What are those central air units called?

[GottaDiesel]

I'm trying to figure out what the central air units are called where the compressor is one of those slim, wall mounted units like I've seen in Europe. (as opposted to the big "box") compressors we've all known and seen in the US. If I recall Hitachi was a big mfg. of the one I'm talking about, but I think Sanyo and some other may be in the biz. I can't find it and I don't know why.

Thanks for any help,

Pete

[MTI]

There are "split" units, where the fan coil is wall mounted but the compressor is pad mounted. Mitsubishi"s 'Mr. Slim" was a popular brand, but also copy cats by other makers.

Another current HVAC retrofit uses a traditional attic or pad mounted unit, but with 2" circular registers fed by flexible tubes instead of traditional ducting.

[GottaDiesel]

Hmmm... not exactly sure what you mean. The units I'm talking about have a unit that mount on an exterior wall (outside of the dwelling, apartment, etc.) and then they have a blower or some kind of fan assembly inside the unit, sometimes it is also mounted on the wall, or under a window, inside the house.

Pete

[GottaDiesel]

Ahhh!! Yes, that's it.

Thanks!

Pete

[peragro]

Do a google search for mini-split. the 3 unit 1 condenser unit is very cool. Used a lot in old houses where installing ductwork would be a bit#$

[GottaDiesel]

Oh! This is what I'm looking for!

Man I love this place!

Pete


Actually, what I really need is where there is one unit outside and two units inside. Simple, I would think... but I just don't need the air handler... to send air to each room, etc. I'll do the google. Thanks! I owe you one of the Corona's I've been drinking.

I researched the Mitsubishi units last summer and found them to be cost effective vs. installing new ducts and upgrading a furnace. I think the jury is still out on efficiency and I was told that if a unit goes out getting it serviced can be lengthy, but others told me that they can fed-ex a new unit. The big plus is you can control temps in each room and the heat pump can be installed in an attic. Install labor is extremly cheap (less than $850) compared to forced air.

http://www.bdt.co.nz/comfortmaster/grouplist.asp

Another unit to look at is high pressure, PVC is ran to the rooms and they blow high pressure air across the ceiling. I know of two HP systems and the owners love it. I think HP has better efficiency. The down side of high pressure is there are only a handful of manufactures and if one goes under your screwed for parts.

[kknudson]

They use these at the resort in Jamaica we go to, all over the place. Seem to be pretty good.

Always wondered why / when we'd see them here. Then I've seen a couple of ads on TV for them.

I don't think though you can put the condenser in the attic, maybe on the roof. Since they are only for a room or two, they aren't real big.

[GottaDiesel]

Found it... now my next question.

Ok! Here is one choice where you have a SINGLE unit and 2 or three units inside. Very cool (hehe, no pun), but not cheap.

http://store.yahoo.com/absolute-shopping/frduzodumisp.html

The one in that link is a single outside, double inside... you can go 1:1 or 1:3 too...

So now here's my next question... anyone know anything about this new(er) high pressure system. The type with the 2" pvc duct. Seems cool, I'd like to know more about how the air handler, etc. works... also is there a slim-line out door compress that can be used?

Any help would be great!

Pete

[GottaDiesel]

http://www.friedrich.com/pdf/Ductless_Sales_Brochure.pdf

FYI...

still trying to find out more about the high-pressure type.

[Flash Gordon]

Split units are very popular in Asia. Most home in these countries don't have central air like we do here. I think the Japanese invented the split unit if I am not mistaken. These units have remote control with built-in programing capabilities. Mitsubishi is one of the more expensive makes in Asia as the Japanese makes are competing with much cheaper local makes.

[GottaDiesel]

Thanks for the info... I'm going to search and see if Mitsu makes the 3:1 type, or similar.

Know anything about the high-pressure type (2" PVC for ducting)?

Pete

[MTI]

You might have to check this, but I bought 3 Friedrich splits a couple years ago and according to the shop, they have the same internals as the Fujitsu splits, but different from the Mitsubishi.

[GottaDiesel]

Originally Posted by MTI

You might have to check this, but I bought 3 Friedrich splits a couple years ago and according to the shop, they have the same internals as the Fujitsu splits, but different from the Mitsubishi.

Thanks. So far I am very on the fence. I *really* like the Friedrich split where you have 1 unit outside and 3 inside. That one is pretty good. I'm just thinking that it is only a 10ish SEER, and for that price I can duct a conventional 13+ SEER and have components that are eaiser to replace.

It's just a matter of learning more about the best air handler. I want something VERY quiet and VERY compact. I know I'm going to have to read more before I decide.

I'm also looking into the high-pressure kind. This is a REALLY cool system because it is very easy to install, and works great.

With me it is all about compact size, and high energy eff. I would rather spend more $$ today and save it over time.

Thanks again,

Pete

[peragro]

I havn't really researched the high pressure systems so I probably don't know of what I speak. But usually the higher the pressure means the higher the noise. Think of that little air vent in a jet plane that you open up to shoot air at yourself.