All Forum Posts by: Steven Kay

I've put in minisplits before. They are best when you don't have the ductwork installed. I suggest you have a look at your attic insulation and your windows. You might do better repairing/replacing those. Make sure those ducts are clean and functioning.

After that, a more efficient AC would be my choice. It will probably cost you similarly depending on how many rooms you are installing the minisplits.

From cost perspective, I'm looking at around a 3-4k difference with it being installed in 3 rooms (+living room downstairs potentially). Wasn't sure if it was silly to have 2 different types of systems in a home that already has existing ductwork and central AC. Thank you for the reply Benjamin! Commonality I'm seeing is attic insulation and windows across the replies.

0 Votes

Los Angeles County, California

Quote from @David M.:

@Steven Kay

Since the central AC is there, I'd have the size of the system checkedout. Actually, maybe have an inspection done --- maybe its just short coolant... Is it an old system? Maybe the evaporator is all crudded up...

Has it always been like this? If it can't even cool the first floor effectively, I am wondering if its undersized. Maybe its now undersized if the insulation has slumped.. etc.

You see what I'm getting at? It may not be an efficiency issue. The system may no longer be effective. If there are no "mechanical issues," have the HVAC company run a Manual J calculation (many don't like doing it since its a bunch of calculations) to determine the property sizing of the heating and cooling system. You might just need to upsize the evaporator and the compressor an extra half ton...

Good luck.

Thank you for the reply David.

Yes the system is about 30 years old now. Got the property a few years ago and the AC unit had the AC fuse replaced, maintenance clean and refrigerant added. It cools the first floor much better than the second floor.

0 Votes

Los Angeles County, California

For a 2 story, ~1400 sqft townhome, it rises to about 85 degrees fahrenheit on the second floor, while around 77-78 on the first floor during the summer weather. There is an existing central AC that doesn't seem to get it under 80 degrees upstairs during 90-100 degree weather and ultimately is kept running that increases the electrical bill.

Does it make any sense to install mini split AC in the 3 bedrooms on the second floor over replacing with a new central AC that should be more efficient? Considering selling the property (approached as a live-in flip) potentially in the next few years and wondering if I will be able to recoup part of the cost and increase appeal in the future.

Thank you BP community!

0 Votes

Los Angeles County, California

All Forum Posts by: Steven Kay

Steven Kay has started 1 posts and replied 3 times.

Post: Installing new ductless mini split AC alongside existing central AC

Post: Installing new ductless mini split AC alongside existing central AC

Post: Installing new ductless mini split AC alongside existing central AC