I bought a house 2 years ago with electric baseboard heat and no AC. I am considering adding ac but don't want to spend a small fortune. I don't need my house to be freezing in the summer, I am actually comfortable around 78-79 as long as the humidity is not there. I have a 2000 sq/ft 2 story house in south central PA. I think I can use a 9,000 btu (living room), and a 12,000 btu (kitchen, and dining room). I have 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a Hallway upstairs. The hallway is about 5-6ft wide. Would I be able to use only 1 unit in the hallway to cool the entire upstairs? I heat with a coal stove so I am use to sleeping with bedroom doors open. Thanks

 

I'm not a HVAC person but I don't think yours is a good application for split units. You mentioned three units which are going to be $1'000 each installed and at best you'd have a hodgepodge system. If you have a basement or crawl space and attic that are accessible I'd seriously consider doing it properly with a central system. It will be several thousand more but with three splits you will be spending $3k+ on a band-aid system which is probably more than half way there to doing it right.

Also, when price shopping split systems make sure you are looking at a complete system with indoor & outdoor units. I have seen some with a great price only to read the fine print and find out that it's for the interior unit only.

 

As a homeowner with hot water baseboard heat, I too have been considering a mini split system. We now use two window units that do not cool the whole house. I am against a system in the attic as we have a bungalow type house with very little accessible attic space. I am not interested in adding ductwork in my basement. Then I might as well have a forced air furnace. Also, with a ten course basement too much head room would be lost. I think there are videos on YouTube showing mini split systems. Ask This Old House also has featured this type on installation. Mini splits are probably not for everyone, but they do serve a segment of the market. Just my opinion.

 

I am also not an HVAC guy but have wired a few mini splits. I find they do a fine job if they are installed and sized correctly. They are, however, quite pricey. I would think you could get just as good of a job for a lot less money with some window or portable ac units. (Note on portables, ONLY look at two hose models)

IMO sizing and installing mini splits are not a DIY job. I strongly suggest getting some bids. Contractors may also have some other suggestions for your application.