Mini Split Slim Duct- supply in one BR, return in another?

10 years ago

We're updating a home with radiators that never had AC. Mini splits seem like just the ticket to avoid duct work (especially in the attic, which is where it would likely end up). We hate the look of wall units, and cassettes won't work with our ceilings, so I'm looking at two slim ducts on the ground floor. We're in MN, and we don't use AC much or to a very low temp, just to take the edge off when it's 95. I think there's room to mount them in the top of a couple closets, above the doors- one could pull from the hallway and blow into the living room. The other I'm thinking could pull from one bedroom and supply our other bedroom. I know, normally a terrible idea for good flow, but we only ever close either bedroom door when we have guest for the weekend (rarely). And even then, I'd be fine putting vents in the doors for this purpose. There is an open stairwell to the basement, but we don't intend to ever have AC down there.
See pic for floor layout.

Thoughts? I know there are many "more right" ways to do it, but I'd much rather be a little creative than deal with unattractive equipment or extensive remodeling. Especially for a system we'll use so little.
Thank you!!
-Eric

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Comments (3)

klem1
10 years ago
Oh my,where to start. If you possesed skill to do the nessary ducting,you wouldn't need to ask here but here's some thoughts. Minis are desighned with absolutly no room for compermise with air delivery. Unless you either keep ducts very short and open or boost air movement volicity with fan(s),the evaporators will likly freeze and damage mechanicals. There is no formula program to apply so you must have work done by one that know's what they are doing with air movement. Frankly,I think you should learn to live with conventional installation or hire the best engineer in town.
ionized_gw
10 years ago
Klem, I assume that the OP is thinking about ducted models. OP, you could use jump ducts in the walls to move air from room to room. I think, however, that is not necessary. It might be possible to install the minimally ducted units with supplies and returns for both rooms above the closet indicated. (I don't know how big those units are.) If there is not enough space to do it that way, you can box out a space under the current ceiling next to the wall for the supply or return. I'd likely run them out the exterior walls. Be creative and make them look like they belong.

Is the basement finished? If not, maybe the main units could go there. Keep in mind that there is filter access to be considered.
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ericsanford69
Original Author
6 years ago
Following up on this, I installed the ducted mini splits as indicated, with the change that @ionized_gw suggested on the bedroom, where the unit Ys off each end and pulls air in from both rooms and pushes it back out into both rooms, with the vents about 5 feet apart. That one lives in the attic, under a foam box and a bunch of cellulose insulation. The whole thing has been working great going on its third summer.