Maybe it’s because last couple summers have been 108 degrees. But, Im thinking about replacing my AC. I added some Freon last year, which isn’t a good sign.

I’m very interested in a conversion from central heat and air (gas) to a mini split, with 4-5 cassettes (smaller indoor heads).

Maybe a ducted mini split system and use current ductwork.

Anyone have any knowledge on minisplit conversion. ?

It seems some love and some hate. Thats all I got.

My AC man said that if and when you need a repair it takes much longer to get parts than with a typical popular brand conventional HVAC.

Just bought a house a year ago with a mini split that runs the master wing. It sucks, likely gonna have it converted to an actual AC this summer if it can’t keep up. It has been replaced and increased in size as well since we have been here. Currently on the third unit in a year. New house too.. Never again.

Parts can be a problem. A relay went out on our heating system last winter. Took 2 weeks to get a replacement.

I've researched it quite a bit for my garage. Will probably pull the trigger soon. I wouldn't put one in the main house because of issues getting them repaired. Somewhere non-essential, I think they make a lot of sense.

For a variety of reasons, I am not a fan of multi headed mini splits if the cassettes are not located in same space.

However, the mini split variable speed technology is now available in standard ducted split systems. I believe Carrier and Trane may be best choices on these systems. I have no first hand experence with these due my retirement prior to availability of these systems.

Not all contractors will offer these products due to specialized training and tools.

You will just need to shop dealers.

I’ve had Gree mini splits for 10 years now with zero issues if you are having problems you either bought junk or not keeping them clean I installed them myself paid less than 3500$ for a 2 ton unit and a 1 1/2 ton if they go bad I’ll put in a new unit. Costs have doubled since my first purchase.

I hear the mini-split parts warnings...I'm sure some have had problems with parts, but mini-splits are not unique with regard to parts issues.
We waited for 15 days (In July) for replacement parts on our BRAND NEW Rheem high efficiency heat pump system that failed less than 60 days after we moved in.

The variable speed inverter units are great. The mini-split in my shop maintains much better temperature and humidly control that my house has. The wife and I are discussing installing a mini-split for the master suite. That would allow us to keep the rest of the house quite a bit warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. Which would save quite a bit on elect costs.

Guess I am the loner here, wish I had luck with them. Again, 3 different units in a year and all garbage. None can keep temp under 68 degrees- even at night when it is 60. Have had several different AC companies out. All say it’s functioning fine. I have to turn my main unit on to allow the split to piggy back off the cooler air. Fully spray foamed house, double pane windows, most of the area for the split faces the north, etc….

Never again..

Glorified window unit. I have about 15 in my rental units and they serve a purpose. I wouldn’t put one in my own home. Most come with a good warranty for parts but waiting on them and paying the labor is an issue at times.

I have a mini split in my garage. Works great and pulls a 20 deg delta on cooling but it’s a heat pump so heating falls off bad when it gets below 25 OAT. Cheap to run. If I was doing a new home, I would go with a true VRF system like Daikin or Mitsubishi. Commercial, not off Amazon. It has become the choice of a lot of school districts for HVAC.

I put 2 daiken units in my shop. It's 30x40 and gabled on the 40' length. I put a 2 ton on each gable and when it was 112 degrees my nephew had his gender reveal in my shop with 48 people in there and it held 72 degrees with both units cranked all the way down. This past winter it got down to 5 degrees and once again it held 72 degrees with both units running. This time of year i just run one unit and leave it on 75 degrees but it feels like 70 degrees with no humidity. They do a real good job cleaning the air. 12 year warranty on the units and parts are available all around me. Now if you go with a china brand you may have some trouble getting parts or even getting someone on the phone. Best money i have ever spent on my shop by far. I can freeze people outta there when its 90 degrees outside.

I would not recommend using them for an entire house; they can be great to supplement your regular AC unit with for just your master bedroom (use mini split at night to get room to 68-70 and keep the rest of the house at 72-74).

Have your ductwork checked out to make sure there are no holes in it and that the insulation around it is still in good shape. Then look at replacing windows. When customers come to us wanting a lower electric bill due to their AC unit we recommend they go with a standard unit and spend the money they save to have new windows put in. Going to a variable-speed unit with old ductwork and grills can lead to sweating and condensation issues.

For shops and garages they can be great... just need to keep them clean.