NEED RECOMMENDATION on HVAC installer.

I am doing  gut renovation of the parlor floor.  I am looking into SLIM DUCT _heat/cooling system_ either HVAC fujitsui **or** LG.  These seem to look more inconspicuous. I got one estimate and it seemed as high as central air. It was $8,800 for two 18,000 BTU (inside) units and a 36,000 outside unit.   Has anyone had this type of unit installed?  What was the price – similiar, higher or lower?  Does anyone have any recommendations on installers for this type of unit.   Any helpful comments regarding experiences with this or any other unit would be appreciated.

stephanie

in Plumbers and Plumbing 13 years and 10 months ago

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steam_man | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Stephanie,We have many years of experience installing both mini-split and ducted HVAC systems. My first instinct on reading that you are doing a gut renovation would be to install a ducted system. There are a number of reasons for this which need not be addressed here (for brevity). That being said… Without even having seen the conditions at your job and not knowing whether electric is included in the price, it doesn’t seem extraordinary. It is certainly on par with what we have charged in the past for similar installations which included electric albeit very easy electrical runs. Feel free to e-mail me or call if you want to discuss the systems to get pro’s/con’s and experiences….Good luck with your reno…-SteamMan  heat@moltenmechanical.com

brucef | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I would say a legal install in NYC of (2) 18,000 BTU indoor evaporators with a corresponding 33K condenser should cost approximately what you have been quoted. We are not licensed in NYC, but we do a lot of these installs. In NJ we would run the whip without needing a licensed electrician (on a single family residence).The details of your particular job such as available site for the condenser and running 220 power there with proper disconnects, plus probably DOB filings, will get you into the 8,000 range. The fact that you are doing a gut renovation make the installation of linesets easier, but the necessity of a condensate drain from both locations that flows down with gravity makes all row house installs  – “challenging”.That and the necessity of boring two considerable diameter core holes thru masonry all add up to that ball park.I noticed you included heat and cool in your question, and you might be able to save somewhat by abandoning the heat part of a mini-split install. With masonry walls and new insulation, a heat pump will be unable to supply useful heat when you actually need it. The resistive supplement heat below 45 degrees is the same as electric baseboard, expensive.You may be happier with some careful duct work and a central system. Only because you are gutting anyway, you may be able to hide conventional duct. Just educate yourelf regarding higher SEER condensers, so that you steer clear of “builders grade” equipment, which is inferior and less efficient. All the lines have better quality units, you just have to know to ask for them.Years of experience have taught us that heating with a purposely designed heating system, and cooling with a dedicated HVAC is a more satisfying experience. Heck, I even like installing separate t-stats.Except geo, which is a whole different matter.