Tom Raymond Posted April 21, 2012 Report Share Posted April 21, 2012 Ptac = package terminal air conditioner, it's all in one box. Split means split, a condenser with one or more mini air handlers. They're brilliant for new builds, but I have never seen a retrofit that I liked the look of. I seriously considered one for my place, but I can get close to walk in cooler temps with 3 little window units that cost less than $100 each. A 3 zone split would have run me $3500 in parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishSean Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 I am right back where I started. I had 3 contractors come out who install the minisplit system whcih they all recommended for my house BTW. I have 2 estimates so far around $5,250 Now my general contractor has his HVAC guy take a look who tells me a second system would be a waste, that I have plenty of capacity, which I knew and that I just need to get air moving. His idea is to reroute the supply lines(still no second floor return) and with the correct use of the fan, air will circulate. Also since many of my walls were removed he wants to run one supply up an exterior wall. This makes no sense to me but what do I know. Trying push cool air up a warm wall even if it is insultated. He can do this all for $1,000. I am probably going to take this route since I don't have and extra 5k right now but will be so disappointed if the upstairs still doesn't cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Have him construct an insulated chase for that duct that sided to make it look like it's part of the house, which is will be. A duct running up the outside in the open, even wrapped with insulation, is going to look pretty lame. Hope it works but it sounds like a jackleg path to me. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Raymond Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 If the upstairs doesn't cool, go to your local big box store and get a little window a/c unit. 4-5000 BTU units are under $100. You could cool your whole 900SF area with two of these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishSean Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 If the upstairs doesn't cool, go to your local big box store and get a little window a/c unit. 4-5000 BTU units are under $100. You could cool your whole 900SF area with two of these. I know Tom, it just stinks to not be able to open windows on the nice days. I only have 2 windows in each bedroom and with a window unit in each the air flow gets even more restricted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishSean Posted May 30, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2012 Well I turned my AC on yesterday for the first time since accepting the advice of the HVAC contractor and big surprise, his solution to reroute my ducts didn't work. The upstairs is still an oven while the downstairs feels like a fridge. $1,000 added to the project that could have been invested in the mini-split system that I still have to get but cannot afford at this time. Those who suggested the mini-split system I say thanks, I should have taken your advice and trusted my instincts and not listened to the HVAC contractor looking to get some work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted May 30, 2012 Report Share Posted May 30, 2012 Well I turned my AC on yesterday for the first time since accepting the advice of the HVAC contractor and big surprise, his solution to reroute my ducts didn't work. The upstairs is still an oven while the downstairs feels like a fridge. $1,000 added to the project that could have been invested in the mini-split system that I still have to get but cannot afford at this time. Those who suggested the mini-split system I say thanks, I should have taken your advice and trusted my instincts and not listened to the HVAC contractor looking to get some work. I should have been more articulate. Marc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishSean Posted May 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2012 Well I turned my AC on yesterday for the first time since accepting the advice of the HVAC contractor and big surprise, his solution to reroute my ducts didn't work. The upstairs is still an oven while the downstairs feels like a fridge. $1,000 added to the project that could have been invested in the mini-split system that I still have to get but cannot afford at this time. Those who suggested the mini-split system I say thanks, I should have taken your advice and trusted my instincts and not listened to the HVAC contractor looking to get some work. I should have been more articulate. Marc I cannot tell if you are being sarcastic but I do appreciate everyones input. I have been fighting this issue for years and I should have trusted my instincts that rerouting the ducts without a return would not work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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