No discussion of pricing allowed.

 

Ptacs are loud and ugly IMO. A conventional system will be way oversized because they don't make anything less than 1.5 tons (with the exception of really high end variable systems that can modulate to lower than 1.5. I'd never spend that kind of dough on a bonus room though, they are pricey) Mini splits are quiet and work well in bonus room applications. They aren't very service friendly but as long as its installed correctly and the filter is kept clean they are reliable. You can get variable capacity mini splits that will match the heat gain/loss of the area much better than any of the other options and mini splits are quieter than any of the other options. A conventional system is only quiet when it's ducted properly which in reality is not very often. My vote is hands down mini split. We use samsung and Mitsubishi but they are all pretty comparable with exception of the no name brands that are junk. Mitsubishi, Daikan, Samsung, Fujitsu, LG and some others are all comparable IMO.

 

is 15,000 BTU the largest PTAC?



Guys - I may end up doing a PTAC in this room for financial reasons. I cannot seem to find any larger than 15,000 BTU. Am I missing something? Would that be enough to cool/heat this room? Would you recommend the 15k heat pump with 5kw heat or something different?

Thanks again!

 

Thanks jtrammel! Would you recommend getting a mini-split with backup heat? We live near Atlanta so I our winters are not too bad here (with the exception of this year!)
I was thinking of the Gree 24,000 BTU model. It's a 21 SEER unit.

GREE Terra Ultra Efficient 24,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner w/ Inverter, Heat & Remote

 

why not upgrade your existing system for your house?Lift the floor off the concrete modify your duct & replace the furnace in your home to match the load.
I am not a fan of mini splits.It is just awful to tell a guy yeah I know its only a little over ten years old but they don't make the circuit board anymore so you need a new unit.
If it were mine I would redesign the ductwork & possibly zone with arzel.

 

Mitsubishi makes a "high heat" ductless system that retains 80% of its capacity at 5*. It won't need backup heat.

 

The GE 6100 is a rather quiet unit as PTHPs go. But limited to 15K. But how much cooling does the space need? Anybody do a load calc? Friend lived above daughter's 3 car garage and even with full sun beating down on the roof, it cooled fine on a 1 ton split.

 

GE vs Amana



Thanks for the tip on the GE. I was also looking at Amana. Would you guess the GE would be quieter or would they be similar. I like that the Amana is made in TN and parts should be easy to get.

I plan on doing spray foam insulation in the walls and the above attic so I think 15k would be plenty. Would you agree?

Thanks so much for all the help guys!

 

The Mini-split sounds good. We use quite a few of them. Getting them repaired is a problem. Very few companys can repair them. You would need to go to school to learn how to do this. Then have a supply house that keeps the parts. The are quite and do a good job.

 

I'd chose the heat pump over electric strip.

best of luck.

 

The only answer is the MiniSplit. We install and service Mitsubishi here in Minneapolis. Where cooling loads are lower than heating the mini-split is the Bomb!

 

I hate Amana. Hate. Yes, it is made in America where GE is made in China but had way too many bad nights with them in motels. But they are cheaper. GE has a service fleet that does repairs, in & out of warranty.

Took one out in a customer's bonus room and put in the 6100. She was so excited by how much quieter the GE was. Also, the 6100 runs the heat pump and strips together, only PTHP I know of that does. Most shut down the compressor when backup calls.

With foam insulation, that greatly reduces heating & cooling needs.

 

GE 6100 "ICR" worth it?



Thanks guys - your info has been very helpful! Any thoughts on the "ICR" version of the 6100 - supposedly less dripping on the outside of the unit? This will be backing up to the driveway and I want to avoid dripping as much as possible out there. Not sure how much a modern PTAC/PTHP drips. Do you guys know?

http://www.geappliances.com/products/introductions/zoneline/models.htm#6100

 

Loving the GE PTAC!

Garage is done and I felt I owed you guys an update. I'm really happy with the choice of the PTAC as opposed to the mini-split. I used Roxul in the walls and ceiling and we hit 90 degrees here in Georgia today and the room is very cool. Love how the GE ramps up the fan and it doesn't "kick in" like some other units. Spent significantly less than the MS and overall very pleased. Thanks for all the advice! Pics attached...

 

Good to hear from a satisfied "customer". Thanks for the update.

 

Room looks real good. Glad you got a unit that does a good job. ENJOY

 

OOhh! Tell me about your drum kit!