Mini Split AC System (Howe: how much, house, zoning)

[DeltaSigmaTheta]

Does anyone have the mini split ac system for their 1st floor. My 2 story is two different temps. Upper level - warm & lower - cold. Hallmark has already installed new ductwork & opened the dampers. I've had new attic insulation installed. Still Cold. The house has only 1 thermostat which is located upstairs.

The company has suggested a number of options to rectify the cold temps downstairs. One of them being a "mini split ac" system. I understand that this can actually look like wall art to mask the look of an actual ac system.

**If you have one, how does it look because asthetics are important to me?
**How efficient is this system?
**I was also told that I need to work with an electrician also. Roughly how much will this cost? Thank you for all feedback.

[BURFORD]

I don't know about "wall art", but its not that bad looking. The unit will hang on your wall, so you will see it. The compresser unit will be outside.

They are efficent as far as I know - we built an attic room, and had to put one in as a supplemental A/C system. The room is heavily insulated, and during this last summer, the A/C kept it very cool, with minimum running of the unit. Disclaimer - the room is approx 358 cubic feet to cool, and we have a 12,000.00 btu unit up there. Thats the smallest unit availble at the time, so it is abit of overkill. But when the ceiling of the room abutts to the roof, it can get warm up there.

However, they are not cheap. Internet prices were running about 1,100.00-1,300.00 for a 12,000.00 btu unit - a local dealer may run up to 1,500.00 or higher. Then you have installition costs on top of that. You will also have to run a new 220 volt line, which cost us 358.00. Our drive out price was about 2,100.00.

I would ask if the A/C company can zone your floors - that might be a cheaper way to go.

Hope this helps.

[DeltaSigmaTheta]

Thank You for responding. You have helped! I will ask the co. if zoning the floors is an option.