Hi-velocity AC systems

[JHZR2]

Hi,

I live in an old home. We have window acs. We've been toying with the idea of installing an ultra high efficiency split (ductless) system in some rooms.

However, I saw recently systems that can easily backfit to old homes because they move air through 2" pipe at high velocity. Has anyone seen/installed/used these?

Pros/cons?

I'll not install a ducted central air system, but would consider this.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[duaneb9729]

Our company uses a system made by Hi-velocity systems out of Edmonton, Alberta, Ca.

they are not hard to install from a techinal stand point, the company has great installation instructions as for duct sizing and placement suggestions for the heads in the rooms you are cooling.

Most of these systems are the exact same with very minor exceptions, we use this company because of how the registers install, they can be removed for painting with out it becoming a big harry deal.

They cool much better than conventional air conditioners.

They are time consuming to install however although if you choose to go this route I can guide you as to some tools to own that will help out tons.

This the a link to the web site of the brand we use, http://www.hi-velocity.com/

Pm me if i can help out in any way

 

[meangreen01]

Couple options;

If you want a/c in the majority of the house or whole house a high-velocity systemis the simplest option. The air handler goes in the attic or basement and small diameter tubing is snaked through walls and whatnot to get into the rooms.

It still is a PITA though, and messy, and rather expensive. Figure around 10 grand for a smaller house and closer to 20 grand for large houses. Couple of the more common brands are Spacepak and Unico:

http://www.spacepak.com/consumer-central-air/small-duct-high-velocity-central-air.asp

http://www.unicosystem.com/

Another option is ductless mini splits that can cool a section of the house:

http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/en/consumer/how-it-works/easy-installation

Another option, and probably the cheapest, is a traditional air handler in the attic to cool the upstairs rooms, which are typically the bedrooms.

 

[Steve S]

Window A/Cs are really nice.

 

[Slick17601]

Don't overlook the mini-split systems. Some of those will operate up to 4 inside units with only 1 outside unit. Another bonus is they can also operate as a heat pump. I have a Mitsubishi mini-split heat pump in a 4 season room and it works great, very efficient.

 

[JHZR2]

We've been thinking about splits. The inlaws have them as the architecture doesnt allow for ducts.

The issue is the wall space the air handler takes up.

 

[Nick R]

I like window A/C best. Every person gets their own thermostat. I like sleeping with the A/C blasting arctic air. My sister prefers it warmer. Central heating is kind of a comprimise.

 

[meangreen01]

Yes the mini-split air handler/coil is rather bulky in the room it's mounted. But, in some apps it's the best solution. Every room I've had on vacation in the tropics utilized mini-splits. Amazingly, they all worked like [censored].

How many stories is your house? Do you have an unfinished attic? How big is that attic? I already assume u have a boiler, but if not the solution is much easier.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Splits yield a COMPLETELY different level of comfort compared to HVAC. See meangreen01 above.

No comparison in my book.

A nice 'window shaker' can be surprisingly efficient and cheap. They just require regular cleaning.