Room/Portable AC question

3 years ago

We have 2 story house with central air. Our bedroom never gets cool enough at night (we like it very chilly while sleeping). We have tried opening/closing vents, had HVAC contractors come out etc.

One solution that was suggested to us was a room or portable unit just for our bedroom (we don't want a traditional window unit that sticks out). We would like it to be easy to operate and as unobstrusive as possible. We have heard about something called -- if I remember right -- "a split" that goes on the wall. In any case, any recommendations about different types of room AC units and their pros/cons would be appreciated. Again, our priority is more ease of use, effectiveness and a small footprint than cost.

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Comments (4)

dadoes
3 years ago
A portable unit may be sufficient to supplement your whole-house system to attain the chill you wish in that room, but they're very inefficient regards to energy (although two-hose units are better than one-hose) and are noisy being that the entire mechanism is in the room.

A mini-split is essentially a one-room central system with an evaporator coil/air handler "cassette" mounted on the wall and a remote condensor/compressor outside.
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Charles Ross Homes
3 years ago
If your central HVAC system can't be made to perform to your liking or if you want to maintain different conditions in one room, a mini-split heat pump is a good option.
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Austin Air Companie
3 years ago
We have heard about something called -- if I remember right -- "a split" that goes on the wall.

These are typically called mini splits. Ease of use & effectiveness might be sometimes used to describe these... however, that time could be rather short because?

Noises like clicking sounds can and will develop with these, or water dripping down the wall is also often associated with them not to mention an ugly box like thing that hangs on the wall. If you're going to choose something you should also consider the cons of such as well.

You can do a search here on this board or Google in general as to the pros and cons of selecting these kinds of spot cooling / heating appliances. The problems of such are well documented but you have to look for it.

Another nefarious term used to describe them: expensive throw away units.

The models change frequently, parts during / after mfg warranty runs out can be difficult if not impossible to locate and parts are specific to the brand / model in question.

If none of these cons make you want to hesitate then a mini split is for you otherwise you may want to consider other options.

I service the Katy, Texas area.
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
3 years ago
Any HVAC system requires both proper installation and maintenance for it to perform well and to achieve a reasonable life expectancy. We started installing mini splits in bonus room conversions and sunroom additions back in 2008. The first system we installed (a Mitsubishi ductless mini-split) is 15 years old this year and is still performing well.