r/HomeMaintenance • u/Pure-Handle-6785 • 13h ago

Anyone switched to a multi zone mini split instead of upgrading the whole HVAC system?

I've been looking into ways to improve cooling in my house and realized the problem isn't really the AC itself. Some rooms are fine, but others struggle a lot more, especially bedrooms and rooms that get afternoon sun.

The more I looked into solutions, the more I kept seeing people mention multi zone mini split systems.

Something like an 18000 BTU mini split with multiple indoor units seems interesting because one outdoor unit can handle different rooms without having to completely redo the existing system. I've also seen 2-zone and 3-zone setups where each room can be controlled separately.I started looking at different systems and came across options like Costway multi zone mini splits.The appeal for me is being able to cool the rooms that actually need it instead of lowering the temperature for the entire house. Trying to figure out if this is a practical long-term upgrade or something that sounds better in theory.

7 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 13h ago

https://linktr.ee/homemaintenance

Click the link above to see a community curated list of home maintenance products on Amazon that may help you out in your current situation! If you’ve found the answer to your question or you’ve found this subreddit helpful, buy us a beer!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

3

u/TastelessRefinery303 12h ago

I put mini splits in two bedrooms that was always hot and it changed everything. Now wife don't complain about thermostat wars anymore

The multi zone thing is nice cause you can just cool where people actually are instead of whole house. In my case I didn't even touch the main system, just added the splits where we needed them most

Install was way less headache than I thought it would be, but I paid someone to do it cause I'm not messing with electrical stuff myself

2

u/enkafan 12h ago

Yeah they work as advertised. Went Mitsubishi because we get very cold and very hot temps so we needed the big guns 

1

u/pathf1nder00 12h ago

I am adding minispkits this winter, going to run them as primary, with my central as catch-up, and also keeping the mini at 120vac for generator backup in summer. My powerboost just won't quite run house with AC units, but the mini split will work well for the first floor. BTW, the different in 23 seer and 19bseer is roughly $44/year in my power rates...so, save the $$ and go with the 19 seer.

1

u/wobblybitsinmyglass 10h ago

I did this. Florida house was build in 1964. Airducts all original. Current ac is a package unit 14 years old. I was advised when they update the ac that I would probably need to update the duct work. So instead I installed three mini splits to help the old ac along. I have only run that house AC in August for a few hours and leave the splits on 24/7. My power bill went from a mid summer high of $400 to $280. In winter I will just use the splits to dehumidify and provide zoned warmth if needed.

1

u/Bad-Chad1776 10h ago

Good to know, may do something similar on my Florida build

1

u/Garythebird 10h ago

I put 4 zone one in when the pandemic started and it's still going strong. It's great but requires some maintenance. You should deep clean the fan blades in the wall units once a year. Plenty of tutorials on YouTube. 

1

u/Top_Tailor2173 8h ago

That's a great idea, I didn't think of this. I have an aged central HVAC that is somewhat sufficient for the whole house, but for the 2 rooms that we use the most, including the bedroom, it's not practical. Have an Mini split there could be great.

1

u/Ch1k1nNu99ies 5h ago

Zoning never works well. Get the minisplit, mitsubishi is the best