ventless or central heat/ ac?
We are in the middle of a pretty extensive renovation, (down to the framing) and are trying see the pros and cons for the above systems, including cost, amount of work needed and lifespan. Also anyone who has done this and liked the company that did the work? Any feedback would be much appreciated..
marshling
in Renovation 12 years ago
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10 replies
marshling | 12 years ago
thanks for all the feedback, really very helpful..
brucef | 12 years ago
Space-Pak is slightly smaller, but similar in concept. We happen to be more familiar w/Unico.
ProHeights66 | 12 years ago
I did hot water heat radiator and the Fujitsu mini-split A/C — which my contractor hid in ceilings above the centrally placed bathrooms on the upper floors and between two book cases on the parlor floor. I can attest in this very hot weather that it is the most effective A/C I have ever had — including traditional ducted A/c in my old house. Best of all, both the A/c and the heat are zoned, so you can cool (or heat) only the areas you need. Very efficient.
brokelin | 12 years ago
Even with being down to framing, the other reason to do the mini ducts is to avoid putting rather large soffits for conventional AC up near your ceilings if it is a nice old townhouse. Depending on your room layout and how you plan out where they go, you can avoid lowering ceilings…I lived with conventional AC that was put in a century old apartment (not renovated down to the studs or anything extensive, just AC added, the unit in a closet and the compressor on the roof) where the only ceiling that was lowered was a central hallway…all other rooms had no soffit obstructions. I’m sensitive to noise, and it was quiet. If you can do that, I would do conventional. If you can’t, I’d look into spending and going through the hassle for the Unico – as there’s nothing I hate like AC soffits in 100 year old ceilings.
brooklynny | 12 years ago
Do all the named benefits apply to SpacePak high velocity systems as well?
brucef | 12 years ago
Forgot to mention: Unico can do one thing conventional cannot. That is fit into walls and smaller spaces. But you say the framing is open, so you don’t need one of the main reasons for high velocity.
brucef | 12 years ago
I am writing from an office that has Unico installed, so obviously we are Unico-centric. Unico is a proprietary system, except for the condenser/heat pump part. Unlike the conventional duct based systems, there are no “builder’s grade” cheaper options. You can get a 1980’s technology central system that won’t be as efficient, but it will cost thousands less. Most consumers don’t know the difference, and if HVAC contractors are bidding on a job, that’s what you are being specced. So the cost of the Unico components are double the builder’s grade, and probably 30% more than best grade conventional. There must be decent Unico firms in NYC, but I have to warn you, it is a specialty, and you don’t want a guy who installed a couple, a few years ago. You are more likely to find an HVAC contractor in NYC who will competently install a high SEER conventional unit. You’ll be happier with that system than a Unico that is misconfigured. Is a BMW better than a Camry? Yes but.
marshling | 12 years ago
Thanks very much we will look into the Unico..
slopefarm | 12 years ago
We have a Unico mini-duct system, too. trickier in townhouse situation — watch out for DOB rules on where you can place the condensers and you have to really think through where the air handlers go and if one is somewhere near where you want quiet, you need to insist on sound isolation. the whisper of air through the mini ducts is fine, but the air handler makesw a bit more noise, so you don’t want it in a wall behind your bedroom, for example.
daveinbedstuy | 12 years ago
Go central. You can’t beat it. Efficiency, aesthetics!!!!Try and find a reputable Unico installer for the small high velocity vents. Tie the heating and AC together…it’s the most efficient way. I just installed a Unico system in PA and LOVE IT.