Ductless AC installation options

Hi We are starting renovation and I was planning to install ductless AC system. I had it in my head though that there were alternative installation options (ie less visible) to the wall mount units. We are doing gut renovation and I had thought there would we wall/ceilings we could hide them in? But now that I am starting to look at the systems that seems more commerical for rooms with dropped ceilings. Are visible wall mount units the only option or am I missing something? The first HVAC person we met with seemed to suggest that wall mount was the only option. Thanks

kslcb

in Heating and Air Conditioning 10 years and 6 months ago

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kslcb | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks all – as usual good info and much appreciated! We are doing gut (plan to convert steam to HW and get new radiators so this is secondary heat) and can find reasonable closet/bath/hall places to install, minimize duct and need to drop living space ceilings.

Augustiner | 10 years and 5 months ago

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thanks steam man

steam_man | 10 years and 5 months ago

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August there is no configuration. The way I described is the way it operates. The Y Series is a great system, when I’m back in town I’ll send you a graphic describing the operation. Send me an email so I can get it to you. I can be reached at heat@moltenmechanical.com Kslcb, we would be happy to provide you with a proposal for your project.

kslcb | 10 years and 5 months ago

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Thanks all – what I thought. Now I just have to see how expensive this will be…

Augustiner | 10 years and 5 months ago

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Hi Steam Man, I have a Mitsubishi Y-Series H2i with inverter technology …. It is probably not perfectly configured?

steam_man | 10 years and 5 months ago

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August while the on off cycle you describe is true for split systems, it is not the case for mini-splits with inverter technology. An inverter will modulate the temperature without shutting off. It’s a little more involved than my explanation but that is the nuts and bolts of it.

Augustiner | 10 years and 5 months ago

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Absolutely no problem to use concealed units in a gut renovation. I have unit per floor with ductwork into the rooms. Multi room distribution needs to be planned by a pro. I wouldn’t recommend to use Hvac also for heating unless you spray foam insulation on all exterior walls and install new superb quality windows. Even then, floor or baseboard heating are more comfortable because Hvac creates an airflow and regulates temp by switching on/off. The unit itself is not able to regulate temperature like a baseboard heater with a valve. It’s done by air speed and frequency of on/off periods. It switches off when target temp is reached, then on again when 1 or 2 degrees under target temp. Depending on how well you insulate your house, this 2 degree oscilllation will occur faster or slower. Baseboard is cheaper in operation, especially at very low exterior temperatures. Floor heating is best of course.

steam_man | 10 years and 5 months ago

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These are some of the options we offer our customers. There is also a floor mounted option which can be enclosed in custom millwork if so desired. It is expensive though. http://usa.mylinkdrive.com/categories/show/3.html

jcarch | 10 years and 6 months ago

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We usually lower the ceiling in the bathrooms/closets/etc. to create room to hide the air handler, and place them carefully to keep duct runs to an absolute minimum. This is slightly more expensive (assuming that new ceilings are being installed in any case) than the cassettes, but with a much cleaner look. jcarch ———————— James Cleary Architecture brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/jamescleary

citigyz | 10 years and 6 months ago

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Of course the cassettes (air handlers) can be concealed in walls or ceilings provided you have enough space. If there is, then you will need to fix the damage caused by the installation, so there will be added cost. After all, this is a retrofit. You can also build out bulkheads for the air handlers. The cassettes are more expensive as well. If aesthetics are important to you then do your research and see if you have the space.

stonecastle | 10 years and 6 months ago

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We installed ductless in our townhouse and used hidden units. It was very expensive because the units had to be built into closet walls and ceilings. The time to do it is when you have the walls and ceilings open.