Ductless / Mini-Split High Wall Units vs Central AC

[skeke]

I live in a Rolando Park flat roof home. Some owner years ago put in central heat and air (probably the one who added on the huge master suite with on suite and walk in closet). It does sit on the roof with the duct work looking like a big octopus but I'll tell you most people never notice it is there. It works just fine like any other central air unit. I have no idea what the costs were to do it as it was that way when we moved in. Unless it is cost prohibitive for you you might consider it. Or unless it would annoy you no end to have the octopus thing sitting on your roof. It really isn't something we ever think about. We notice things like our garden etc. not what is up on the roof.

[motoridersd]

Originally Posted by skeke

I live in a Rolando Park flat roof home. Some owner years ago put in central heat and air (probably the one who added on the huge master suite with on suite and walk in closet). It does sit on the roof with the duct work looking like a big octopus but I'll tell you most people never notice it is there. It works just fine like any other central air unit. I have no idea what the costs were to do it as it was that way when we moved in. Unless it is cost prohibitive for you you might consider it. Or unless it would annoy you no end to have the octopus thing sitting on your roof. It really isn't something we ever think about. We notice things like our garden etc. not what is up on the roof.

I don't think the ducts are hideous, and you're right. Today I noticed one in the neighborhood that I had never noticed before. Maybe it's yours! :P

I'm sure that as with others, there are pros and cons. The cons I can think of are roof issues like leaks, but it would be the same with any other vent that the roof has. The other issue would be efficiency since with the duct work exposed to the elements, it will heat up with the sun and lose heat in the winter.

It would make things indoors look very clean though, so that's a huge plus. How's the noise of the blower/compressor when it's on?

[skeke]

Originally Posted by motoridersd

How's the noise of the blower/compressor when it's on?

The sound is no more than you would hear with any central air unit.

[skeke]

I have wondered if the day comes when we need to replace the roof (which seems just fine at this time) what extra costs and complications would come with that. Not looking forward to finding out. Friends have suggested that would be the time to go with the peaked roof that some have replaced their flat roofs with. I guess it would depend on the costs at the time what we would choose. I have two close friends in the neighborhood who have replaced their flat roofs with peaked roofs, thereby creating an attic but I don't think either of them had central air at the time, certainly not the roof octopus we have.