For a 2000 sq ft house, what would the approximate cost difference be? Are the mini split systems capable of keeping up with 105 degree days?

I looked into these when we built the bunkhouse. The problem I had with the mini splits is they are pretty much limited to cooling/heating one room. For about the same price, I got a central heat/cool unit with ducting that goes to all 4 rooms.

Mini splits are like two piece window units. The hot part is outside on the ground, the cold part is hanging on the inside wall. They are connected with copper lines and power/control wiring via a big hole in the wall. They work just fine but you will need several units to cool a large place. The granularity is good, you can cool only the room you're in. If one quits, you can run other zones to stay cool and warm, yes they have heat too. No duct work is a plus. I have used them long ago to cool radio shacks (under towers) and they handled the constant cooling load. They should cost less to install and operate efficiently. I have a central unit cooling my 2200 sq ft but I also used to have window units for backup. I'm down to one big unit for standby in the center of the house now that we have a new central unit. You could also consider window units as an alternative.

IMO you would probably come out better with central air in a space that large. unless you only really want to cool a small portion. By the time you run your lines and place all the blowers and condensors (some systems can handle multiple outlets) you probably aren't saving much more that a Central system with or without Zone controllers.

Cost wise I would say central air will be less expensive that multiple mini splits.
Is this new construction or retrofit of and existing home?

Dang it.

Had a longer post typed but power went out at work, the short and skinny.

1) mini split will be more than central, Initially.
2) depends on a variety of factors. How well its insulated, size of area per unit, how cold you like it, etc, etc.
It keeps a 240sqft, radiant barriered shed at about 72-76 during the day in the middle of summer.

If you can get adjusted to hotel style heating and cooling then I think its better and more efficient. Plus it can run off 120v.

I own 2 and just sold another. Feel free to PM me if you have any more specific questions.

Go with the central. You'll be superintendent of schools one day.

Aren't several companies producing systems that mimic central air in appearance (ceiling vents and a central control panel for all zones)?

Minis are products. They just have some limitations. I had a more detailed post but was denied submission. I will PM if I can.

Lets try this again:
Pros; dollar for dollar higher SEER. Very efficient. Very Quiet. Most are variable speed, do a better job of humidity control.You can install in locations if cant or do not want duct work. Very reliable, failure rate percentage is low.Almost a DYI project, I said almost. Compact, hangs on wall and outdoor unit has small foot print.

Cons; Unit with multiple air handlers need to be same area. Condensate removal may problematic. Heat/cool units will need back up heat in winter. Can be expensive to repair, I would be prepared to replace after 15 years.May negatively impact resell of home, last time I spoke with a realtor, if an are didn't have ducts, it was not climate controlled.

Daikin may have some, but they are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ + $$

edit** they do. They are called slim ducts.

Which reminds me Daikin has an 8 zone mini-split system.

http://www.daikinac.com/content/residential/multi-zone/8-zone-multi-split/

Mini-Splits are great little machines, I've installed many of the over the years. As mentioned above, they do have their limitations when it comes to heating, due to them being heat pumps and having no resistance heat built in. They just don't heat well below 35 degrees or so.

And that's the only negative I can really think of, outside of actual installation issues, mainly the condensate and refrigerant piping issues. Sometimes, depending on where they are located, the piping can be a bear to get installed.

As for how they operate; they work great. As long as the unit(s) are sized properly, they'll do anything a central unit will do, and more in some cases. I personally love the oscillating feature on the air diverters. It will oscillate the airflow throughout a space, thus cooling it more evenly and efficiently.

There are lots of options out there too. There are air handlers that locate in the ceiling, so you don't have that hotel/motel look hanging on the wall. LG has some air handlers that look like picture frames, where you can insert your own artwork, so it conceals what it really is.

Yeah, initial cost will be more than a baseline central system, but the benefits can add up for the right customer, and even pay dividends in the long run.

Anybody want to come down and install a 2 ton mini split on the porch I'm closing in? Fayette county.

The newest Inverter driven (Mitsubishi) mini-splits have ultra-high (up to 26 seer) and heat (heatpump) effectively down to -13F. (MUZ-FE09,MUZ-FE12,MUZ-FE18NA) This will save you some serious coin if you are all-electric.
Units are a bit more higher cost up front, but if you shop around a bit, can get a good price, and they will pay for themselves with power savings.

They do make multi-zone units (for doing a whole house), but price ratchets up there pretty quick, and the multi-zones may not be as efficient.

If you have natural-gas available, I'd say skip the mini-split and go with a conventional furnace/central system. I'd also be sure to get a system that has a variable-speed air handler + a humidity control thermostat; (only costs a few bucks more, but will make you tons more comfortable with lower energy bill).

Got my (Mitsubishi) 2 ton mini-split installed on porch a couple months ago and love this thing.

If you already have a ducted heating system then I would just add an a-coil and outside compressor unit to it.