Mini Split Vs. Window Banger

[FreedomFightr]

Wassup fellow farmers,

Looking for some other people's input on a mini split vs a window banger. Its time for a newer ac system. I have used a small 8k btu window shaker since I have started and it has got me this far. I have always wanted to get a mini split but never had the money to upgrade. So now I have the money, But everyone knows money is tight for everyone right now.
I know the benefits and drawbacks of each unit, I would just like to hear others opinion on what they use. Im all about saving money and getting the best bang for the buck.
I can get a 15,100 BTU window banger in my area for $350 where a mini split will cost me about $1500.

I know the $350 unit will get me by for another 2 years easy. I would just like to hear some OG's opinion on this thanks!

 

[vta]

A couple months ago I got a Frigidaire 15,100 and it is working perfectly. I keep the fan on low and the I use the econ setting so it only runs when it's needed. I like that it remembers your settings and restarts if there is power loss. The biggest part for me is that it can handle the high heat of my garage. I wanted a mini-split but now I'm glad I got the window banger.

 

[growshopfrank]

mini split because no light/smell leaks,more secure(hard to push in),quieter,easy low ambient kit and heating option available the only downside is higher initial cost

 

[FreedomFightr]

yeah the main problem I have is I built a fake wall in my room so I could mount my window banger there, instead of it mounted in the window. With it in the house it creates alot of heat on the back side and does leak a lil smell. To fix this, I cut a hole in my cieling and hooked up a scrubber and an 8'' inline fan to exhaust all that hot air. I would love to eliminate that. But the money!!! lol.

 

[FreedomFightr]

They got alot of cheap mini splits at Justminisplits.com with free shipping

 

[FreedomFightr]

A couple months ago I got a Frigidaire 15,100 and it is working perfectly. I keep the fan on low and the I use the econ setting so it only runs when it's needed. I like that it remembers your settings and restarts if there is power loss. The biggest part for me is that it can handle the high heat of my garage. I wanted a mini-split but now I'm glad I got the window banger.

Thats the exact unit Iam looking at... So sounds like u like it. How many lights are you running if u dont mind?

 

[growshopfrank]

yeah the main problem I have is I built a fake wall in my room so I could mount my window banger there, instead of it mounted in the window. With it in the house it creates alot of heat on the back side and does leak a lil smell. To fix this, I cut a hole in my cieling and hooked up a scrubber and an 8'' inline fan to exhaust all that hot air. I would love to eliminate that. But the money!!! lol.

with your current setup the shaker may be the best bet
would it be difficult to insulate the lung/hot space to keep the heat out of the house?

 

[FreedomFightr]

Not it would not be too difficult to do. I never thought about it honestly. Would would you use styrofoam?
Also with the looming financial crisis that window banger is looking better, an extra $1000 in reserves is always a good thing.

 

[growshopfrank]

unless it costs a ton i would use foam just be sure to tape/seal the seams

 

[Green lung]

In my time growing I have found that its better to just go and get the better product wether it be econo fans vs vortex ect, because eventually you will end up buying the better one any ways.



Like you probably end up getting a mini split later on you might as well get it now.

 

[LandscapeEscape]

http://ingramswaterandair.com/

this place has low prices. good customer service as well. Got a 13 seer goodman from them. not gonna be great on electricity but fuck was it cheap

 

[the gnome]

under $1500, nice price on that 13seer goodman 24k btu escape
precharged lines? let us know about the hook ups and stuff.

what is a top seer rating for a minisplit AC

 

[Guest 18340]

Let's not forget the savings on your power bill.
If you get a mini split with an inverter it will save you a few bucks on your electric bill VS a window unit.
A mini split is almost silent, both the indoor and outdoor units.
A mini split does not exchange outside air so as long as the rest of the room is sealed smell will never be an issue.
A properly sized mini split with inverter will keep temps much steadier.
The down side? $$$
http://www.goductless.com/

 

[Prairie Boy]

Mini splits are pretty sweet,but if money is tight,I would recomend window unit,and always have a spare.Ya can get F'd in a sealed grow pretty quick ie.recent hot spell and everyones inventory is gone.

Cheers PB.

 

[BigForest]

Also some minisplits are ac's, duhuey's and heaters in one and dual zoned

 

[LandscapeEscape]

Mini splits come with line sets that are pre charged. The central air units don't and are not. So if you go with a central air unit your looking at $300 for copper lines depending on how far your run is + the price of refrigerate (try to find a unit that uses r-410 its a lot cheaper). Mini splits are easier to set up but with the central air you can set things up however you like as far as circulation is concerned.

 

[LandscapeEscape]

Big forest watch out for those all in one units. If one thing breaks they usually all are out of order until the unit can be serviced. Same issue with using mini splits that have 2 or 3 air handlers. The condenser breaks and you're SOL

 

[Puscifer]

Mini splits come with line sets that are pre charged.

Most mini splits DO NOT come with precharged line sets, rather the condensing units come charged. You still need to hook up the copper line set and pull a vacuum.
The only major brand name to use actaul precharged line sets is Friedrich
Their are a few no name brands with precharged line set but everyone knows (or should know!) to stay clear of them.