Mini split A/C Heat Pump systems

aeblank · May 18, 2015

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 · May 18, 2015

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 · May 18, 2015

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 · May 18, 2015

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 · May 18, 2015

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 · May 18, 2015

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 · May 18, 2015

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 · May 18, 2015

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 · May 18, 2015

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.