High Efficient Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioner

Problem: I have a 3 season porch that is glass from ceiling to floor and is constructed with double pane low E glass windows. I live in the Kansas City area. It has a northern exposure and is 14 X 20  sq.ft.with 9.5 ceilings.  My goal is to install a heat pump with the evaporator section recessed into the ceiling. I do currently have a gas fire place that is rated for 30,000 btu/hr and I am able to heat the space, but would like to consider a heat pump if possible. I would be willing to pass on the heat pump if a cool only system would qualify for the energy credit.  Is there a manufacturer who makes a ceiling cassette model that qualifies for the energy tax credit?  I understand that the SEER must be a minimum of 15, the EER must meet 12.5 and the HSPS 8.5.  Do all three efficiency ratings need to be met in order to qualify for the 30 credit?   Thanks–Mark

Solution:  Hello Mark, searching around I see Friedrich has a 15 SEER cassette air conditioner with an HSPF of 8.5.  I am sure that other brands as well will follow with the inverter compressor ceiling cassette units.  Prices seem to start around $3100.00 for an 18,000 btu. ceiling cassette system.  You can probably find a lesser SEER rated unit for much less money.  Make sure to contact the manufacturer to make sure their system qualifies for the 30% tax credit.  Remember all three numbers must be obtained for the tax credit.  15 SEER, 12.5 EER, and 8.5 HSPF.

Installation Position of an Indoor Mini Split Air Conditioner

Installation position for a ductless mini split is important buy not mandatory.  Off course, height is the most important factor when considering the performance of your air conditioner.  Ductless mini split air conditioners should be installed 4-10 inches from the ceiling.  This lets the cool air flow outwards through the risen warm air and descend towards the floor.  I have had people ask if it is alright to install the indoor evaporator air conditioner lower down the wall?  Yes, you can install them anywhere, but the best performance will be obtained with a higher install.  Below are a few other factors to consider when installing your ductless mini split air conditioner.

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  To be installed at the position where the air delivered from the unit can reach every corner of the room

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  To avoid being affected by the outdoor air

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  To avoid too much oil, smoke or steam

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  To avoid where acid solutions are frequently used

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  Not to install on top of musical instruments, TV’s, computers or valuable appliances

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  Not to install near fire alarming devices (the warm air from the unit could erroneously trigger alarms)

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Replacing and Sizing an Air Conditioner for a Sunroom

First Name:  Chuck

Last Initial:  H

Friedrich 12,000 Through The Wall

Problem:  We have a 21′ x 14′ sunroom addition that sits between our basement and the first floor. A few years ago we had a Unico a/c system installed in our first floor. When they did it, they ran 3 outlets through the garage window into the sunroom. The 3 outlets don’t help much in the intense afternoon sun. The room is poorly insulated with big windows. My wife wants to tear it down completely and re-build, but I don’t think we can do that for another 5-7 years. The room also has an older model Freidrich through the wall air conditioner (12,000 BTUs). Of course more insulation would help, but for the next 5-7 years is it worth getting a split a/c system, replacing the Freidrich wall unit with another, more efficient through-the-wall unit, or just leave it alone until we do the room.

Answer:  Chuck you have a bad case scenario for an air conditioner.  A 300 square foot room with lots of windows and poor insulation will need an air conditioner with approximately 18,000 btu.’s.  I would recommend replacing the Freidrich 12,000 with a Unionaire 20,000 btu. through the wall air conditioner.  You will be able to use approximately the same size hole and reduce your utility cost with a 220 volt air conditioner.  A mini split air conditioner, although very efficient, will cost much more to install and purchase.  Here is a link to view the Unionaire specifications:

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=16

What Size SlimDuct Do I Need for a 1/4″ x 3/8″ Line Set?

First Name: Joseph

Last Initial: E

Mitsubishi MXZ-4A36NA

36,000 btu. Heat Pump Mini Split

Problem:  What size SlimDuct line set cover do I need to hold a 1/4″ x 3/8″ refrigerant line set, wiring and condensation line?

Solution:  SlimDuct recommends that you use the SD-77 series for installation of line sets for single mini split systems.  The dimensions are 3″ x 2 1/2″ and is made for lines up to 3/8″ x 5/8″  

You can find SlimDuct equipment at the following link:

http://www.clearanceac.com/slimduct-line-set-covers/

Spacing of the Indoor Evaporator in Relation to the Ceiling

First Name: Joseph

Last Initial: E

Mitsubishi MXZ-4A36NA

36,000 btu. Heat Pump Mini Split

Problem:  What should the space between the indoor wall unit and the ceiling be?

Solution:  Ideally, you will want to leave approximately 10 inches between the ceiling and the indoor evaporator.  This leaves enough room for the indoor unit to draw in fresh air through the top and positions the unit high enough to maximize the cooling effectiveness throughout the room.  Cold air settles downward, so the higher the better.  You can mount the indoor evaporator at any level, but the best position is 10 inches below the ceiling. 

Dual Mini Split Air Conditioner Recommendation

First Name:  Vamsi

Last Initial:  O

Problem:  I don’t own any AC yet. I am planning to purchase one. I needed an advice on whether I can get any product that fits my requirement.  I have two rooms that need to be fitted with an AC. My initial analysis is that 1.5 ton would be sufficient for each. So I was wondering if I can purchase a split AC with one compressor (may be 2 tons or so) and two evaporators.  Is this possible? If so which is a good company to go with?  Are there any special considerations with such setup?

Solution:  You have a perfect scenario where a dual or multi split air conditioner should work great.  The ACDE12HP220 is a dual 12,000 btu. Inverter system with two indoor evaporators and one 2 ton condenser.  Each room can operate separately with its own remote controller.  Installation is the same as any other single wall mounted mini split air conditioner with the exception that you need to run two separate line sets to the indoor units instead of just one.  I would recommend either the ACDE12HP220 or the ACDE09HP220 which is a dual 9,000 btu. system.

You can view there specifications at ClearanceAC.com by clicking on this link:

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=35

Do It Yourself (DIY) Mini Split Air Conditioner

After years of having to deal with loud, inefficient window air conditioners, finally a company has come up with a solution. Window air conditioners popularity has stemmed from their inexpensive price and easy installation, but AmericAire has created an efficient competitor.

The AmericAire ACEDIY12HP110 is a 20 SEER heat pump mini split air conditioner that comes standard with a stainless steel line set and quick connection fittings. No longer is it needed for a heating and air conditioner professional to install a ductless air conditioner. The “Quick Connect” fitting snaps and locks into place to open the charge in the 25 foot line set between the indoor and outdoor unit. The system is ready to go!

This 20 SEER rated, Energy Star Qualified unit will save you hundreds of dollars on your heating and cooling utility bills. The AmericAire DIY unit also qualifies for the new 2009 energy tax rebate of 30% of the cost of the equipment making it a very affordable alternative to a window air conditioner.

The latest inverter compressor technology helps create excellent efficiency numbers and helps the heat pump function operate at temperatures as low as -4° F.

When it is time to install the AmericAire DIY air conditioner you will still need to run the electrical wiring so some knowledge of electricity will be a benefit.

So when it is time to throw the window air conditioner out the window, purchase a quiet, efficient AmericAire ACEDIY12HP110 and start enjoying the view.

You can view the information on this unit here at AmericAire ACEDIY12HP110

My mini split unit operates but will not cool. What can I do to fix this problem?

A. Check filters in the indoor unit. If filters are dirty clean or replace.
B. Check to make sure there is no blockage around the indoor or outdoor unit.
C. Check for proper suction pressure.

1. Suction pressure should range between 60 and 70 PSI
2. If pressures are too high, you will have to remove small amounts by evacuating lines until suction pressure is in range.
3. If pressure is too low. You will need to add refrigerant. If the mini split unit “RUN Load Amps” are more than two times the stated “RUN Load Amps” on the label of the outdoor unit label, replace capillary assembly.
4. The mini split unit will also not cool in low outdoor temperatures. There are low ambient kits to help run your air conditioner in temperatures below freezing.

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Window Unit vs. Mini Split Efficiency

Written by:  Jackie S.

Problem:  Not a problem.  I have a Whirlpool 15,600 btu. window unit through the wall.  It cools to 70 degrees at a reasonable cost.  My question is can I expect an 18,000 btu. mini ductless to perform equally to my Whirlpool or better?  The sizing is right, I just don’t want to get too large or too small of a mini split air conditioner.

Solution: A mini split air conditioner will be a much more economical system than a window through the wall air conditioner.  Older window units are at or below 10 SEER.  Ductless mini split systems start at 13 SEER and at the 18,000 btu. size reach up to 16 SEER.  A 13 SEER unit will save over 30% on your utility bill versus a 10 SEER unit.  Also, mini split systems are much more quiet than a window unit.

Replacing Just the Evaporator of a Mini Split.

Written by Megan A:

Problem:

My inside evaporator will not come on.  I have checked the power, checked the fuses inside the cover, changed the batteries in the remote. Can I use the same compressor and just buy the inside unit or do I have to buy the compressor and evaporator. I have looked everywhere and can not find just the inside unit. I hate to throw away the compressor.

Solution:  After checking that power is indeed reaching the indoor evaporator and the fuse is still intact you most likely have a circuit board failure.  Many manufacturers call it a “PCB Board” and it is a relatively easy repair.  Call your manufacturer to purchase the correct part.  Most manufacturers will have a one year warranty on the circuit board.

If you need to purchase a new evaporator there should not be a problem swapping it with the older unit.  Make sure the model number of the new evaporator matches the old evaporator.  A HVAC installer will be needed to vacuum the line set and recharge the entire system’s refrigeration.  The only difficulty I see is if you have an older 10 SEER evaporator and the only thing available is the newer 13 SEER evaporators.  The two systems will not be compatible.  You will also have to find a distributor that will sell only the evaporator.

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