Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?

We are doing an extention next Spring. We will redo the siding at the same time. And I think it's the perfect timing to get rid of those wall AC units which I hate.

But our house is on a slab and from what I heard it's $$ and more difficult to do central AC.

So I was looking at the Mistubishi slim ductless units.

If you have a house on a slab, had central AC installed or did those ductless units, please let me know about your experience.

The good, the bad and the ugly.

I would love if someone did a comparisson shopping between both also.

TIA

Re: Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?

Why would installing CAC be difficult on a slab?

Just place the air handler in the attic and run the ducts through the eaves. You are in a Levit right? Shouldn't be an issue if you speak with the right installer.

I have a mini split in the basement. It's OK... but my basement is one large open space. I don't know how well a mini split would perform on a floor with rooms and walls.

ETA: Also if you are doing an extension you should account for an air handler to be placed in the attic above the extension. Just have the architect draw the plans with an attic tall enough to account for a CAC.

Message edited 12/24/2011 12:46:09 AM.

Re: Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?

My house is built on a slab and we have central AC. Actually my last house which was a cape we could not get central AC.

When we bought the house we had the AC already but we changed the unit and the ducts. If you need any recommendations let me know.

Re: Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?

You can absolutely do central air even though you are on a slab.....I do not know how much renovation you are doing and if its not much that might be why it will be more money.

A ductless system is not that much different from window ACs in my mind. You will still have multiple units through the wall (the number depends on the size of the house) and then you have a condenser unit outside the house. There is also a noise factor to them.....they are not loud like the window units but definitely louder than central AC.

IMO central air is the way to go. We looked into both last summer and will def be putting in central AC when we do our dormer rather than the ductless.

Re: Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?

Thanks! We were told by a few people (non professional that is!) that it's more $$ and more work to do central AC.

So I was looking for someone who has done it

Thanks!

Re: Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?

All 2 story houses have their AC on the 2nd floor ducted as though it's a 1 story on a slab. All of my 2nd floor ducting is in the attic, and the vents are in the ceiling, just like a 1 story house on a slab would have.

A 2 story house on a slab might be tricky, since you would need the ducting between the floors.

Re: Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?

Re: Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?

Re: Can we talk Central AC/slim ductless AC for houses on a slab?