All about ducted mini-splits

This course will overview ducted mini-splits. Indeed the term mini-splits doesn't necessarily mean the indoor unit is ductless. It will cover the different types of ducted mini-splits, low and medium/high static pressure types, as this will greatly impact how much duct a ducted mini-split can handle. It will give examples of situations in which a ducted mini-splits is a good option. Lastly the course will touch on the cost of a ducted mini-split compare with a multi-position air handler, and ductless indoor units.
We will also cover the new cold climate air source heat pump decisions tool from PNNL
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that proper installation and maintenance of ducted mini-splits is crucial for ensuring indoor air quality and overall health.
2. Analyze the impact of different types of ducted mini-splits on air pressure to guarantee safe and efficient operation within specified duct capacities.
3. Introduce the use of ducted mini-splits as a viable option in various heating and cooling scenarios to ensure the welfare of building occupants.
4. Articulate the cost-effectiveness of ducted mini-splits compared to other HVAC systems, considering both initial investment and long-term maintenance for the safety of the users.
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinsti...
Speaker
Edward Louie works as a Building Energy Efficiency Research Engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He works on research projects related to heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, high-performance windows, and quality installation documentation

[@mattgruber3933]

I no longer use split systems. They are no longer competitive vs. window units. U shaped are very quiet and easy to install for anybody.
I use 10,000 btu window ac in my attic piped into the old central ducts. MUCH MUCH easier to blow in fresh air for the condenser, than the old school split freon lines. After 7 years of testing, i'm going with a 12,000 btu Artic King that costs $219, in the attic NOT a window. This cools 3 rooms.

[@coldfinger459sub0]

Low load applications like you describe San Francisco is a poster child for low applications both in summer and winter.
The majority of old homes have small, narrow attic spaces. That have skylight openings that can be used as returns..,
The low profile ducted mini splits can tap into those areas be put into the attic space with some very good large oversized surface area 13 or Merv 16 filters .
Where the living space is only 980 ft.² to 1280 ft.² are extremely common in San Francisco. And 9000 BTUs to 12,000 BTUs is all that is needed.. 18,000 BTUs is pushing it on the high end for the average low load to be split up between 2 to 3 bedrooms and a living room.
But yet I see the average contractor installing 3 tons and 4 tons in San Francisco homes .
San Francisco Winters are in a Goldilock efficiency operating zone for heat pumps for winter.