A 4 zone Mini-split would be perfect for me---BUT...

16 years ago

I have an older, 2 story, rental property (one 2 bedrm Apt. on 1st floor---one 3 bedrm apt. on 2nd floor). Let's disscuss the 3 bedroom apt. on the 2nd floor: Currently, that apt. has a window AC in the Living Rm, and a window AC in EACH of the 3 bedrooms (4 window ACs, total). I want to replace the 4 window ACs and put in a FOUR (4) zone, mini-split AC system. --I could use the large empty attic area (above the 2nd floor Apt.), to run mini-split zone units to the Living room and each of the 3 bedrooms. THE PROBLEM IS, there are no FOUR (4) zone mini-split ACs (at least that I know of). NOTE: Using the central heating system ductwork of the house is NOT an option (for a lot of reasons)---so please don't go there. QUESTIONS: (1) Does anyone know of a FOUR (4) zone mini-split system? ---OR, (2) Could anyone suggest another way to cool (cool only) the Living Room & 3 bedrooms of the 2nd floor Apt? ---A friend suggested the following alternative to a non-existant 4 zone mini-split. He suggested I put a "air-handler"?? (with a AC coil) in the attic---he says I could run four cold air supply lines, in the attic, to the ceilings of the Liv RM & 3 Bdrms. ---Please, everyone, could we have a discussion of my situation?? I would appreciate such a discussion. -- I need to make a decision soon. Note: I installed a one zone mini-slit in another location----It works great! ---Thanks for any helpful discussion. ---Jaes.

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Comments (6)

ky114
16 years ago
Why do you need four separate zones? In a rental property, I would think tenants would be happy to have central a/c and the full use of all windows, as they don't now have with the window units. In terms of rental value and resale value, I think straight single-zone central a/c gets you to where you want to be going. I'd take your friend's advice to put the air handler in the attic and make that whole apartment one zone. I don't know what he's talking about when you say four separate cold air supply lines, but if that's an attempt to get four zones out of a single air handler, I'd run for the exit on that one. Multi-zone, single air-handler systems are complicated, costly, and almost surely overkill in an apartment.

If you are determined to have four zones, just about your only reasonable option would be two mini-splits, each with two zones. Or stick with your window units and keep your money in the bank.
dan_martyn
16 years ago
I have to agree, although I can see why you want 4 zones, everybody likes a different temperature and tenants move in and out so you may have a vacancy. If you have to change out the window rattlers for a reason or just astehtics, two mini's with two zones each would be best for your situation. Mini splits are becoming more popular now and are being used in commercial work all over the US. They look good too.

Take Care,

Dan Martyn
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funnycide
16 years ago
Putting an air handler in the attic would be the easiest and cheapest solution. It seems to make the most sense.
smworker1
16 years ago
I think MITSUBISHI makes them for residential apps. I know for sure for light comm. We have done one with 10 seperate indoor units

their web site
mrslim.com
jaes
Original Author
16 years ago
I appreciate everyone's response-- Thanks so much. The simple idea is to replace the 4 upstairs apartment window ACs, WITHOUT using the heating ductwork that runs through the whole house. That is, the upstairs AC system must be isolated from the downstairs apt. ---The two best solutions discussed---seem to be the "air handler" that I can put in the attic---from that attic location, I can easily run four cool air supply ductwork to the ceilings of the 3 bedrooms & living room. HOWEVER, "smworker1" posted (2/22/08 at 13:42) a comment that he thought that MITSUBISHI might manufacture a mini-split AC that could cover 4 locations/rooms/zones with one mini-split AC unit. I would really like to be directed to a web-site--and or model # of such a unit. Such a unit would fit my needs absolutely great! ---I would prefer to go one mini-split, with 4 zones, if it is available, because a mini-split system is relatively easy to install--and it provides zone control for each of the 4 locations/rooms. However, if no such 4 zone unit exists, I'll go with the in-the-attic-air-handler. So, I await the final verdit on the 4 zone/room, mini-split AC. ---Be clear, I mean 1 mini-split unit, with 4 zones---not, 2 mini-split units, each with 2 zones. Thanks for everyone's help.
jaes
Original Author
16 years ago
Ok, as a follow-up to everybody---- I just found a website that has 4 zone mini-splits ---the site sells many brands, but Sanyo is the brand that offers 4 zones. --8 months ago, I could find NO 4 zone mini-splits (either I wasn't looking hard, or there has been progress). ---These 4 zone units (when you add in tubing, electrical lines & labor) are a bit cost prohibitive. ---I might be forced to go with the attic air handler. ---Now it's just a matter of getting a licenced installer to give me a fair bid. ---Thanks to everyone for the help. ---Jaes.

A 4 zone Mini-split would be perfect for me---BUT...

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A 4 zone Mini-split would be perfect for me---BUT...

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