Mini-split 12,000BTU vs 18,000BTU?

[peakbagger]

These are some of the best.

http://www.midnitesolar.com/products.php?menuItem=products&productCat_ID=23&productCatName=Surge Protection Devices

 

[borped]

Ok so I went to a trade show which had about a dozen mini split resellers, and almost all said to get a 12,000 BTU unit with a high CFM fan which contradicts what was said in this thread. They basically said if you get the 18,000 BTU, yes since it's variable speed inverter technology it can run at lower power but then it the fan will also be working at it's lowest speed, perhaps only 300cfm instead of 600cfm, and that won't be enough to push the air 45' to the far end of the hallway/bedrooms. So they say I'd end up with a comfortable main area but the bedrooms would still be hot and humid, or if i ran the 18K hard enough to get the bedrooms cool the main area would be like walking into a beer fridge at the 7/11. They all seemed to recommend a quality 12K unit with a fan that can push 450cfm or more?

I'm as confused as ever as to why there is no consensus on this

 

[woodgeek]

Makes sense....hadn't thought about the throw. I would think the units could be designed to alternate between a low CFM AC mode (when cooling is needed) and a high CFM compressor off mode (for mixing)... but of course the same operation in a conventional split would reduce dehumidification (since the water 'hung up' on the coil gets evaporated in the mixing mode). Hmmm.
Overall, seems like a kinda lame limitation, esp in a low-AC area like toronto. I guess you are ok open plan (like a wood stove), or if you are ok with poor mixing. I could still wonder if the 12K unit would keep the bedroom cool if the doors are **closed** as many people like at night....

 

[borped]

We don't sleep with doors closed, and I have a 12,000 BTU unit in my condo at the moment, the unit is literally above my bedroom door. Close the door at night and it's a sauna, I don't think any unit could counter the restricted airflow of a closed bedroom door.