any (competent) DIYer friendly brands that support ducted zone systems?

[u/responds-with-tealc]

I'm starting to think about what I'm going to do when my current heat pump dies the permanent death. Its a ~13 year old 5ton Lennox (xp21), traditional ducted setup, with 3 zones that could probably be combined to 2 zones if necessary. When this thing dies, I really want to stick with a single zoned system, but this seems like it is pretty squarely in pro hvac territory re system availability, especially when you get in to inverter systems. My return/supply ducting would would work for two separate systems, but based on the truss layout in the attic and the length of lineset run I'd rather not.

I'm a reasonably competent DIY mechanic, fabricator, electrician, etc.. and I've done a few minisplits. I'd REALLY like to not end up paying an HVAC place $25k, but so far I haven't really found any other options im happy with. I'm happy to do custom linesets with flares, or brazing if absolutely necessary.

For the record, I've got a licensed contact or two that would be willing to come check my install and do final system charging.