Have you ever had Air Conditioning fitted?

[Orm]

I've heard that the multi-splits (one compressor with multiple splits) are not as efficient as a mini split (one compressor to one condenser). Does anyone have any info on this, especially in Mexico?

We're looking at cooling about 7 rooms (9 splits). I didn't fancy having 9 separate motors on the roof.

[Michael]

Originally Posted by Orm

I've heard that the multi-splits (one compressor with multiple splits) are not as efficient as a mini split (one compressor to one condenser). Does anyone have any info on this, especially in Mexico?

We're looking at cooling about 7 rooms (9 splits). I didn't fancy having 9 separate motors on the roof.

Look at the SEER values for the AC units you are comparing. As you expect, you will probably find single zone units more efficient than multi-zone units. A higher SEER value indicates a more efficient AC unit.

I looked up one example and an improvement in SEER of 3 saved the purchaser about $40 per year. Not that much. All my mini splits are single zone. Those choices were made based on the costs of the individual units and the placement of the compressors. If I had a limit to space for compressors and the price of a mult-izone unit was competitive, I'd choose that option.

[Orm]

hmm, thanks.

I take it by Multi-zone you are referring to the multi-split?

[mexisv]

In Feb Mom's Hotel installed some mini splits in some of the apts. Ours worked great when we used it. We don't use air much in Feb in Mexico. But on really hot humid days we would turn it on to cool down our apt, worked much better than the old noisy dripping units. Of course, we weren't paying the electric though. We are still careful with electric use, all the same.

[D33RHUNT3R]

If you ever had to work on a mini-split you would never buy one... !!!

I'm an HVAC Tech...20 yrs exp.. just sayin..

7 rooms --get a typical split system or package unit and run ductwork.. I promise you'll be glad you did.. not to mention it would cost about 4-5-6 x less...than 9 mini's

[D33RHUNT3R]

Originally Posted by Orm

hmm, thanks.

I take it by Multi-zone you are referring to the multi-split?

My guess is He is suggesting a single unit with a zone system added .. Which again would be FAR better..

[D33RHUNT3R]

Originally Posted by Orm

I've heard that the multi-splits (one compressor with multiple splits) are not as efficient as a mini split (one compressor to one condenser). Does anyone have any info on this, especially in Mexico?

We're looking at cooling about 7 rooms (9 splits). I didn't fancy having 9 separate motors on the roof.

are these 7 seperate motel rooms or 7 rooms in 1 house ? sorry I'm now confused


If its 7 motel rooms I still wouldn't use mini's ... Maybe 1.5 ton regular split systems But I would never ever install mini's .. They are just YUCK all the way around ..

[Michael]

Originally Posted by D33RHUNT3R

If you ever had to work on a mini-split you would never buy one... !!!

I'm an HVAC Tech...20 yrs exp.. just sayin..

7 rooms get a typical split system or package unit and run ductwork.. I promise you'll be glad you did.. not to mention it would cost about 3-5 x less...than 7 mini's

I know of only one house in Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen area) with central air and ducts. And there are a lot of houses. I would have never considered building a duct system in my concrete house. Apparently one person decided otherwise. I never did visit to see how they managed it. Teaching your construction workers how to build a duct system in a concrete house, seems fraught with challenges. And modifying an existing concrete house? Cheaply? I'll just have to trust you on the cost savings.

[Michael]

Originally Posted by D33RHUNT3R

My guess is He is suggesting a single unit with a zone system added .. Which again would be FAR better..

https://www.google.com/search?q=mult...w=1073&bih=829

[user 6507]

Our condo originally had a duct system and whoever built it did a nice job, very professional, but we replaced it with mini splits. The zone system didn't work that well and you were getting spillover ac and it was difficult to have it just go to one bedroom if that's what you wanted. Three air handlers run off of one rooftop unit (Carrier) and it works well, but I don't recommend Carrier because of scarcity of parts/service.

And beware....everyone and their brother thinks they're a qualified ac tech in Playa...

[D33RHUNT3R]

Originally Posted by Michael

https://www.google.com/search?q=mult...w=1073&bih=829

Have you ever worked on 1 ??

I have not worked on a multi split mini .. But IMO that would even be worse than a typical mini.. IMO..

1 we worked on which was a mitubishi we had to wait 6 months to get a compressor they literally had to ship it from Japan on a boat.. and it took literally 6 months to get it .. it was a nightmare .. and working on one is just as much of a nightmare.. I cringe everytime I think I even have to look at 1 ...

[Michael]

Originally Posted by StephenB

And beware....everyone and their brother thinks they're a qualified ac tech in Playa...

Originally Posted by D33RHUNT3R

Have you ever worked on 1 ??

No. I ask my brother in law to come over and do repairs.

Originally Posted by D33RHUNT3R

1 we worked on which was a mitubishi we had to wait 6 months to get a compressor the literally had to ship it from Japan on a boat.. and it took litlerally 6 months to get it .. it was a nightmare .. and working on one is just as much of a nightmare.. I cringe everytime I think I even have to look at 1 ...

In Playa, two of the common brands are York and LG. Parts appear to be readily available. And Playa is a place with inherent shortages of the most common items.

[D33RHUNT3R]

Originally Posted by Michael

I know of only one house in Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen area) with central air and ducts. And there are a lot of houses. I would have never considered building a duct system in my concrete house. Apparently one person decided otherwise. I never did visit to see how they managed it. Teaching your construction workers how to build a duct system in a concrete house, seems fraught with challenges. And modifying an existing concrete house? Cheaply? I'll just have to trust you on the cost savings.

adding anything to something exsisting home is always a challenge ... especially a concrete home .. The cost savings would mostly come if your doing a single home not several motel rooms .. But I can assure you the labor cost on repairs would save you a ton ..I find it hard to believe they have very many techs in Mexico that could even work on a mini'' trust me when I tell you mini's can be a real nightmare to repair...

Duct work can be ran below the existing ceiling then covered with sheetrock or just painted..

(I) would do just about anything to avoid installing a mini.. this is just (my) opinion of minis so take for what its worth..

[roni]

I would note that labor costs in Mexico are lower than they are in the USA

[D33RHUNT3R]

Originally Posted by roni

I would note that labor costs in Mexico are lower than they are in the USA

roni always knows best I'm sure He can drop by and fix it for ya .. just drop him a PM...