Our spare double wide trailer house that came along with our main, newer "trailer house" makes a sweet man-cave/storage shed. Working bathrooms, half-assed working window unit ACs, and even has a metal roof overlay. It's a 1983 model that came to this property new in '83.
I'm adding this one ton heat/cool unit... because, they're cheap, easy to install, super quiet, AND....can be (depending on model)..Extremely Efficient with electricity usage.!
These mini splits have been very popular in the far east, India, and Europe.. But for some "strange" reason are seldom seen in the US. My guess is the HVAC industry and a couple other construction trades can make a little bit more profit $$ via the old system we've been using for 70 years in home and apt construction.
Minis use much less power (big energy Corp doesn't like that notion). Only need one power source -outside. No furrdowns, no return air chases, no interior registers or grills. No attic access, no attic equipment platforms. No big concrete pad behind your house. Don't require ductwork ... think hot 140 degree summer attic spaces with cheapo low RValue flex duct feeding each room, taped together with DUCT tape. (Usually leaking a good portion of your expensively conditioned air into the summer kiln that is your attic)
Higher end, rich folks homes may have better hvac components, but usually if the buyer-owner can't see it, the builder isn't going to spend an extra $500plus for duct-board or round metal duct. If it works, most builders won't spend money here, only on granite tops, and stainless steel appliances. The things a buyer "sees".
My last job before retirement involved two high end, luxury apartment projects that we built. Early on, in the early development stage I noticed our open concept floor plans (perfect for mini splits). When I brought this up for consideration during a design team meeting, all I got was blank stares, and questioning expressions. Most, including the high priced multifamily architects, had no clue about mini splits.
They do make these units with 3 or more inside units tied to one single outside condenser unit. You only need condition the air in whatever room you are using at the time, versus the entire house. Much more cost effective for energy use.
Okay, rant over. Here are a couple pics of work in progress. Not completed yet!! All I've done is hang the inside unit so far.
Location is on center wall of double wide home
Bracket installed, unit hangs onto this. Hole for Freon lines, power line, and condensate tube bundle
Unit installed, trim board not level.
Opened panel showing removable filters. Bottom panel silently oscillates up and down to better distribute air output.
Lookey!! Outside wall of old trailer is made with real wood panels... not pressed sawdust.
Updates forthcoming.
(Will get installation done, then call AC tech to handle startup. Comes precharged with Freon)
UPDATE Aug 8
Finally got my local AC guy to arrive and connect, and startup this one ton mini split. $100 and 90 minutes later... It RUNS!!
He made soldered connections both inside and outside (had to extend line set). Did the electric connections, and vacuumed lines. Unit is pre charged at factory with refrigerant.
Cannot hear it run, and outside unit is about as loud as a box fan on low/medium.
I really believe in these mini splits.!!
