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We're getting ready to have some structural issues fixed on our home. Basically we have a loft area where the main beam across our lower level sags about 1 1/2" in the center of a 15' span. The contractor is installing a steel beam in place of the original wood beam, then also closing off the loft area to add additional square footage upstairs.
In installing the beam, it will be cutting off part of the duct work for our sunroom on the back of the house. I've got a couple of options for re-ducting that area, but the bids came back about $2000 (about $300 materials/$1700 labor).
I spoke to the HVAC guy about other options. He originally suggested doing a PTAC unit, which is much like the ones you see in hotel rooms sticking out through the outside wall. This would require framing and electrical run to the location we install it at, coming in at about $2000 also. My first thought about this type of system is that I've never, ever slept well in a hotel room, mostly due to hearing one of those units run all night, let alone watching TV over the noise.
I asked about the newer style of ductless mini splits where there was still an outside unit and only a hole to drill through the wall to run the freon tubes and electrical to. He came back with an estimate of $4000 - $5000 for one of those setups.
I think after a little research, he simply isn't going to make money on those, so doesn't bother pushing them. However, I'm finding that there are several companies selling DIY setups for the mini split systems and even the borgs sell them. They come pre-charged and the lines have special fittings on some where they've already pulled vacuums on each unit to make installation go quickly. I do have vacuum gauges and a pump, so I'll probably vacuum the system anyway and let it hold overnight to check for any leaks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2CfLLRKi68
I think I'm actually looking at about $1200 - $1500 for one of these, and the installation should be pretty easy. Only have to run electrical to the outside unit, which back feeds to the wall unit. It's mostly supplemental to our downstairs to help with cooling and heating in addition to the main HVAC and the pellet stove.
Just curious if anyone has done one yet or not?
In installing the beam, it will be cutting off part of the duct work for our sunroom on the back of the house. I've got a couple of options for re-ducting that area, but the bids came back about $2000 (about $300 materials/$1700 labor).
I spoke to the HVAC guy about other options. He originally suggested doing a PTAC unit, which is much like the ones you see in hotel rooms sticking out through the outside wall. This would require framing and electrical run to the location we install it at, coming in at about $2000 also. My first thought about this type of system is that I've never, ever slept well in a hotel room, mostly due to hearing one of those units run all night, let alone watching TV over the noise.
I asked about the newer style of ductless mini splits where there was still an outside unit and only a hole to drill through the wall to run the freon tubes and electrical to. He came back with an estimate of $4000 - $5000 for one of those setups.
I think after a little research, he simply isn't going to make money on those, so doesn't bother pushing them. However, I'm finding that there are several companies selling DIY setups for the mini split systems and even the borgs sell them. They come pre-charged and the lines have special fittings on some where they've already pulled vacuums on each unit to make installation go quickly. I do have vacuum gauges and a pump, so I'll probably vacuum the system anyway and let it hold overnight to check for any leaks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2CfLLRKi68
I think I'm actually looking at about $1200 - $1500 for one of these, and the installation should be pretty easy. Only have to run electrical to the outside unit, which back feeds to the wall unit. It's mostly supplemental to our downstairs to help with cooling and heating in addition to the main HVAC and the pellet stove.
Just curious if anyone has done one yet or not?