Mini Spilts what size for 1500 sqft in TN

DIY install or hired out?

When my shop gets too cold, I turn the fan off. 

Joe Fleming
San Diego   (drive-by location gloat)

HVAC  Direct seems to have the best prices if you decide to DIY.  They carry a brand called ACiQ that has systems with variable speed inverter compressors and variable speed fans that are said to use up to one-third the electricity over non-inverter systems and they are priced below what I just paid for a Goodman HVAC non-inverter system. They have lots of positive reviews, if you can believe they are real, which they seem to be.

I think ACiQ makes the Mr. Cool brand that is being sold in the U.S. at Lowes, etc.

https://hvacdirect.com/

In hindsight, I wish I had gone with this:

https://hvacdirect.com/aciq-2-ton-20-seer-variable-heat-pump-system-aciq-24-ahb-id-84667.html

Mini-splits are efficient and easy to install, but a regular split system might be an option to better distribute the air. In a garage, making it pretty isn't so important, and would just require running flexible ducts to the best locations.

@Mark Nowicki 

I want to do a self install.  My wife tossed a wrench into my plans by wanting me to include the attic above the garage.  It is around 600sqft  

I will insulate and sheetrock the space.  

So it looks like a dual zone is what I need.  

@ADMIN. I want to keep as much headroom as I can.  I have the top off my Bronco stored on a hoist during the summer a few drop down 4' by 4' shelfs along with anything else I don't want on the floor.  So the ducted system isn't in the cards.  

I have a neighbor that used to install HVAC that is going to help me figure out what I need.  He still has his equipment to install and charge them.  

So I think I good for now.

Thanks

So far I have installed three split systems, all from Senville.

A quad zone  with a ceiling cassete, a dual zone with wall units and a single zone.

My first install was the single zone unit, I was only risking about $700.

The tools to do a professional instalation; single stage vacuum pump, manifold with gauges, flaring tool, pipe bending tool, vacuum gauge, a vacuum rated hose and the nitrogen setup for pressure testing cost me about CDN$1500. 

The two youtube videos I followed to the letter including the tool brands:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQkth-AM5CE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfseMtg_YPg

With all due respect to your friend, unless he has mini-split experience his knowledge and tooling will be out of date.

The units come pre-charged.

The brand does not matter, they are all made in the same factory in China.

Depending on the layout of  your garage and the location of the wall units, consider two single zone units instead of a dual zone. 

Drainage is important:  as short as possible, try to avoid having to install a condensate pump.

Thanks

He has experience with Mini Splits to large office buildings.  He just retired and still has his license.   I was working with him on cutting some trees the other day while we where talking I said something about getting some heat in my garage and maybe some A/C that is when he told me he was a certified HVAC tech and one a large company in the Pittsburg area.

He says he has all the correct tools gauges and gas to charge them if needed.  

I was thinking about doing two single zones just to make it cheaper at first.  The attic space won't be done for another year or so.

Thanks
Mike

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