Duct vs Ductless Air Conditioners

jeff768

Hi this is my first post,



I have 1250 sq. ft cabin that I keep at 72 degrees. To do this I have a 12000 BTU and a 6000 BTU and another 6000 BTU. I’m tempted to reinvest in a new system but I was wondering if it makes more sense to switch from a ductless system to a duct system.



Here are my options:



1) Replace my 3 units with 3 more units with the same BTU’s

2) Replace my 3 units with 1 big unit (24000 BTU’s say,)

3) Replace my ductless system with a duct system.



No matter the system I reinvest in, it’ll probably cost me a lot which is fine, I`m not here to compare prices. The question I have for you pros is which is the most sustainable future equipment investment strategy? Basically which option will give me the most bang for my buckÉ



Note: The matter is a bit more complex because some mini-split air conditioners qualify for a federal tax credit due to The American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012.



Sources:



<a href="http://senville.com/air-conditioner-tax-credits/">http://senville.com/air-conditioner-tax-credits/</a> or here <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...ef_Act_of_2012">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...ef_Act_of_2012</a>

Jack

Keep in mind

that your current ductless system is "net to the space" and there are no duct losses. Given the increase in efficiency of the mini-splits and the heating performance increases at low temps, I'd upgrade the mini-splits and give up on the thought of ductwork. What I did is pull my ducted system and install mini-splits. I put a single 25 Seer unit in the primary living area and a dual unit in the upstairs bedrooms. Adding an addition this spring for new kitchen and new bathrooms I will put another super efficiency unit in the common area of the kitchen and be done with it. Personally, I will never put ductwork into my house again.

Ironman

Agreed

I can't imagine any benefit, only liabilities, by swapping ductless for ducted.

TonyS

Same as Jack

Pulled my ducted system and installed 3 ductless. Far better control over humidity. Ductless units are to AC as modulating boilers are to heating...the unit is the right size every day.