New HVAC system needed

[bullhead44]

Our unit has gone out and its time for a new one. The problem is, the air handler is in the attic in a very tight space, horrible design. The new units are larger than the one that was put in in 2000 and there is not room for it where its designed to go. So I think that leaves me with a couple off options. 1. Move the air handler to a different location which would require putting in the master closet which is already a little small. This is doable with the layout of the unit. Its right above the closet, so moving the return air and ducts is minimal redesign. I really don't want to make the closet any smaller though. Option 2 is maybe a mini split unit. Been looking into these today and this may be a good option. Dont have to do any remodel other than where the inside units go. I know a few people who have these as a secondary air source in shops etc, but no one who has a whole house done this way. Looking at the info online, I would need either a 4 or 5 split unit. This is on a 2 story log home. The upper floor is just one large room that was designed as an open loft. It was enclosed about 10 years ago. The ceiling in the living area is 16ft, so I know the unit in there would need to be bigger than the units in the bedrooms.

Does anyone on here have any experience with these units. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

[jdavidson]

What is your location ?

[jdavidson]

If possible send a video to 361-550-3883.
id like to see the current air handler and everything around it

[Johnny Dangerr]

Airhead "Ron"
Pm him for an honest assessment.

[airehead]

Thanks Jonny

[bowhntrmatt]

I sell residential HVAC for a living. I've come across this issue in the past. For starters, you may ask a couple different companies that sell different brands to see if there is anything that will work. Some still have some slimmer units that are just taller (longer in your case).

Another option I did recently was to do 2 medium static Daikin air handlers. This is basically a mini split system but uses your ductwork and has hard-wired thermostats. Similar situation, I used one for the top story and one for the bottom story. The air handlers are only like 12" tall. This is a pricy option but probably cheaper and cleaner than a 5 zone wall mount system.

[critter69]

I take it you don't have natural gas or propane. Do you have electric heat strips, or a heat pump ? I know gas furnaces are smaller then most air handlers. And here they are far less expensive then an air handler. Run on 120v vs 220v also. But we have used a gas furnace in place of an air handler ( with a heat pump) for the same reasons. And to save customer some money. Just didn't hook up the gas line or run the flue. Just a thought.
And if you ever get natural gas or propane, its ready for that as well.

[jdavidson]

I take it you don't have natural gas or propane. Do you have electric heat strips, or a heat pump ? I know gas furnaces are smaller then most air handlers. And here they are far less expensive then an air handler. Run on 120v vs 220v also. But we have used a gas furnace in place of an air handler ( with a heat pump) for the same reasons. And to save customer some money. Just didn't hook up the gas line or run the flue. Just a thought.
And if you ever get natural gas or propane, it’s ready for that as well.

However…you have to install a evaporator coil along with the gas furnace…and that puts you right back to the same size or larger

[Leemo]

Putting 4 mini splits in my barndo now
HVAC quote was $9300
4 mini/splits …220volt with heat, total $2850

[critter69]

However…you have to install a evaporator coil along with the gas furnace…and that puts you right back to the same size or larger

Yes you do need a coil, but the trane or American standards that we use, have been quite a bit smaller then the air handlers we replace. Including the coil. And with the air handler the coil is built into the cabinet, one piece, making it hard to get into the attic. The furnace coil is separate and made getting it in the attic, possible, in our case. Of course iam not saying it will work in every case, nor even most cases. But it may be an option. Furnace was 34 inches tall, coil was 20 inches tall. We have even had to disassemble the Gas furnace to get them up, then put them back together once up there. Again much easier then an air handler, where the cabinet itself would not fit up there.

[jdavidson]

Agreed
Every scenario presents its unique challenges.
That’s why I would like a video of the OP’s scenario