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What is the difference between a ducted mini-split and a conventional air handler?

PickleT | Posted in Mechanicals on

If both types of air handlers are being supplied by a heat pump, what’s the difference between a ducted mini-split and a conventional air handler?

We’re gut renovating a house with passive principles in mind in New England, and our architect spec’ed a ducted mini-split, and an HVAC contractor provided these units in a quote:
– SUZKA18NAHZ (SUZ 18K SINGLE ZONEHYPER HEAT MITSU CONDENSER)
– SVZKP18NA (1.5-ton multi position ducted AH)

I’m having trouble finding these units on either of the following sites to assess their rebate potential, SEER, or HPSF. Any suggestions on where to look?

https://www.ahridirectory.org/Search/SearchHome
https://www.masssave.com/en/residential/rebates-and-incentives/air-source-heat-pumps/heat-pump-qualified-list

 

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Akos | | #1

    There is really no difference. Sometimes the mini split ducted units are designed for lower pressure than a standard air handler.

    In your case, the SVZ has similar pressure capability as a standard air handler.

    This is the best collection of heat pump performance data:

    https://ashp.neep.org/

    Here is your unit:
    https://ashp.neep.org/#!/product/31992/7/25000/95/7500/0///0

    That is a great little unit, does almost 2 tons of heat in New England winter weather.

    1. PickleT | | #3

      Extremely helpful, thank you! How would you compare the SVZ to the SEZ? It looks like a higher SEER rating and a more compact system - what design principles allow for that? I see there's a lower capacity rating - is that it?
      https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/commercial/products/m-series-indoor?modelID=SEZ

  2. paul_wiedefeld | | #2

    I’ve got the slightly larger 24kbtu version of that, highly recommend. Probably won’t get a rebate, but I doubt a contractor is giving you the entire rebate anyway.

  3. walta100 | | #4

    The ducted mini will have a variable speed compressor in the outdoor unit. This allows the compressor to speed up and slow down and match the load instead of cycling on and off.

    The ducted mini will have an option to get a vapor injected compressor AKA hyper Heat in the outdoor unit. This allows the unit to make heat when it is very cold outdoor think -10° F

    I think you may find these features in conventional heat pumps but only the very top of each line(Greenspeed)

    The conventional air handlers will have much bigger motors and run almost any hodgepodge ductwork you happen to connect to them happily.

    The ducted mini will require carfully designed duct work that is larger with wide radius bends.

    Walta

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