Enclosed Lanai w/AC Splitter

[nanci2539]

We're thinking of installing an A/C Splitter in our enclosed lanai.

If you have a splitter can you give me a brief overview as to location of the unit and of the external compressor. Should the unit be central located over the sliders? Does it matter where the unit is installed. Meaning, can I have it installed on the end of the lanai?

Was the wiring run through the attic? What about energy cost?

We have a fairly large lanai in our lantana and had a four track glass enclosure installed. I've heard of folks putting in a splitter but wonder who it operates, if it's efficient and is the connection or wiring hidden.

Thanks

[784caroline]

Can you please explain what a "Splitter " is??

We also have a lantana and we are in the process of not only enclosing the lanai with Glass but making it part of our family room by raising the lanai floor and taking out the Sliding glass doors. We had an energy (heat/ac) study done by Munns (as required by County) and they are going to provide heat and air conditioning to the expanded family area (former lanai) by adding a new main line directly from the exchange in the garage and have 3 outlets in the lanai area. Some contractors wanted to simply entend as exisiting main line from your family area into the lanai area but Munns said that was NOT the way to go.

Sounds like you are getting a separate ac unit (is it a Mr Slim by mitsibusti (sp)?? Did you check into adding to your exisitng AC/Heat? The Mr Slim unit is best to be installed directly over your exisiting sliding glass doors and the compressor can really be placed anywhere it will fit. The longer the line you will lose some efficiency but it should not be that much. The biggest thing is to make certain your lanai area is well insulated ...whenyou enclsoed teh lanai this was most likely not an issue if you did not at that time add heat/ac.

[nanci2539]

This link explains the difference.

http://www.air-n-water.com/split_air.htm/

I suspect Munns or other contractors will charge thousands to install these units. I'm not going that route - I'm buying the unit on line and having it installed. Munns wanted $3K -$3500 to install the splitter. It's not hard to do because it's not connected to your main line.

[tpop1]

Boy.....the good things you learn on this web site!!!:laugh:

[784caroline]

OK now I know what you ar talking about....These are very good, efficient , and an economical way to add AC and or AC/heat to a room where you cannot extend your home AC/heat..or to a room where you only want to provide heat/ac at certain times (ie an enclosed lanai that is not always open and part of your family room). Consumer Reports had an article on Air Conditioners in July 2009 and as an aside had a small separate piece in "Split Ductless" and Portable AC units. For Split Ductless they tested a Sanyo KS-1271 and a LG-LS122CE both retail around $1000 and the Mitsubishi MS-A12WA. ALL had fairly good reviews with the Sanyo most energy efficient.

BOTTOM LINE (per the article) was Split Ductless systems are more expensive than window units and professional installation is recommended but it is a way to add cololing without tearing up walls to install ducts.

I have seen houses with these systems installled and the homeowners were happy! Make certain you know what unit you are buying for some units are AC only while others have heat and AC.

[downeaster]

We're thinking of installing an A/C Splitter in our enclosed lanai.

If you have a splitter can you give me a brief overview as to location of the unit and of the external compressor. Should the unit be central located over the sliders? Does it matter where the unit is installed. Meaning, can I have it installed on the end of the lanai?

Was the wiring run through the attic? What about energy cost?

We have a fairly large lanai in our lantana and had a four track glass enclosure installed. I've heard of folks putting in a splitter but wonder who it operates, if it's efficient and is the connection or wiring hidden.

Thanks


You may want to check with Deed Compliance before making the investment. The deed restrictions in my area state central AC units only.