[RE-wrenches] mini splits

Thu Mar 13 15:03:23 PDT 2025

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 <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> 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 <
> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> 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.
>> Wayne at PureEnergySolar.com
>> 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 <pieter at offgridenterprises.org>
>> *Sent:* Thursday, March 13, 2025 4:09 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Cc:* Wayne Irwin <pureenergysolar at hotmail.com>
>> *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 <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on
>> behalf of Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Sent:* Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:02 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Cc:* Wayne Irwin <pureenergysolar at hotmail.com>
>> *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.
>> Wayne at PureEnergySolar.com
>> 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 <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on
>> behalf of Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Sent:* Thursday, March 13, 2025 11:05 AM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Cc:* Michael Morningstar <mjmorningstar at gmail.com>
>> *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 <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> 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
>>
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