Thanks for posting, Matt! Great quality and looking forward to part 2. I'm interested to learn more about VRF in retrofit applications as well if you have time to include it.
What if I have an inverter vrf unit but only needs to power a small bedroom overnight. wouldn't a regular 18k btu 1:1 split system which can consume as low as 300 watts at the lowest compressor speed be a better bet? what's your insight on thos? we do have house being built so I want to help ny partner make a decision.
Mini Splits have been around for many years as has variable refrigerant flow. Most manufacturers and installers commonly refer to them as "ductless" which is actually their weak point relative to Western expectations. Manufacturers need to eliminate the complexity and cost required to provide VRF based mini split conditioned air to closets, baths, utility rooms and halls in addition to the larger rooms they handle today. When you visit Asian residences that utilize mini splits, you find one large freestanding unit located in the main living space of a 1000 sqft home. Bedrooms, baths and kitchens have no circulation therefore humidity and stale air prevail. But single mini-splits are affordable, the components are accessible and no ductwork makes it easy for Asian homes Western expectations would require many mini split indoor units hidden in ceilings, attics or less desirably on walls, trying to reproduce the complete coverage of a central ducted system. This adds cost, maintenance complexity and indoor noise sources that does not favorably compete with central ducted systems. While late to the VRF party, US manufacturers now have the opportunity to build good retrofit and new construction VRF ducted solutions that the majority of our 115 million households will require in the next decade.
Doesn't a 'concealed ducted unit' answer the historical problems Western applications of 'mini-splits' have encountered? Meaning the complexities can now be managed at least as well, if not significantly better, than the 100% ON, 100% OFF housing applications of 1980's U.S. HVAC system installs, standards, and practices?
The problem with concealed ducted units is that you put the whole "indoor" portion of the minisplit in a ceiling (typically) or a closet. Working on them is a headache and their filtering capability is minimal. Bigger houses (>1000 sq ft) in hot humid climates need more, often much more. However additions, mother-in-law suites, etc are a good fit for mini-splits as part of the solution in bigger houses. Mini-split condensers are noticeably quieter, making them good for high traffic areas outdoors. My main point was that 99.9% of the US housing stock with ac usually have distributed "central" ductwork and can benefit when a retrofit vrf connected air handler can be purchased. Now all the "US" manufacturers have variable speed compressors that can be installed with their variable speed air handlers. As good as the Japanese implementations? We will see how the Trane, Carrier, Lennox and Goodman versions stand up.
Thanks that's kind... this is really "Podcast" style isn't it? I'm uploading part 2 right now, parts 3 &4 next week. Thanks for hanging in with a longish video. Best, Matt
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Thanks for posting, Matt! Great quality and looking forward to part 2. I'm interested to learn more about VRF in retrofit applications as well if you have time to include it.
Ready for Part 2. Curious to learn about differences in peak power demand. Lower peaks could make driving these with alternatives like solar easier.
Part 2 is up now at this link. ua-cam.com/video/hwS76LqQQZ0/v-deo.html
7:25 LOL I'm fixing up my dad's 69 Chevy Malibu, and yeah, carburetors are finicky little shits.
What if I have an inverter vrf unit but only needs to power a small bedroom overnight. wouldn't a regular 18k btu 1:1 split system which can consume as low as 300 watts at the lowest compressor speed be a better bet? what's your insight on thos? we do have house being built so I want to help ny partner make a decision.
Mini Splits have been around for many years as has variable refrigerant flow. Most manufacturers and installers commonly refer to them as "ductless" which is actually their weak point relative to Western expectations. Manufacturers need to eliminate the complexity and cost required to provide VRF based mini split conditioned air to closets, baths, utility rooms and halls in addition to the larger rooms they handle today. When you visit Asian residences that utilize mini splits, you find one large freestanding unit located in the main living space of a 1000 sqft home. Bedrooms, baths and kitchens have no circulation therefore humidity and stale air prevail. But single mini-splits are affordable, the components are accessible and no ductwork makes it easy for Asian homes Western expectations would require many mini split indoor units hidden in ceilings, attics or less desirably on walls, trying to reproduce the complete coverage of a central ducted system. This adds cost, maintenance complexity and indoor noise sources that does not favorably compete with central ducted systems. While late to the VRF party, US manufacturers now have the opportunity to build good retrofit and new construction VRF ducted solutions that the majority of our 115 million households will require in the next decade.
Doesn't a 'concealed ducted unit' answer the historical problems Western applications of 'mini-splits' have encountered? Meaning the complexities can now be managed at least as well, if not significantly better, than the 100% ON, 100% OFF housing applications of 1980's U.S. HVAC system installs, standards, and practices?
The problem with concealed ducted units is that you put the whole "indoor" portion of the minisplit in a ceiling (typically) or a closet. Working on them is a headache and their filtering capability is minimal. Bigger houses (>1000 sq ft) in hot humid climates need more, often much more. However additions, mother-in-law suites, etc are a good fit for mini-splits as part of the solution in bigger houses. Mini-split condensers are noticeably quieter, making them good for high traffic areas outdoors. My main point was that 99.9% of the US housing stock with ac usually have distributed "central" ductwork and can benefit when a retrofit vrf connected air handler can be purchased. Now all the "US" manufacturers have variable speed compressors that can be installed with their variable speed air handlers. As good as the Japanese implementations? We will see how the Trane, Carrier, Lennox and Goodman versions stand up.
Thx for the explanation. Much appreciated.
Trane/Ingersoll Rand and Mitsubishi just merged.
Seeing your similing faces would have been better, LOL
Thanks that's kind... this is really "Podcast" style isn't it? I'm uploading part 2 right now, parts 3 &4 next week. Thanks for hanging in with a longish video. Best, Matt