ACiQ Ductless MiniSplit – Zone 4B – Question
Looking to purchase a 1-ton ductless minisplit for my energy efficient home in a Zone 4B climate. Manual J calcs showed that I only need (two) 1-ton ductless mini splits for my 1,800 sqft home.
I found a unit, it’s an ACiQ (same parts as Carrier) which carries a 12-year compressor/7-year parts warranty. It’s a 1 ton unit but I have two options:
A – SEER2 = 24.00, HSPF2 = 9.00, Able to heat down to -22F = $1,230 for the unit
B – SEER2 = 20.8, HSPF2 = 6.7, Able to heat down to 5F = $850 for the unit
Not a huge price difference and I am leaning towards Option A but just wanted some input if it is worth $400 more for the extra efficiency of the unit. Being in Zone 4B, we don’t see insanely cold temps but it can dip into the teens and single digits during winter nights. We can see diurnal swings of 40+ degrees per day from morning to evening due to the high desert climate.
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Replies
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No pan heater. Do you like your ACiQ unit? Any issues with it?
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The purchase price is but a percentage of the cost. I would go with the more efficient unit as the upsides are numerous.
I will go with Option A.
For my insulated detached garage (1,200 sqft). I was thinking of getting another 1 ton unit to help cool it in the summer and provide a little heat in the winter if needed. Would the 1 ton be undersized for an insulated garage? (R-30 walls/R-40 roof/R-8 car entry doors)
They offer a 2 ton unit but its only a 17 SEER and heats down to only 5F. Not as efficient as the 1 ton unit I'm getting for the house but the 2 ton unit is only $1,200
So house will get Option A mini-split.
Garage is still unknown if I can use a 1-ton or need the 2-ton.
1,200 sqft garage
R-30 walls
R-40 ceiling
No windows
Two - 18x8 insulated car entry doors (R-8)
Gable design from a 10' ceiling to a 16' peak ceiling
Zone 4B (High Desert)
Will the 1-ton be able to work or do I need a 2-ton?