Mini-split or ducted heat pump?

[piccolopat]

We have a raised ranch with a 5' crawl under the "basement" level which is actually all above ground. We added central air to our main living area years ago but want to do the same downstairs. My MIL lived in the apartment there until she died but now DD, DSIL and DGS will move in next year. Heat is currently electric baseboard and A/C has just been window units. One option is to add a heat pump for heat & air conditioning where the unit would go in our crawl space and the vents would be in the floor. This would provide for one zone downstairs (about 1500 square feet). The other option is a ductless mini-split system that would mean 4 inside wall mounted units and 2 outside units, but would be 4 zone. The mini-split is supposed to be more energy efficient but I'm not sure I like the look of the units on the wall. I'm looking for pros and cons on both options from those of you that have them.

 

[tvguy]

I've never lived in a house that didn't have a ducted heater/air conditioner. I have been places with baseboard heat. I have never experienced a ductless mini-split system.

 

[fsjking]

My parents have a mini-split in their living room addition. It does the job except for when its really cold out, but that's a normal problem with any kind of heat pump. Granted I suspect it's a little small for that room, so that could be some of it. I never notice the unit on the wall.

Personally, I would not put a unit in a crawl space. Granted I don't know your exact situation and layout, but finding a way to put the furnace in a closet or build out an area for it in the living area then running the ducts in the crawlspace would be better. If for no other reason than for filter changes, cleaning, and maintenance.

I'm sure cost would factor into your decision, so pricing out the two ways could make a difference.

 

[tvguy]

My parents have a mini-split in their living room addition. It does the job except for when its really cold out, but that's a normal problem with any kind of heat pump. Granted I suspect it's a little small for that room, so that could be some of it. I never notice the unit on the wall.

Personally, I would not put a unit in a crawl space. Granted I don't know your exact situation and layout, but finding a way to put the furnace in a closet or build out an area for it in the living area then running the ducts in the crawlspace would be better. If for no other reason than for filter changes, cleaning, and maintenance.

I'm sure cost would factor into your decision, so pricing out the two ways could make a difference.

I have a heat pump. The entire unit is outside on a concrete pad. The ducts are in the crawl space. The air return is in the ceiling in the hall way.

 

[White Cat]

My expert opinion would be to get a traditional unit utilizing the crawl space.

 

[AgentMama]

There was a thread about this maybe a year ago, let me see if I can find it...

 

[AgentMama]

Here it is -

https://www.disboards.com/threads/m...hich-to-install-please.3835583/#post-62931729

 

[fsjking]

I have a heat pump. The entire unit is outside on a concrete pad. The ducts are in the crawl space. The air return is in the ceiling in the hall way.

OK, you are talking about a self contained system then. I'm used to a more traditional furnace with a split system heat pump.

 

[cvjw]

We added a mini split for our basement. The basement was originally included with a heat pump with our main level for years. We decided to split the 2 floors on the advice of our heating guy. Now all 3 of our floors have their own units. 1 heat pump, 1 normal central unit and a mini split.

We love the mini split. We just have one for the basement, so just one unit hanging on the wall. We don’t even notice it hanging there, it is over a TV in our gym area. The basement is so cozy now. Really cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter. Our heating bills did not increase with the additional unit.

 

[piccolopat]

Here it is -

https://www.disboards.com/threads/m...hich-to-install-please.3835583/#post-62931729

Thank you so much for the link. We don't have duct work downstairs and so the heat pump unit is more than the mini-split for us. I like the energy efficiency of the mini-split and the ability to set the temperatures differently in each area but I', not crazy about the look. If this was our main floor I would absolutely do the ducted system but this is what is considered the basement of our raised ranch, even though it is abve ground with a crawlspace below. When we built the home, mom insisted on her apartment being entirely above ground as she didn't want to be below ground until it was her time to go. HVAC guys were surprised to see this set up and that's why we have the option to add ducts below the floor.

 

[piccolopat]

Thanks everyone for the comments so far. It's not an easy decision and I appreciate hearing about your experiences.

 

[amylevan]

Our main living space is geothermal heating/cooling but the SF of our house is at the maximum size for our system. (Well done builder …). Since the completion of our house, we finished the basement and we added electric radiator and no A/C down there. Then in 2020, we took a part of the unfinished space above our garage and finished an office space, because covid. Since we needed to heat and AC that space, we added a mini split with a wall unit in the office and the basement and got rid of those electric radiators.
They are efficient and work well. They each have a remote to set the room temp. I don’t notice the wall units much anymore. They are also very quiet, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I work in the office daily and it’s a whisper of air movement.