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Community => Non-audio hobbies and interests => Home Improvements and Renovations => Topic started by: johnto on 21 Jun 2019, 01:33 am

Title: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: johnto on 21 Jun 2019, 01:33 am
Hi I've been thinking of going from oil to hyper heat mini splits for heat and air conditioning, looking for advice if anyone else in New England has done the same and how they hold up in the cold and what the approximate cost would be monthly for 1200 sq ft
Thanks
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: JLM on 21 Jun 2019, 10:30 am
You'll need more information to make an assessment:  degree days and heating design temperature for your exact location; estimate of overall R value of your home; local contractors/recent customers evaluations; cost of electricity; will you be using all or part of your home during typical days.

I have a well performing home in Michigan but as always am interested in this too.
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: johnto on 21 Jun 2019, 02:01 pm
The home is typical 2x4 construction insulated with 2 floors bedrooms on 2nd so would be controlling heat use by turning down sleeping area during the day and living area at night.
As this is fairly new technology in the US I am trying to find out if anyone else is using it as their only heating, cooling source in the New England area. I don't want to replace my oil and then find out mini's are not adequate.
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: Don_S on 21 Jun 2019, 02:21 pm
John,

What is a hyper heat mini split?  As you said, it is fairly new technology in the US. I have never heard of it.
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: Escott1377 on 21 Jun 2019, 02:29 pm
The hyper heat unit uses a scroll compressor (just like a normal unit) but is designed to spin faster (creating more super heat) for the colder environments.

These units are typically designed to provide full heating down to approximately -13 F.  I am not 100% on that number as it may vary by manufacturer.

I have been an engineer in the HVAC engineer for 20 years and am a Commercial Sales Managers for the Southeast for 1 of the major manufacturers.

I cannot comment on the question regarding dollars saved or your building envelope (as you describe your house), but the units are extremely efficient due to the linear compressor design which matches your building load much closer than a standard design.
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: johnto on 21 Jun 2019, 02:38 pm
Thank you. Yes I had heard they are just as efficient at 5° as they are at 65°. Trying to decide betwern them and going to gas.
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: Escott1377 on 21 Jun 2019, 02:50 pm
Gas typically has a better price at 10 F and below when you are comparing therm / Kw.

The mini split solution will provide a better level of comfort (since they are zoned) if this is a consideration.
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: dolsey01 on 21 Jun 2019, 03:41 pm
Thank you. Yes I had heard they are just as efficient at 5° as they are at 65°. Trying to decide betwern them and going to gas.

Living in Boston, my gas bill is my least expensive utility.  We have mini splits but mostly only use for A/C in the summer.  If the cost for using them for heat it similar, I'd be prepared for a shocking electric bill.  My budgeted electric bill is $296 a month and that's only using the mini splits June-Sept for A/C.  I'd guess using them for heat would put me into the $400-450 range.  My house is only 1700SF.  On the flipside, my gas bill on the budgeted plan is $150. 
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: johnto on 21 Jun 2019, 04:01 pm
Wow are those the regular mini splits or hyper heat mini's.
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: dolsey01 on 21 Jun 2019, 05:00 pm
Wow are those the regular mini splits or hyper heat mini's.

Regular, installed two years ago.  I didn't go with the hyper heat because I didn't want to give up the space that extra box was going to take up and we have a pretty efficient gas boiler.   
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: aldcoll on 21 Jun 2019, 06:49 pm
There is a plethora of energy cost estimate web pages.   My providers (Oregon) have them on their websites.

One option is to get a analysis from a reputable contractor.  The 2 times I have purchased heat and air the salesmen did a spread sheet.  And the numbers were pretty darned close.

The rebate is another item to look at.

Alan
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: johnto on 26 Sep 2019, 09:15 pm
Just wish someone from a cold climate who only uses mini splits would weigh in
Title: Re: Mini split heat pumps info wanted
Post by: glynnw on 27 Sep 2019, 12:02 am
I have used a Mitsubishi mini-split for 7-8 years and it works fine to cool a 20x20 room during Louisiana summers.  Have seldom used the heat.  Only 1 warning - I bought the unit on the internet, not from Mitsubishi.  The indoor wall-mounted unit developed a coolant leak after a couple of years.  Since I had used my regular AC man to install it and not a MItsubishi dealer, Mitsubishi required that I disassemble the unit and send them just the defective part for replacement, which is absurd.  I bought a new entire wall-mount unit (the outside part is fine) and paid to have it installed.  All things taken into account, it was still cheaper than buying unit from local Mitsubishi dealer.  The tech who installed it said they refer to these as disposable units.