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Question DetailsAsked on 4/16/2012

Ductless air conditioning system for an old row house in DC

I live in a 100 year old row house in DC. For cooling currently I use 3 window units. 10,000BTU on first floor, 5,000 and 8,000 BTU in each bedroom on the second floor. It is a pain to install/remove then, they are noisy and ruin the wooden windows.

I am considering alternatives to central air, such as ductless cooling systems. Most of my walls are plaster so running ducts is not a huge project I want to avoid.

Can anybody confirm that ductless units can serve as primary cooling system? Can I run 3-4 fans of 1 or 2 units outside? Can you connect a fan to room by running wiring/pipes through the attic to a room not adjusted to an outside wall? What is an approximate cost when compared to central air?

Most of my neighbors either got central duct air they installed years ago, or they put them in as part of a major house project. I want to find a solution that is not requiring me to do a big project. Any advise would be much appreciated. Thanks, Mike

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to avoid major construction a ductless system is a good move. let me explain the advantages with a mini split system you have a choice either heat pump or straight cool. I do not know what kind of heat you have. with a heat pump you do not need any other source of heat to heat up your house. getting back to mini splits you could get one unit to service three air handlers with three controls so you could select your comfort level for all three rooms. it will be the best cost effective way to condition your house.
you are looking at roughly about 10,000 with installation. They are all made outside the USA. So pick a system with a good rep.

Raymond Gonzalez
koolray heating and air
clarksville,tn

Source: http://koolrayheatingandair.com

Answered 7 years ago by Raymond Gonzalez

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Yes, ductless are the primary coolings source for the majority of homes in many other countries, all of Euroope,and Asia.


The inverter driven units like Toshiba- Carrier, can have up to four indoor units, of various capacities.
http://www.residential.carrier.com/products/ductfree/index.shtml

Yes, though to attic is fine for the pipes and electrical,will need to draian the water,which can be down the wall,if you have a crawl space,or open basement ceiling, or a mini-condensate pump can be used.

Likely less than central,or near the same,with your plaster walls , etc.

For a little extra you can get heat pumps,that will heat you home,in all but the coldest of weather , in some ares all weather, for less the gas or oil ,in most areas, ddepends on local cost of each one.

Look for contractors the are listed on Angie's, as well as www.acca.org and www.natex.org .

I know that Cropp-Metcafe is a great company in your area.



Source: http://www.bayareacool.com

Answered 7 years ago by BayAreaAC
Staff




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