"1 wall unit and then they said a slim duct system between my 3 bedrooms"

Hmmm.......... How does a ductless system suddenly sprout ducts? I think they are saying you will have one outdoor unit and three ductless indoor units.

I'd get the system you want, rather than the system that's available today. Just out of interest, which system is $4k more?

The way he explained it to me is I would have 1 wall unit mounted and then there would be slim ducts in my attic above the bedrooms that would run off the same system and vents would be the only thing showing in the bedrooms that look like your typical ac setup. This Mitsubishi setup is 4K less than the traditional system. I don’t even know if this is true or how it would really be?

Hmmm........... I'm not aware Mitsubishi make such a beast. I'd tread VERY carefully with that guy.

That is good to know. He is coming here again in like 30 mins to go over options again. The issue is looks like no one is going to be able to install central air for us this summer because they are too busy and everyone is pushing us to winter. The only thing we can get installed now is a ductless system.

If you feel under pressure to do something quickly in order to survive the summer, then consider buying some inexpensive AC window units for the bedrooms. That will buy some time to do more research. You might also get a better price in the summer which will more than offset the costs of the window units.

Thanks Mike - So, the rep from the company were going to use is very no pressure which is awesome he said take as much time as you want. I do have a window unit in my master now which has helped were hitting 90+ for 10 days straight. I have a portable floor unit in my living room which takes the humidity out too....basically what it comes down to is this...plus he's offering me $1,000 off to install it in the winter. 2 to 1 Mitsbushi wall mount/slim duck $11,763.00 Trane XL16i with TAM9 $15,566.00Trane XR16 with TAM9 $14,555.00

Take $1,000 off the Trane price if I just wait and get it installed in the winter. So would be $14,566 and $13,555. I am leaning towards the traditional system, but not sure if there is a huge difference in the XL16i vs the XR16 both would be with the TAM9.

Have you looked into a high-velocity air conditioning system? My uncle had it installed and is very pleased with it. Outside there’s a normal compressor (his is a Carrier) and the high-velocity air handler (?) is in the attic and is made by SpacePak.

Thanks Sammy - I haven't looked at that and it's interesting, but I don't know enough about it and will read into it more.

If you had to pick between the 3 options listed in my last reply....is there one way you'd go?

> I'm not aware Mitsubishi make such a beast. I'd tread VERY carefully with that guy.

Most of the mini-split A/C manufacturers now make slim ducted units, designed to into soffits or directly over a room or two that they serve. They require short ducts. They're very quiet. For example: http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/products/indoor-units/horizontal-ducted/compare

Yup, that’s exactly what it is. I’m just really conflicted. I can personally get away with looking at the wall unit in the living room. My wife is trying to see if she’ll be okay with it. We also like it’s less invasive of an install and would be more energy efficient over a traditional setup plus saving 3500-4000 doesn’t hurt either.

Did either of these contractors do a load calculation? Did you get complete model numbers of the equipment? What thermostat and filter will you get?

The TAM9 air handler is the top of the line variable speed model. This seems overkill when paired with a single speed condenser like the XL16i or the XR16. If you are concerned about price then get quotes with other air handlers.

You stated the Mitsubishi is more energy efficient. Do you have the SEER ratings of the respective configurations?

How did you arrive at a $3500 - $4000 difference. If you wait until fall the price difference for the XR16 is about $1800. If you changed air handlers the price may be less than the Mitsubishi.

The company I would like to go with did a load calculation and said he got his numbers based off of that where it's about a 2 to 2.5 ton system that would be needed. For the thermostat I have a Ecobee 3 that I would like to keep and run it off of. Aprilaire 5 inch media filer is what they would use.

He told me the Mitsubishi was an 18 SEER and I am waiting on the exact model of the slim duct system since they offer a few.

It would be $3500-$4,000 if I had to pick right now, but since I can only get the Mitsubishi installed right now and have to wait till winter to get the Trane if I go that way then that saves me the $1,000 and puts it closer to $1800 like you said.

Is there a certain air handler you'd recommend to go with either of those two models?

Thanks Sammy - I haven't looked at that and it's interesting, but I don't know enough about it and will read into it more.

If you had to pick between the 3 options listed in my last reply....is there one way you'd go?

Sorry, Nick, I’m not as familiar as others are who have commented/will comment with HVAC equipment and the particulars of your situation so I can’t really recommend one system over the other; I just wanted to alert you to one more possible solution. ;)

These are the models of the Mitsubishi he'd use... unit is a mxz-4c36nahz with I believe an msz-fh15 wall and I believe an sez-kd18 for the bedrooms

Mike - Thanks for all the information so my installer told me the TAM7 was discontinued and the TAM9 replaced it. In MA you only need a SEER 16 to qualify for any rebates/something they call a mass save heat loan where you can get money at 0% for 7 years (I used most of it, but have $3670 left to put towards the AC).

To be quite truthful with you I am leaning towards the Trane. My father in law has had really great luck with his and I like that nothing shows in the house (we just remodeled too so everything is new in there).

Also, Mike between the XL16i and the XR16 they both seem pretty similar, but he told me the big difference was the weather guard and the 2 speed. My father in law has the XL16i with no issues for 5 years...but he is not sure what air handler unit he has, but he runs it from May to October and literally lives right behind me and we have the same exact house/layout.

Nick,

The XL16i is a single speed condenser. If it were 2-speed then that with a variable speed air handler would make sense and worth the extra money. The weather guard may be good for someone who lives near the shore. I have not seen one up close so I can't give a good opinion.