase may save some $ (if it makes sense). You will need new outdoor compressors, new condensate lines and electrical lines run to the Mini splits themselves. The good news is that you can get rid of those indoor air handlers and reclaim those spaces. I would be hoping $15-20k might get there given electrical is set up outdoor and at least some ducts may be used with less drywall work. Good luck

Guest User | 5 years and 2 months ago

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you can use thew ductwork as a chase to install a new system but there is no way that you can use the existing outdoor unit to power up mini splits indoor units

Arkady | 5 years and 2 months ago

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My a/c guy happened to be here when I read this & says he can help – does it all the time: On Call – 718 667 7771. They do excellent work at reasonable prices.

Guest User | 5 years and 2 months ago

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short answer: no……totally different systems