mini split or window/wall ac need help

Currently running a single hose 8000btu portable a/c w 4 1000w air cooled hoods. I have2 carbon filters 2 6" fans pulling air from the room, through the lights and exhausting through the house . I had to open the central a /c into the room and add another duct just to bring the room to 79-80.
I know this is a very inefficient setup I should have at least got a dual hose but live and learn. Money was tight im in a better spot now so
Im looking at upgrading my cooling system.

I wanted to get a mini split unit but now that I'm looking at whats all involved i have some concerns. I definetly cant have an HVAC guy come out, how hard are these to install? would it even be worth the risk? My main concern tho would be having a second ac unit outside in a 1400 sqft house.. Anyone heard of putting these just outside the room but still in the house?

I was set on getting a mini split but now I'm gonna have to consider some other options. Any one have any suggestions how I can either make a mini split work or alternate option to cool this room?

12 k window will work just fine if your thinking on the inexpensive side of things. however theres nothing like a mini split and i think u can get a inexpensive one of those to. buy a solid brand brand, too many stories of people buying those easy to install spit systems and running into trouble. then them not being warrantee well you'll find your self with no a/c for quitw some time.

I have a 12k btu mini split 2 1000s coz burner vented lights etc my temps still go crazy I want a 24kbtu or a dual zone 18k btu mini split yhere tje best the wont secrete air out or in etc and keep a sealed room sealed. If you no how to solder pipe together you can install a mini split your self its pretty easy hardest part is getting the freon u need prob 410a amd a fitting. Rent a vacuum pump from true value etc

anzohaze said:

I have a 12k btu mini split 2 1000s coz burner vented lights etc my temps still go crazy I want a 24kbtu or a dual zone 18k btu mini split yhere tje best the wont secrete air out or in etc and keep a sealed room sealed. If you no how to solder pipe together you can install a mini split your self its pretty easy hardest part is getting the freon u need prob 410a amd a fitting. Rent a vacuum pump from true value etc

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I'm sure I could figure out the install part not sure if id wanna attempt it myself after I drop $1500 .if I screwed something up damaged it and no warranty. either way I can't put the outside unit outside. Its not gonna look right 2 ac units outside for a small house in a cold climate . can I put the outside unit just outside the room ?

The outside unit can be put anywere you want roof next to room any were the installation has like 6 color coded wires that you hook up red here black here its EASY. Make sure it has auto reset as well best feature if you loose power amd then power returns the ac automatically kick on to the desored temp

Also some units have quick connects on them so you mount everything put power to it slilde the lines in grove and they lock together and make a leak proof connection amd there already full of freon etc no need.for anyome ro come over or call a ac company. I have an ideal air mimi split have had for 5 years now amd the quick connect.leak but I also have to take my room apart hide ac or move whole room to this house or that house etc so.my.mini split has been connected disconnected prob 100 times and an o ring is leesed up but

Couldn't you have a window unit like a 18k and then turn ur portable on only when it's really hot, and if your running your lights at night you should be good I would think?

Get a mini split...then figure it out.

I got a Fredriech Breeze 24000, it comes precharged and is plug and play. I wouldn't go this route again, the install looks sloppy (never mounted right, and have a bunch of excess hose)

Maybe you can just mount it all up, then have an hvac tech draw a vacumm on the lines and connect the outdoor unit (not necessary to come in the house). A little electrical work is required too.

- Jiji

doubletake said:

Couldn't you have a window unit like a 18k and then turn ur portable on only when it's really hot, and if your running your lights at night you should be good I would think?

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That's bring me to the problem of only having one 110/120v 15a circuit to work with I can only run one or the other. Highest Btu window a/c ive found at 110 is 15k. Ive found a couple mini splits at 12k btu and 110 but both units are going to compromise my currently stealth room which lead me to look at a 15k btu dual hose portable unit. Any idea what would be the most efficient?

Cut down to 3000 watts in lighting then

problem solved

- Jiji

A minisplit requires a proper outside disconnect. I highly recommend the minisplit.

Look for auto restart after outage and low ambient functions.

I found this caribou plug and play mini split even the electrical just plugs into a regular household outlet. Its only 12000 btu going for 1200 which would be worth it for the cconvenience but would it be enough power? And the outside unit would have to be inside the house anyone see a problem with that?

modene said:

I found this caribou plug and play mini split even the electrical just plugs into a regular household outlet. Its only 12000 btu going for 1200 which would be worth it for the cconvenience but would it be enough power? And the outside unit would have to be inside the house anyone see a problem with that?

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Not feeling it, the outside unit blasts heat. It MIGHT do 3kW installed properly but I don't see it doing 4kW. I would want an 18kbtu probably, but those are going to be 240v imo.

SnapsProvolone said:

Not feeling it, the outside unit blasts heat. It MIGHT do 3kW installed properly but I don't see it doing 4kW. I would want an 18kbtu probably, but those are going to be 240v imo.

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Looks like I'm SOL to make this place work with 4kW I was doing alright with the central air on but its getting cold out and just doesn't look right with an a/c running. I have my portable unit venting into the basement now with a carbon and its creeping up to 90 causing the room to creep up right behind it I guess it would be worse w the mini split compresser. I can't ditch a light for a few more weeks so I think I'll try and build one of those window a/c boxes and vent it as best I can hopefully at least lower my power bill drops slightly and just save the mini split for when I move

Check out heatandcool.com. I have 2 mini splits and they have a klimaire that is totally self install if you can do the electric. I just got a 22000btu shipped for $1300 and I spent $50 at Lowes on electrical. Very simple install. I did also install my 12000btu LG but needed somebody to vacuum lines I told the guy it was a clean room for computers and he couldn't go in but there is no need, all connections are outside.

http://www.thermospace.com/ductless_split/T116S-H236_36000_btu_ductless_air_conditioner.php

i bought 3 of these, they are being installed as we speak

superstoner1 said:

Check out heatandcool.com. I have 2 mini splits and they have a klimaire that is totally self install if you can do the electric. I just got a 22000btu shipped for $1300 and I spent $50 at Lowes on electrical. Very simple install. I did also install my 12000btu LG but needed somebody to vacuum lines I told the guy it was a clean room for computers and he couldn't go in but there is no need, all connections are outside.

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Twitch. said:

http://www.thermospace.com/ductless_split/T116S-H236_36000_btu_ductless_air_conditioner.php

i bought 3 of these, they are being installed as we speak

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I can't have the outside condenser outside .. We have -30c winters here its already getting cold and I have a central ac on a small house running all the time. I also only have 110-120v 15a to work with and both those are gonna be more. Even if I could vent that heat from the condenser outside there's no way I could still keep it all stealth.

Some units cool, heat, and dehumidify.

15a 110 is going to be tough.

I would suggest a mini split, put condenser in the basement & vent outside the basement where inconspicuous.

I use a 2.5 ton with 8K vented hoods