HVAC Dillema/Suggestions/Solutions...

Hi Everyone, After being delayed more than a year and a half on starting my build it still looks like I have a few more things that I need to accomplish before I can get going. It is probably for the best though... I have learned so much more here over that time that I feel like I can make very very informed decisions more comfortably when I do begin building. On to the topic... HVAC. This is the last part of my design that I need to iron out the details off. As I see it, there are a few sensible choices out there but of course I am in search of the solution that is the greatest compromise between cost and effectiveness. Option 1) Mini-Split AC w/ an ERV - This seems like the most common choice among the budget/home builds here on the site. The cost is not unbearable but my concerns are chilling multiple rooms isn't very feasible unless you have a more expensive mini-split with multiple indoor units plus the operating noise for most systems are in the 35-45db range. Option 2) Chiller Room w/ an In-Wall/Window AC - This seems like another common approach here but uses up very valuable space in a garage build and puts roughly a 20"x16" hole in your outer shell. Option 3) Chiller Room w/ an Evaporative Cooler and an ERV - I don't know much about evaporative coolers but it looked like an interesting option based on the fact that you would have to put less holes in your outer shell. Option 4) Using Existing Home AC w/ a Multi-Zone System - This is the option that I am most excited about. I found this system http://www.smarthome.com/3038A/HVAC-2-Zone-Controller/p.aspx which allows you to control your home's system as if it were two (or four) separate units by automatically opening and closing the ducting based on multiple thermostats' settings. Am I crazy? Has this been discussed before and I just didn't search for it well enough? This seems like it would be a great solution for everyone in my situation. I have even considered adding a wireless thermostat for even less holes in the shells. So, my question really is, if installed properly (i.e. silencers, multiple 90 degree turns, lined ducting, etc.) will Option 4 work for a garage build out? Maybe add an ERV if necessary for additional fresh air exchanges? Am I too excited about this product? It is 100% DIY and fairly cheap compared to the other options. Hopefully someone can give me the thumbs up or down on this one. Like I said, I'm excited about this product, it could save a lot of us a lot of money. Thanks again to everyone on the forum!

Not an HVAC guy but what happens in the winter time when the heater is running in the house and you need AC in the studio? Its rare in the winter time but when I get a 5-7 piece in and lots of gear. Bodies and gear!!= heat Peace Tom

True. I guess I didn't have that in mind necessarily because of my location. In Dallas I only run the heat for maybe 25-40 days out of the year tops depending on the winter.

I'm not an A/C guy either, but I do have some experience there in a past life. I also live in the Dallas area. In a case where the house is too cool and the studio is too warm, you might be able to simply run the system fan and circulate the air. Given time, the air would mix and find an average. You could then heat/cool according to that temp. My concern would be noise through the ductwork. I know there are silencers, but it would seem better to have two separate systems just to keep the ductwork isolated. Regarding evaporative coolers, also known as "swamp coolers". I would highly recommend dismissing that option altogether. They cool the air by adding water cooled air. That works okay if you live in the dry desert (still not as good as A/C), but it won't work at all in Dallas, at least not in the real heat of summer. Picture a typical Dallas summer day of 100 degrees F with 40-60% humidity and then add more water (albeit slightly cooler). It doesn't work here. Hope this helps, Scott

This is the system we used at Jamie Cerniglia's basement studio and the style of system I try to use when possible. The one unit feeds all the rooms and Jamie tells me it's excellent. http://www.johnlsayers.com/Pages/cerniglia.htm

Thanks guys! @plus6vu: As I stated "I don't know much about evaporative coolers..." After I posted this I did more research and read reviews on different systems and came up to the conclusion rather quickly that it would definitely not be appropriate in my situation. Plus having that much water near where I would be putting all of my gear does not sound like a good idea. In regards to the transmission potential through the ducting using my propsed option 4, I am not really really concerned about leakage into the home so much as I am between the two rooms... I think that I may just go with this option and report back once I am finished. @john: That system is similar to what I am looking at except it hooks into the existing home's HVAC system. Once I get this off the ground I will let everyone know how well the system works in this application. Thanks again guys!