Need to replace HVAC - miniduct vs. minisplit/ductless

[Roy Batty]

Lucky me. I need to replace my 30+ year old HVAC system and I'm wondering what other folks in the neighborhood have done. I have a two-story 15 foot wide rowhouse (about 1300 sq ft)with a flat roof. The whole thing needs to be replaced (gas heating/air conditioning and ductwork). The ductwork is inadequate, rusted out and has no returns upstairs. So, it's a complete replacement.

Since the house is small and I want to preserve as much space as possible, I've been thinking about either a high velocity miniduct system (like Unico) or ductless mini-split system.

I'm wondering about the choices other folks who have the similar requirements and limitations have gone with and what their experience has been.

Thanks for your help.

[Scoats]

I installed a standard ducted AC system in my old house, keeping the radiator heat. If I could do it over again, I would go with a mini-split system so I can zone each area for getter comfort and efficiency.

[luchobucho]

I installed a standard ducted AC system in my old house, keeping the radiator heat. If I could do it over again, I would go with a mini-split system so I can zone each area for getter comfort and efficiency.

Depending on how your downstairs is arranged, you could get away with a 3 or 4 headed minisplit system.

[Phil08]

I just put in a unico high velocity system in my 2 br row house in the spring. I considered traditional central Air and also mini splits. I have to say I happy with my choice. There is only one small return and I only needed to cover the ducts in two rooms. Price wise the three were options we're not far off from each other....