Hi All, Since we are on the topic, does anyone have a good method for predicting the kwh consumption of a mini-split?
Thanks, Kris Shine On! Kris Schmid Legacy Solar, LLC 137 West 1st Avenue Luck, WI 54853 www.legacysolar.com 715-653-4295 NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician BSEE On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches < [email protected]> wrote: > Most off-grid homes here in Southwest Florida, one of the most challenging > air conditioning places in the country due to heat and humidity, have moved > to mini-splits. I have a client's system with quad Sol-Ark 15K that is > running eight separate mini-splits and a 4-ton central air unit at a > sprawling residential complex. There are no issues to report. These were > all installed by a reputable local HVAC contractor, so they are not likely > DIY brands. I am not certain about the tonnage, but I believe each > mini-split is 1.5 tons. These are in a highly corrosive/salt environment. I > can't imagine they will last more than a few years each. But from what I > hear, clients on the islands are treating them as disposable in a way. It's > still much cheaper than replacing central air units every few years. > > I have another client's system with a single Sol-Ark 15K and it has two > 2-ton mini-splits that are DIY by the homeowner. They barely dent the > batteries each day. I see them using as little as 400W to maintain temp in > high ambient heat. Most other clients have single mini-splits. I concur > with one of the earlier comments to stay away from multi-zone if possible. > I don't think there are considerable cost savings anyway, and I have not > been able to detect any energy savings going that route. > > There is a guy I did some work for who is running a few old school window > shakers on a Sol-Ark 12K and he has constant problems with surges and > performance of the units. He is in line for a mini-split soon, and plans to > DIY. > > Personally, I have a 2-ton DIY cooling my uninsulated garage at home (on > grid) when I need to use it for short periods in the summer. It works like > a champ, and it was dead easy to install. The hardest part was getting the > line set out through the block wall. I think I paid $1,200 for it, > including the trim kit to hide the line set and a wall bracket for the > compressor unit. > > I think the bottom line for me is super low startup surge and then fairly > consistent power draw once desired temperature is reached. I feel this is > much easier to plan for off-grid rather than repeated start/stop cycles. > > Jason Szumlanski > Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group > NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP) > Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956 > Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208 > > > On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 4:41 PM Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches < > [email protected]> wrote: > >> Hi Pieter, >> >> I should have said that I "No Longer" vacuum them as the extra step that >> I previously applied made no difference in my experience. We are also in >> FL. with extremely high humidity which might be the difference. Most of the >> AC contractors here confirm the same experience. >> >> That said, they do work well with solar applications. >> >> >> Wayne Irwin >> President >> License #CVC56695 >> State Licensed Solar Contractor >> Pure Energy Solar International Inc. >> [email protected] >> PureEnergySolar.com <http://pureenergysolar.com/> >> SolarChargingStation.com <http://solarchargingstation.com/> >> 352 377-6527 Office >> 352 336-3299 Fax >> >> >> The Sun Is Always Shining! >> >> The content of this message is Pure Energy Solar Confidential. If you are >> not the intended recipient and have received this message in error, any use >> or distribution is prohibited. Please notify me immediately by reply e-mail >> and delete this message from your computer system. Thank you. >> >> ------------------------------ >> *From:* pieter offgridenterprises.org <[email protected]> >> *Sent:* Thursday, March 13, 2025 4:09 PM >> *To:* RE-wrenches <[email protected]> >> *Cc:* Wayne Irwin <[email protected]> >> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits >> >> Wayne, I saw your post regarding the use of ductless mini splits. I too >> use them extensively, and have an unblemished track record using them. I >> must say that your failures may be in part due to the fact that you do not >> evacuate the system during the installation process. For what it is worth >> the proper procedure is to precharge the system with nitrogen to about >> 200PSI. Then check for leaks and verify the system will hold pressure. Then >> pull a vacuum on the system for maybe 15 or 20 minutes before releasing the >> refrigerant. If you skip these steps you are vulnerbale to diminished >> performance caused by any air left in the circuit, any moisture will react >> with the refrigerant and turn acidic eventually leading to corrosion. I see >> you keep the lines closed as much as possible but non the less I think will >> find your system longevity will increase, and potentially the performance >> will be better. >> You are getting about ten years so not to bad but I have some healthy >> systems that are 20 years old still going strong. >> Pieter >> ------------------------------ >> *From:* RE-wrenches <[email protected]> on >> behalf of Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches <[email protected]> >> *Sent:* Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:02 PM >> *To:* RE-wrenches <[email protected]> >> *Cc:* Wayne Irwin <[email protected]> >> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits >> >> Hey Jay, >> >> I live off grid (25yrs) in North Fla. (temp range is teens - 100+ F) with >> mini-splits throughout the house (2,700sq'). >> I have used just about every brand. We primarily use them for cooling but >> also use heat to supplement the wood stove. >> I can't imagine living without them. Although it's a love/hate >> relationship. >> My experience is that you get about 10 years max from whatever brand you >> buy. Typically, the inside unit corrodes from condensation and leaks out, >> or the outside unit reversing valve locks up in cold or heat position. IMO >> They are not worth repairing. We currently have 4 - 1 Ton units and 1 - 2 >> ton. I only buy 1 to1 systems vs 1 -4 as it offers redundancy. I initially >> tried "reputable" brands which typically cost more but have since migrated >> to whatever is the cheapest. >> That said I like Gree and/or the knock off brand that they make (good for >> the price and holding up well). When I am in need of more than one, I >> always buy an extra to swap out whichever unit dies first. >> Fortunately for me, years ago, I had a buddy show me how to install them. >> Pretty simple. They come pre-charged and can typically handle up to 30' of >> line with no issues. If possible, find someone to show you once. YouTube >> will offer many WRONG ways to do it videos. >> I don't use the vacuum on the lines. I just keep the lines plugged and >> dry until I hook them up. >> >> My 15kW array with 2 - VFX3648R's has had no issue powering any of them. >> >> I hope this info helps. >> >> Wayne Irwin >> President >> License #CVC56695 >> State Licensed Solar Contractor >> Pure Energy Solar International Inc. >> [email protected] >> PureEnergySolar.com <http://pureenergysolar.com/> >> SolarChargingStation.com <http://solarchargingstation.com/> >> 352 377-6527 Office >> 352 336-3299 Fax >> 352 316-1637 Cell >> >> The Sun Is Always Shining! >> >> The content of this message is Pure Energy Solar Confidential. If you are >> not the intended recipient and have received this message in error, any use >> or distribution is prohibited. Please notify me immediately by reply e-mail >> and delete this message from your computer system. Thank you. >> >> ------------------------------ >> *From:* RE-wrenches <[email protected]> on >> behalf of Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches < >> [email protected]> >> *Sent:* Thursday, March 13, 2025 11:05 AM >> *To:* RE-wrenches <[email protected]> >> *Cc:* Michael Morningstar <[email protected]> >> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits >> >> I'm interested in this too >> >> On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 7:39 AM jay via RE-wrenches < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >> HI All, >> >> I have been getting a lot of questions about people wanting to install >> mini splits in their off grid homes, and in normal homes. >> >> The line of questions usually involves DIY vs contractor. Of course the >> price difference is staggering, roughly 5X more for contractor. And I’m >> being asked all sorts of questions about the DIY versions. >> >> Is there a good place for information so I can educate myself as to the >> different brands etc >> Or maybe someone can contact me off list if they have some info to >> share. >> >> Thanks’ >> >> jay >> >> _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > >
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