My only guess would be a better thermal break between the "hot" side and "cold" side. In a window A/C unit they are pretty darn close and you get some heat transfer both ways. In a split I would assume there would be better separation. Along those same lines I would imagine the air infiltration around a window unit would be much greater then a wall mounted unit.

I'm interested in these for my house I'm building. Was thinking one in the master bedroom insead of a window unit for those hot muggy nights.

One of the reasons also maybe that they have a bigger evaporator, more area across.

The seer ratings on the mini-splits are usually much greater than a window shaker and they are much quieter.
Stay away from the Fujitsu brand

the advantages of the mini splits over window units are many. They have better temperature control and humidity control as well. The efficiency comes from the units ability to "ramp up" to heat or cool as needed. The compressors have many speeds, unlike window units that have one speed - full blast. The SEER rating reflects the efficiency level at max output, but the units really never hit that if sized properly. In addition to using environmentally friendly refridgerant, and advanced humidity control, some models can bring in outdoor air at a controlled level. Very important because homes are being built more air tight these days.

The heat option, is generally efficient to the freezing level vs electrical heating.  Good for cool nights! (If desired)

Could be a pain in the #$% with a ICF house unless you planned for them.
Pounding a 3" hole would be a chore.

I had just recently had this come up in an e-mail. The difference appears to be the split systems have larger coil sizes.

Ramsond 9000 btu heat pump $699. plus shipping 150.   everthing is prewired and line precharged

Any thoughts on advantages of a ductless mini split air source heat pump system versus a central split air source heat pump system?

mini splits are good for spot ac , central air for whole house

I thought that's what Air conditioner basically where, heat pumps, they move heat from inside the house to the outside, just like a refrigerator moves heat.

I think one could build a window unit to be as efficient as a mini-split, but it isn't usually done. Window units are usually in the low initial cost, DIY install market. Noisy and leaky too.

they both do the same basic job, but the new mini splits do it better...........the auto analogy is a good one.

The 2.8l engine in my 1963 Ford Falcon made 101 hp.  An average 2.8l Euro or Japaneses engine today makes >180 hp and a high performance version will produce 250 hp.  Both will get better economy and last longer than my 63 Ford.

Most window units are old technology.

Bruce

I don't know about lasting longer than the Ford Falcon, if it had the straight six it's probably still running. And just like a window AC using 3 times the energy to get from here to there.

Tom Pittsley
[email protected]
www.eebt.org

mcgee - I've been looking at these units for my whole icf house, but this is the thought I keep having. Would one of these units (the multi split like the dainkan recc. in another thread) be good for a 2500 sq ft house? I really like the idea of these, I mean I REALLY like not having to pay an hvac guy thousands and have to deal with ducts everywhere, but will this do the job?

Also, those of you that have these systems installed, does it remove the humidity outside or use a condensation pump to remove it or what?

I wonder if by the time I get this system with 4 vents around the home, if I'd be better off to just go traditional? If the cost was the same as traditional, I'd still go with this type of system because it would be faster and I could do it myself.

Thanks!

rykertest,

The Daikin systems that are ceiling mounted pump the condensate to the exterior.  I do not know about the mini-splits.

ok thanks alton.