How to Choose the Right Mini Split? BRAND, SIZE, ZONE, TYPE (Buying Tips by Engineer)

There are so many different kinds of mini splits you can choose from. How do you pick the right one for your home? This video will walk you through the selection process from SIZING to ZONE, TYPE and BRAND, as well as a few buying tips.
0:00 Introduction
0:25 Sizing
1:38 Single vs Multi Zone
2:53 Type & Considerations
7:48 Brand, Model & Features
10:28 Warranty
11:08 Installation Kit
11:31 Conclusion
Topics mentioned in this video (in-depth articles):
Mini Split Sizing: aircondlounge.com/mini-split-...
Single vs Multi Zone: aircondlounge.com/multi-split...
Types of Mini Split Air Handler: aircondlounge.com/types-of-mi...
Ducted vs Ductless Mini Split: aircondlounge.com/ducted-vs-d...
How Ceiling Cassette Mini Split Work: aircondlounge.com/how-ceiling...
Where to Put Mini Split: aircondlounge.com/best-place-...
Bio: Yu worked as a professional in the HVAC industry for more than 7 years. He is an engineer who has a passion for blogging. Ever since he created aircondlounge, Yu has helped hundreds of homeowners and engineers on HVAC related matters.
If you find this video helpful, please like and consider subscribing to my KZbin channel. I have more mini split and HVAC contents coming up. Thank you!

[@adstix]

Thank you for your expertise. You just got a new subscriber!

[@davef.2329]

Nice work you do. Thanks.

[@petermaz701]

Great job, nicely done explanation.

[@user-di4bt7qu2i]

Thanks for posting. I am thinking about installing a Mini-Split system and you have given me a lot of good information.

[@aircondlounge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@safaridenis1760]

Thanks for your video

[@DennisSchmitz]

AC is quite cheap here. I got a 12000BTU SEER 29 wallmounted AC from Bosch (Midea) for 600 which seems to be fully overkill even. Have to run it in silent mode (can barely hear the compressor outside even). In regular mode it's just way too cold.

[@aircondlounge]

I also run my AC in quiet mode most of the time. Just a little cooling is comfortable enough for me.

[@dell177]

Well done. If you decide to have one of these installed for you the key thing is the installation. If the best available minisplit is installed by someone who cuts corners you are not going to be happy.

[@stevenfaber3896]

So can/should you use DC for minisplits in the country, and CAN/Should those be repurposed if you can get a better deal on an AC unit? Not at all scared of the electronics, just would really appreciate an off-grid in depth walkthrough that no one has really done.

[@RB9522]

I Japan mini-split units have some basic design flaws. For one thing, the remote controls have no feedback. The remote can say one thing and the machine can be doing another. Also, most Japanese homes do not have a thermostat, the temperature setting on the remote only controls the exit temperature of the wall unit. There are so many bizarre modes that almost no one knows what they really do. Thanks for your video. I learned something.

[@aircondlounge]

Thanks for your sharing as well.

[@baldheaddread2435]

Thanks for putting this video together, very helpful info. Any thoughts on the Premium Levella brand? Have you ever heard of them? I've never heard of them before, until today when a local HVAC company recommended them. They also recommended they typical Mitsubishi and Daikin which I am considering, but at $1,200 less for the Premium Levella, it's hard to ignore. Would be interested to hear your thoughts, if you've had any experience with them.

[@aircondlounge]

Thanks. I’ve not heard of that brand. Nowadays there are so many new brands coming out everyday. If it is below the $1k mark (9k model), it pretty much the same as other mini splits sold online.

[@baldheaddread2435]

@@aircondlounge Thanks for the response. The brand does make smaller 9k models, but they also make larger 24k and 36k models. But the one they recommended was their 18k btu model for my space. Decisions decisions...

[@safaridenis1760]

(1) When you look at ac label you Will find others are written in BTU and others in watt. For instance 18000btu or 6130watt. How can I know their energy consumption per how? (2) input power and rated input power for AC's are the same thing

[@aircondlounge]

Hi Denis, thanks for your kind comment. AC cooling/heating capacity is written in BTU. So, 18000 BTU is the capacity and 6130 W is the power input. For energy consumption, you can take two ACs of the same capacity and compare their power input. However, comparing the SEER & HSPF value of same capacity ACs are more accurate. Rated input power and input power are the same thing. "Rated" means the air conditioner is tested under a specific condition. Since all certified air conditioners are tested under the same condition, some ACs didn't write the word "rated" on their brochures. 99% of the air conditioners sold are certified, unless you buy one from unknown places or black market.

[@bailey125]

If you find the model number on the label you can usually look it up online and get a datasheet. It will give you all the information you need.

[@DennisSchmitz]

Also once you have the SEER value, you can divide the BTU rating by SEER. E.g. 18000 : 21 = 857Wh on average.

[@aircondlounge]

Topics mentioned in this video (in-depth articles): Mini Split Sizing: aircondlounge.com/mini-split-sizing-guide-how-to-chart-example/ Single vs Multi Zone: aircondlounge.com/multi-split-or-single-split-air-conditioner/ Types of Mini Split Air Handler: aircondlounge.com/types-of-mini-split-indoor-units/ Ducted vs Ductless Mini Split: aircondlounge.com/ducted-vs-ductless-mini-split/ How Ceiling Cassette Mini Split Work: aircondlounge.com/how-ceiling-cassette-mini-splits-work/ Where to Put Mini Split: aircondlounge.com/best-place-to-put-the-mini-split-air-handler-and-condenser/ If you find this video helpful, please like and consider subscribing to my KZbin channel. I have more mini split and HVAC contents coming up. Thank you!

[@ruthdanielson919]

I worry how cool and how warm these ductless systems will get. I live in N Florida, 90s and humid in the summer. Freezing temps in the winter. I see they only warm to 70f. Not sure how cool they get in the summer. Replacing my old central heat and air, expecting bids of $5k max but getting bids at $9-11K. Ive been using a portable AC in summer and oil furnace in the winter, since my old central unit, failed and use the air handler to circulate the warm air through the house, so worried the ducts are pretty dirty and mess up the new air handler, the ductless system not a problem. Also copper tubing between compressor and air handler has been sitting for a few years and worry its dirty, even though plan is to flush the old R22 and fill with the new R410 freon. I'm just not sure how reliable the ductless systems are some saying problems after five years. Instalation looks pretty easy. What brand did you install in your home?

[@aircondlounge]

Mine is Daikin. The one in my previous house still going strong after 8 years. Good quality mini splits do last but the entire quality thing is not just about the unit itself, the installation and power stability also play an important role.

[@ruthdanielson919]

How cool or warm/ f temperature do they keep the house/ winter and summer?

[@aircondlounge]

When sized property, a mini split should keep the house at between 68F to 74F in the winter and 72F to 80F in the summer.

[@aircondlounge]

Oh and, about putting R410A into copper tubes that was initially filled with R22. Do not do so or be extra cautious because R22 run at a much lower pressure than R410A. The tubes can burst.

[@LeonardCooperman]

Stick with Mitsubishi. Good dealers offer 12 year warranty. You will have all the heat you can stand.