Mini split A/C Heat Pump systems

[aeblank]

I did get a quick response from John at Chiltrix.
Bottom line is that it is very expensive, at least for me. Basically a little over $9k. I can get the "same thing" in a pioneer for $3600.
I'm certain I can buy many extra feet of tubing and get an HVAC guy to sign off my install for $5,500.
Pity too, I liked the technology.

 

[SirReal63]

It certainly isn't the cheap option, but it for us it is cheaper than going Geothermal and our floorplan isn't very friendly to ductwork, and I hate ductwork.

 

[aeblank]

Agreed. I guess I don't see the benefit of it over a mini-split (where "freon" goes to the rooms instead of super-cooled water/glycol).
I suppose "just" efficiency. For me, using it a month or two a year, efficiency is only of some concern. Either system is way better than a window unit, I'm sure.

So that's what started this. No point in spending $400 for a window unit this summer if we're gonna be able to do a mini-split next summer.

 

[SirReal63]

A little different climate for us, our A/C runs as early as March and as late as November most years with triple digit temps for a few months. In your case, the mini split is a near perfect solution. A/C is our largest electrical consumer, by a large margin, so the most efficiency we can get is all savings. That was why were thinking Geothermal but in our area it is cost prohibitive for us.

 

[aeblank]

In a perfect world (and I think a chiller might be perfect for this) I would use the extra AC heat to dump into my heat storage tank. Then I'd take a shower with it. =) The heat gain vs. the cost to do it isn't justifiable though.

 

[SirReal63]

We went with LP on demand hot water or we have used a Heat Recovery Unit to a tank, but the on demand has worked beautifully and used very little propane since January.

 

[aeblank]

for heat, I have an HS Tarm wood-fired boiler with re-burner (gets hot enough to burn exhaust gasses) attached to a 1600 gallon reserve tank. Then radiant floor heat. It's slow recovery, but very nice overall. Hot water comes from a coil within the tank (effectively a 1600 gallon water heater).

 

[forgeblast]

Just got our quote for our mini split
1- Fujitsu 24,000 BTU Mini-Split heatpump Outdoor Unit Multi-zone
1-9,000 Indoor Unit
2-7,000 Indoor Units
3-Remote Controls
Disconnect
Pad
Whip
Line Sets
$6800

 

[aeblank]

On highseer.com

3-zone (27000 BTU) - $1155
3ea 9,000 BTU wall-hanging unit - $198ea.

$1749.

So you'd have to figure out disconnect/pad/whip/line sets. (what is whip?)

I'm trying to quantify line sets. I watched on TV (and youtube) TOH install one and they just used flexible copper line, doing their own flares. I know how to do that, and have plenty of times before. As such, I see no need to buy their super high-dollar line kits (that won't be the right length anyway). Unless I'm wrong, of course.

 

[forgeblast]

Whip is the electrical cord components.

 

[ustmd]

I have a Mini Split and have been very pleased with it.

One note of caution, there are no "do overs" with Mini spilts. They come filled from the factory and should not (i.e. voids your warranty) be recharged in the field.

 

[Redneck in training]

The chiller if combined with PV could run on own power all day. You would need to add a tank large enough to absorb all energy generated by the PV and then run from the tank at night.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Agreed. I guess I don't see the benefit of it over a mini-split (where "freon" goes to the rooms instead of super-cooled water/glycol).

geo still has the same freon loop as any other AC unit. What it doesn't have is a condenser fan, because it uses the water loop temp instead of outside air temp. There is no "super cooled" water/glycol unless during the winter heat cycle when the loop temps get pretty cold as you suck the heat out of the ground (which is more efficient than pulling it out of the air).
It was hot here today, my geo was creating cooling from 60* water instead of 93* air.
I do like mini splits for the right conditions, not for doing the whole house. They are great for add on systems, or if you don't have any duct work to start with.

 

[SirReal63]

I believe he was talking about the chiller mini split over a freon based mini split.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Not familiar with that one then. Thought he was talking geo.

 

[aeblank]

I was talking chiller vs. conventional mini-split.
I certainly understand geothermal's benefits. Heat transfer class AND common sense tell me that one.

I'll keep reading up on my minisplit options. Probably going to do a 4 zone cassette system.

 

[MacLawn]

I'll be putting a Japanese brand (Toshiba, Sharp, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, National, one of these) in my shop. But, I really want geothermal in my house. Being in Georgia for this, I need good heat and cooling, especially cooling, but, me old bones canno' even stand our winters! I want heat! Of course, have me fireplace for that, but still want my heat pump to keep us warm.

In Japan, I've installed the mini systems myself, very easy. One time though, I forgot and let out all the freon! I speak Japanese, so called a service guy to come refill it. We had a good laugh about it. He said he's seen people do that before, and showed me how to move them without losing ye freon, or whatever they use now days.

 

[MacLawn]

I'll be putting a Japanese brand (Toshiba, Sharp, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, National, one of these) in my shop. But, I really want geothermal in my house. Being in Georgia for this, I need good heat and cooling, especially cooling, but, me old bones canno' even stand our winters! I want heat! Of course, have me fireplace for that, but still want my heat pump to keep us warm.

In Japan, I've installed the mini systems myself, very easy. One time though, I forgot and let out all the freon! I speak Japanese, so called a service guy to come refill it. We had a good laugh about it. He said he's seen people do that before, and showed me how to move them without losing ye freon, or whatever they use now days.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

The mitsubishi can be ordered AC only, no heat. That messed me up on a project.

 

[MacLawn]

Yeah buckeye, I gotta have heat. I'll research more, and make sure my shop unit has heat too.