Mini-split A/C input

[Roofer1]

Am in the process of starting a build of a garage with an apartment on the end. Apartment is about 900 SF. Am running tubing in the floor throughout the entire building for heart but would like some A/C in the apartment. Apartment is essentially one big room (16x36) for kitchen/living with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom on the other half (14x36). Know I could get in window, through wall, in room (think they make free standing units?), or a mini-split system. At this point I was leaning towards a mini-split system into the large half and if necessary, pushing the cooled air into the bedrooms with fans. It's essentially for about 4 weekends per year so maybe I'm ovethinking the whole process. All that said, am looking to see if I'm way off base with my though process.

 

[Brewski]

For only four weekends per year go with window unit(s). The newer U shaped sytle window units are good and cheap and easy replacement if problems.

Its not worth the additional cost, installation, refrigerant charging/leaking, maintenance, troubleshooting, cleaning, of mini splits or other units for only four weekends per year.

 

[Nine Banger]

Ducted mini split with a return or a small ducted system for new construction is the way to go.

A "regular" mini split with one evaporator coil mounted to a wall will only work in one room or you will have to install louvered doors on the bedrooms and bathroom.

 

[spur60]

2 zone mini split heat pump with low ambient heating. One wall mount indoor unit for the large space, one ducted unit serving the two bedrooms. They aren't very expensive, and give you a lot better comfort and control vs window shakers. I'm in the process of sizing up a new 2-zone system for our garage & bunkhouse at our cabin. Can't wait to rip out the window shaker and scale back the existing electric baseboard usage.

 

[Titan]

Mr. Cool DIY mini split. 110v single is $1800 at costco. 220v is $2300-$2800 depending on size.

I have installed 3 now with great results.

 

[Schmo]

Either a ducted mini split, or do a single/two zone mini split. You can get in-wall transfer fans that are very nice. They have on onboard thermostat that you can set the temp for it to come on, and you can set the temp for it to turn off. The fan speed is also variable. This option would be the cheapest/simplest way

I’d go with a unit from Senville. You can order directly from them, or from Amazon. They seem to be a really good unit for the money, and they’re easy to install.

 

[hikenhunt]

I would steer clear of the "in room" type. They are convenient, but most only have an exhaust duct and they will draw in heat (outside air) from all your air cracks. A few have intake and exhaust ducts which work a little better, but I still wouldn't recommend. There are several better options.

 

[Roofer1]

Appreciate all the input. After talking to my Mrs last night I'm leaning towards the ducted mini-split. The building is going up on some deer hunting property I have, and my assumption was that my wife wouldn't be interested in going much (hence the 4 weekends per summer thought), guess she would be.