Anyone had a mini split installed lately?

[McDonoughDawg]

Looking to replace a built in window unit in a Sunroom...doesn't look too complicated to me...

My Son has the equipment to pull a vacuum on the lines etc...220 line already in place, current window unit is 220...that helps.  

Should I call the man or give it a go?

[Shootist Comitatus]

Looking to replace a built in window unit in a Sunroom...doesn't look too complicated to me...

My Son has the equipment to pull a vacuum on the lines etc...220 line already in place, current window unit is 220...that helps.  

Should I call the man or give it a go?

Electrical should be easy--lock-out & tagout for safety

Carpentry may be rough--will need adhesive rubber dams and insulation to avoid drips into wall space

prime and paint with quality grade products

if it goes badly, tell your wife HER son blew it

[JC-DAWG83]

What is the benefit of a mini split over a built in window unit in a sunroom? What is the cost difference? I know the mini split is usually quieter. I've become something of a fan of window/through wall units for areas that aren't used all the time. The self contained aspect appeals to me when it comes to installation and replacement and I like the ability to shut down the cooling to rooms/areas that aren't being used for relatively long periods.

[gulfportdawg]

What is the benefit of a mini split over a built in window unit in a sunroom?  What is the cost difference?  I know the mini split is usually quieter.  I've become something of a fan of window/through wall units for areas that aren't used all the time.  The self contained aspect appeals to me when it comes to installation and replacement and I like the ability to shut down the cooling to rooms/areas that aren't being used for relatively long periods.

Mini-split units are far more energy efficient than the standard window unit. They usually do cost more up front. What size unit are we talking about, and what are the electrical requirements for the mini-split?

[McDonoughDawg]

JC, the sunroom is used full time and open to the rest of the house...window unit is LOUD...and as Gulf says inefficient....looking at a ton and a half mini with cooling/heat pump...it really takes the load off the main house AC, especially when it gets above 90...12000 BTU window unit with heat (which is why there is a 220 line there now) is currently in place...did I mention it is LOUD?

[gulfportdawg]

JC, the sunroom is used full time and open to the rest of the house...window unit is LOUD...and as Gulf says inefficient....looking at a ton and a half mini with cooling/heat pump...it really takes the load off the main house AC, especially when it gets above 90...12000 BTU window unit with heat (which is why there is a 220 line there now) is currently in place...did I mention it is LOUD?

I recommend checking the new system's amp draw/requirements. Heat pump may require a 30 amp breaker. Sometimes you can use a 20 amp breaker for these new mini-splits.

[gulfportdawg]

JC, the sunroom is used full time and open to the rest of the house...window unit is LOUD...and as Gulf says inefficient....looking at a ton and a half mini with cooling/heat pump...it really takes the load off the main house AC, especially when it gets above 90...12000 BTU window unit with heat (which is why there is a 220 line there now) is currently in place...did I mention it is LOUD?

I recommend checking the new system's amp draw/requirements. Heat pump may require a 30 amp breaker. Sometimes you can use a 20 amp breaker for these new mini-splits.

Looks like you may be able to go with a 20 amp breaker and size 12/14 wire. Check the instructions in the box. Be careful, and good luck.

[JC-DAWG83]

JC, the sunroom is used full time and open to the rest of the house...window unit is LOUD...and as Gulf says inefficient....looking at a ton and a half mini with cooling/heat pump...it really takes the load off the main house AC, especially when it gets above 90...12000 BTU window unit with heat (which is why there is a 220 line there now) is currently in place...did I mention it is LOUD?

OK, makes sense.  Our sunroom is a converted screened porch that isn't open to the rest of the house.  It has a regular supply vent from the central system so it makes no noise at all.  The downside is, when it is really hot, the sunroom won't get really cool.  I guess the fact the walls are 80% windows (even insulated windows are only about an R2 insulation factor) causes more heat gain than having one supply register can overcome.  A ceiling fan makes it tolerable but not ideal.

A regular window unit would look terrible and since the wall area that isn't window is solid masonry, cutting a hole would be a pretty major project so I'll just keep living with it.  12,000 btu is a pretty large window unit.  I bet it is pretty loud.

[Zolotisty]

Ran across this a few months ago. I have waiting for the AKHOTD to discuss the subject. Looks promising.