Buy a mini split

Hfranco2018 · May 01, 2018 5:32 am

Should I buy a mini split? What are the benefits?

ddarroch · May 04, 2018 7:46 pm

Usually more energy efficient than ducted systems. Extremely energy efficient heaters compared to other electric heat sources.

Aitch · May 04, 2018 8:16 pm

All depends on the space you want to heat. For a single room I think it's going to be the most flexible and efficient option...

see also: http://www.energyrating.gov.au/products ... nditioners

I still haven't decided if i should go for the ducted option which is expensive and less efficient, but might just because its more convenient, no boxes on the walls, etc. so personal choice probably.

alexp79 · May 05, 2018 2:23 am

Mini-split are also available in ducted configuration (for the bulkheads) too, by the way.

Aitch · May 22, 2018 3:52 pm

Does anyone have any experience using split systems in a cold climate. I'm still trying to determine if i should go for multiple wall splits or ducted so interested in wall splits penetration into other rooms and if its important to oversize to compensate for freezing up in cold climates. Or if some systems or brands are better than others in the cold etc.

alexp79 · May 26, 2018 3:48 am

The best of two worlds will be probably a ducted ERV system connected to a heat pump/compressor.

If your house is properly insulated, you will able to heat or cool a whole 40+ sq house using only 5-6kW for heating and 3.5-4kW for cooling.

In addition, you also get an efficient ventilation, moisture removal from your wet areas and improved house aesthetics as there is no outside module for the heat pump or compressor.

And yes it is using only 75 mm ducts, which makes the whole installation a lot easier and cheaper.

The cost is similar/close to what you pay a ducted system supplied and installed.

Such systems are rare to find.

I was able to only find one installer in Australia providing and installing such systems:

https://recoveryvent.com.au/heat-pump-erv/

Aitch · May 26, 2018 12:47 pm

Thank you splitheat2018 and alexp79. The erv system looks very interesting I will have to do some research, I do prefer the idea of ducted although the efficiency trade off could be severe. The house has achieved a 7 star rating in Ballarat so should be efficient ish but it's still pretty big space to be heated at 230 square mtrs across 4 bed 2 living so don't want to end up with a split in every room. Many ducted systems seem to lack some of the ratings like hspf?

alexp79 · May 26, 2018 9:44 pm

Aitch

Thank you splitheat2018 and alexp79. The erv system looks very interesting I will have to do some research, I do prefer the idea of ducted although the efficiency trade off could be severe. The house has achieved a 7 star rating in Ballarat so should be efficient ish but it's still pretty big space to be heated at 230 square mtrs across 4 bed 2 living so don't want to end up with a split in every room. Many ducted systems seem to lack some of the ratings like hspf?

I suggest you give a call to RecoveryVent guy Marcus and discuss this particular ERV system with him.

If you are already 7 stars, you might end up in getting a complete ducted system with significant power savings as well as free HEPA filtered ventilation and moisture control for the cost of usual heat pump-based ducted system or even cheaper. You would definitely benefit a lot from energy recovery ventilation system if your home is tight and is located in a colder climate zone (such as Ballarat).

He quoted me $18k+GST S&I for my 340 sq m 5 bed, should be significantly cheaper for you.

Aitch · May 27, 2018 8:41 am

Yeah I will get in contact with them. Ducted qoutes were in the order of 11 to 15k depending on size, brand, number of vents, zoning, etc for anyone interested.