I suggest asking a good contractor how to do a whole house zoning system on a standard forced air install.

This will likely be much more satisfactory both in performance, comfort, and aesthetics.

Zoning in the ductwork is not that big a deal to add, especially to new construction.

To more directly answer your question, minisplits have limited lineset lengths( 25 feet) are obtrusive in the room, and heat with electric heat thus don't give the benefit of gas heating which is usually more cost effective.

Secondarily, a duct system gives you the opportunity to add a humidifier and air cleaner too

mini-split is NOT the way to go with new construction. When its new you can do the job right the first time. Get 2 units. That should be enough to correctly heat and cool your house.

Thanks for the comments. Our primary issue is with the duct placement, which led us to consider alternatives. I see both neohioheatpump and juliekcmo don't favor a mini split system, but I'd like to hear more specifics. Do either of you now have or previously had a mini split system? If so what brand and model? What were the deficiencies in your system(s)? If you have not yourself owned a mini split system, from where does your information come?

Thanks

I work at an HVAC distributor. We sell mini splits, forced air systems, zoning, and large commercial systems.

Generally we see mini splits used for garage/porch conversions to living spaces, and residential additions that cannot tie into existing duct work.

Commercially they are used for things like computer rooms that need to be very cold even in low ambient situations ( that is, they need to run the AC to keep the space conditioned even if the weather is cold outside, because the equipment generates so much heat.)

I am in the midwest.

I am not saying that the mini splits are not excellent products. But it would be a completely non-standard install to have a house full of splits instead of a conventional forced air or hot water system.

Also, unless you get premium brand minisplits, you will not be able to use a standard thermostat or whole house thermostat for controls. Most minisplits are controlled by a unit mounted or remote (but to 1 unit) Thermostat. So each room would need to be turned on/off/adjusted individually.

My opinion is that you don't gain anything by using them, and stand to loose a lot of features that a good whole-house system gives you.

The new Mitsu inverter units provide 100% rated heating at 5 degrees - and will continue to heat at temps well below that. Lines may indeed be run further than 25'.

Sadly, Julie seems a bit misinformed.

Tremendous technology these are and I believe that they warrant a serious look for any installation, new or old.

I am seriously considering pairing two 12KBTU minis with a 3T HVAC system into our new extensive remodel. The advantages are many.

So a minisplit is ugly, can't use NG, doesn't have a humidifier, and most can't have any type of central control. And why do you want minisplits?

There are advantages of course - no ductwork losses and independent room temp control.

I imagine fewer point sources of heating or cooling would create more uneven temperatures with hot and cold spots.

kaib, Thanks for the comments. I felt that some of juliekcmo's specs were a little off based on my reading.

david_cary, it would help if you read and understood the original post and follow-up. As I mentioned, I never said I 'want' a multisplit, I wondered if it might provide a satisfactory solution to a delivery problem.

Personally, I don't find the units that ugly, but I could imagine others have different views. And from what I have read, central control is not excluded on all units.

Thanks - I read all the posts. It was more a figure of speech. I guess a better way to ask the question is why would you spend your time investigating that is not done routinely in new construction? Obviously you think the alternative might be better. I was just pointing out the obvious reasons why they are not better.

Sorry that I tried to help. Your rudeness never ceases to amaze me.

Right David...likewise.

It amazes me that people who have no constructive information to add to a conversation are so desperate to hear themselves speak, they cant stop themselves from typing inane comments.

Kaib, thanks. That is what I am hearing as well. Any real life experiences to the contrary would be interesting to hear.

Constance; The decision was made an hour ago.

We will be installing a 12K Mitsu unit in each of our two large additions. The current house HVAC system will be replaced with a 3T communicating HP/AH as the old 3T unit did a great job. Minor duct work will accomodate some supply issues, we'll add a bit of return and extend the HVAC supply into the new mudroom.

My HVAC guy did the very same thing when he remodeled two years ago and is very happy. Tells me the minis cost nothing to run.

The condensate lines will go directly outside into the garden on one side and for the dogs on the other.

Can't wait!

We're in Florida - remodeled, adding a 2nd floor and placed (2) 1-ton ducted (pancake/fancoil type) air handlers in the attic space to cool the separate bedrooms, closets and bathroom.

Couldn't be happier!

One caveat on placing the unit too high up the wall is that the filters require occasional cleaning every few weeks which can possibly necessitate hauling out the ladder. My previous Mitsubishi had filters that pulled down and out making the job easier. My new unit requires the front panel to be swung open and up then the two filters slide out, as well it has two smaller filters called "catechin" filters above those for odors etc and they're a bit of a pain to remove as well in the process. Personally I don't think they do anything and probably won't be replacing them.

Ductless mini splits allow customizing comfort in each and every room. No need to heat the kitchen or the bedroom when your living room or a kid’s room is too cool. Ductless mini splits for new home construction.

If you are building a new home and strive to become more energy-efficient, you probably should install one of the most cost-effective systems to control the climate in each room all year around.

Mini-split or split air conditioning systems, otherwise known as ductless HVAC systems, offer numerous installation options in residential and commercial buildings. Because of their size and capabilities, they are ideal for:

Garages

Individualized rooms

Efficiency apartments

Music studios

Older homes and cottages

Some of the many benefits include:

Small Size

Ductless

Energy Efficient

Cost Efficient

Easy to Install

Flexible Applications

Maximum Comfort

Quiet

Personalized

Kaib, constanopile, any results to share? I'm considering mini splits for 3550 SQ ft new construction in Tucson, az.