1-2 Zone or 2-1 Zone Mini-Splits?

[Steve Mathews]

I received a couple of quotes today to furnish and install 1-2 zone, 4 ton mini-split and 2-single zone 2 ton systems and was surprised the 2 zone system cost almost twice as much as the 2 single zone systems. Anyone have any ideas why that is? The barn/shop is about 1800 sq. ft. but has a high 20 ft. plus ceiling. I realize every installation is different but what kind of pricing are you folks getting for mini-split systems?

[Mike Hollingsworth]

I would prefer the 2 single zone systems even if they were the same price.

[james manutes]

I would prefer the 2 single zone systems even if they were the same price.

Me too . More options on the install also .

[Jack Frederick]

The duals and Tri‘s have always been more expensive. Initially in my last home I intended to buy a triple. Comparing the cost I ended up with a dual and a much higher seer single for less than the cost of the triple. One of the greatest advantages is increased efficiency and if one unit goes down you have back-up. The redundancy is key in your situation I think.

[Jim Becker]

There's more complexity in the multi-zone systems...which costs more to implement in the product.

It's weird seeing you refer to them in terms of "tons" as most mini splits are marketed via BTU figures.

[Steve Mathews]

There's more complexity in the multi-zone systems...which costs more to implement in the product.

It's weird seeing you refer to them in terms of "tons" as most mini splits are marketed via BTU figures.

12,000 BTUs per ton ... I thought the terms were interchangeable.

[Steve Mathews]

The duals and Tri‘s have always been more expensive. Initially in my last home I intended to buy a triple. Comparing the cost I ended up with a dual and a much higher seer single for less than the cost of the triple. One of the greatest advantages is increased efficiency and if one unit goes down you have back-up. The redundancy is key in your situation I think.

Never thought about the redundancy factor. I like that idea and the increased efficiency. It may also be an easier install with respect to the charge lines. Any thoughts on getting a larger unit than what the size of the area it covers may suggest?

[Jack Frederick]

I typically do not oversized mini-splits. In my experience they tend to exceed expectations. BUT, it all rolls back to the application. Size if building, insulation, building orientation, etc. It is typical of contractors to oversized. They oversized to cover their butts. Also, Steve, location in any H/C discussion is essential for a correct response.

[Bill Dufour]

Redundancy is important. lose one dual head and you lost both. lose one isolated head and you lost one not two.
If you lose one dual you need to vacuum and purge both line sets and install filters on both linesets. Probably a good idea to do it again within a month so the desicant filters are clean.
Bill D

[glenn bradley]

I have two single units. No regrets.

New Shop (471).jpg . New Shop (213).jpg

[roger wiegand]

I recently heard a talk which asserted that the single units were also more energy efficient, another thing to look at, along with low temperature performance, if that is an issue for you.

[Steve Mathews]

Two single zone units seem the way to go. I haven't decided yet whether 2 ton or 3 ton mini-splits would be best. The shop is 30' wide by 60' long but over 20' high at its highest point. I would like to equally space the units along the 60' length at about 8' high. In other words the units would be about 15' from the ends with a 30' space between. See the first photo below showing the wall that they would be placed on. The second photo shows the mezzanine beyond and the high exposed ceiling. And yes, the shop will eventually be insulated, probably with fiberglass batts.
Mini-Split 001.jpgMini-Split 002.jpg

[glenn bradley]

I've got an HVAC guy. He ran the numbers on my 30 x 40 x 10 well insulated shop with a drywalled ceiling and walls. I needed about 34k BTU so I put in two 18k BTU units which translates to 3 tons total. I don't pretend to understand the science of it but I was warned off of overbuilding the HVAC system as apparently this can cause problems just as an under-built one can.

[roger wiegand]

At least on the AC side if your unit is too big it won't run long enough to dehumidify the air, resulting a cold, clammy, rust-inducing environment.

[Steve Mathews]

At least on the AC side if your unit is too big it won't run long enough to dehumidify the air, resulting a cold, clammy, rust-inducing environment.

I watched at least one YouTube video where a dehumidifier was used instead of letting the AC perform that function. Regardless, humidity is not a problem here in NW Arizona.