air conditioning

chuck_6

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on air conditioning systems. We have an older home and last year had central a/c installed on the second floor. Ducts were run through the attic and the system works fine.
For the first floor I was debating on whether to use a Unico system, with the ducts run through the basement or to use a ductless system. We have about 1,300 sq ft on the first floor (living room, foyer, dining room, kitchen with eating area, and small bedroom with bath). Not certain which is more efficient and would be better.

Joe_13

Ductless splits are great BUT

one unit will cool a large open space very nicely without ripping up of floors and walls for duct work. They're quiet as heck both inside and out. The air wil never get around to multiple rooms. You may have to go with multi-units or the 2 or 3 air handlers to one outdoor condenser unit (with multiple compressors, these are very pricey too). Putting several units in will not be cost or energy efficent over a single split duct system for the 1st floor. I've got 4 units in my split level house, but I live without AC in the bathrooms.

Wayco Wayne

The unico systems

work great but are priced as a specialty item and a little expensive. It mixes the air well and dehumidifies better than a low velocity system. If it wer'nt so pricey I'd put them in everwhere. True story: I installed a Unico system in a 200 year old house that was protected by the local Hisorical society. They would not allow a regular duct system because it would compromise the historical integrity of the house. All the Homeowner knew was he was sweating like a horse. The Unico was so low profile and worked so well that when the Historical people inspected it they liked it so much that they decided to use it in another little project they were in control of. George Washingtons house at Mount Vernon. They finished about 5 years ago and George's house is way cool now.

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