Mini split A/C Heat Pump systems

[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.