Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Jan 02, 2014 05:41am | #1

   Andre,
   Q. "Would the slightly undersized 12K be OK for this application?"

   A. Probably, but there are several factors to consider.

   First of all, a single ductless minisplit serving 4 rooms will not provide perfect distribution of heat or cooling. For some occupants, this is just fine; others might complain. The set-up works best if the occupants usually keep their doors open.

   Second, a room with west-facing windows can overheat on summer afternoons, so if such a room is far away from the minisplit, you may have a comfort problem.

   Finally, everybody has different comfort expectations. Some people don't mind a few degrees of temperature difference from one room to another; others do.

2. 
   vernacubuild | Jan 02, 2014 07:35pm | #2

   Thanks Martin. The only west facing glazing downstairs is shaded by an 8' deep porch roof. The upstairs unit serves two bedrooms totaling 413 sq ft. It will be placed at the top of the stair landing. The west facing room is at the bottom of the stairs. Is it reasonable for me to assume that unit would help cool that room? If not, do you recommend going with the 18K?

3. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Jan 03, 2014 07:17am | #3

   Andre,
   I think the performance results will have more to do with distribution issues and occupant flexibility than with the sizing of the unit.

4. 
   vernacubuild | Jan 03, 2014 03:32pm | #4

   Thanks Martin. I'm meeting with the HVAC contractor next week. This is my personal home (plan to replicate as spec soon) so we won't have a problem with keeping doors open. I just need to determine the best placement for the head units at this point.