<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /></head><body style='font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif'>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 11px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff;"><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 11px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff;">
<div class="v1gmail_signature" dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr"><br />Jason Szumlanski</div>
<div dir="ltr"> </div>
<div dir="ltr"> </div>
<div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And extremely quiet which is a main reason to be offgrid ! <span style="font-size: 18pt;"> 😉</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="signature"><br />
<pre> </pre>
<pre><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
<a href="http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/" rel="noopener"> </a><a style="color: blue; font-size: 11px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://offgridsolar1.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">https://offgridsolar1.com/</span></a><a href="http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/" rel="noopener"> </a>
e-mail <a href="mailto:offgridsolar@sti.net">offgridsolar@sti.net</a>
text 209 813 0060</span></strong></pre>
</div>
<p><br /></p>
<p id="reply-intro">On 2025-03-13 1:58 pm, Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches wrote:</p>
<blockquote type="cite" style="padding: 0 0.4em; border-left: #1010ff 2px solid; margin: 0">
<div id="replybody1">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span class="v1gmail_default" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div>
<div class="v1gmail_signature" dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr"><br />Jason Szumlanski
<div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto,RobotoDraft,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto,RobotoDraft,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto,RobotoDraft,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto,RobotoDraft,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto,RobotoDraft,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956</span></div>
<div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="v1gmail_quote v1gmail_quote_container">
<div class="v1gmail_attr" dir="ltr">On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 4:41 PM Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>> wrote:</div>
<blockquote class="v1gmail_quote" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid #cccccc; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div class="v1msg-2466788726394948514">
<div dir="ltr">
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">Hi Pieter,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">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.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">That said, they do work well with solar applications.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> </div>
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514Signature">
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514divtagdefaultwrapper" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">Wayne Irwin</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">President</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">License #CVC56695</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">State Licensed Solar Contractor</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">Pure Energy Solar</span><span style="color: #06400c;"> International Inc.</span><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">Wayne@PureEnergySolar.com</span><br /><a id="v1m_-2466788726394948514OWA78a2c8c5-f100-4000-e0fa-1f31612c6182" title="http://pureenergysolar.com/" href="http://pureenergysolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span id="v1mt-tracked-link_0_1741898582144" style="color: red;"></span>PureEnergySolar.com</a><br /><a id="v1m_-2466788726394948514OWAa5d8bccc-d950-6c73-63a2-7193ed31ddcf" title="http://solarchargingstation.com/" href="http://solarchargingstation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span id="v1mt-tracked-link_0_1741898582146" style="color: red;"></span>SolarChargingStation.com</a><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">352 377-6527 Office</span><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">352 336-3299 Fax</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">The Sun Is Always Shining!</span><br /><br />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.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514appendonsend"></div>
<hr style="display: inline-block; width: 98%;" />
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong>From:</strong> pieter <a href="http://offgridenterprises.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span id="v1mt-tracked-link_0_1741898582148" style="color: red;"></span>offgridenterprises.org</a> <<a href="mailto:pieter@offgridenterprises.org" rel="noreferrer">pieter@offgridenterprises.org</a>><br /><strong>Sent:</strong> Thursday, March 13, 2025 4:09 PM<br /><strong>To:</strong> RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br /><strong>Cc:</strong> Wayne Irwin <<a href="mailto:pureenergysolar@hotmail.com" rel="noreferrer">pureenergysolar@hotmail.com</a>><br /><strong>Subject:</strong> Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits</span>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div style="font-family: Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">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.</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> You are getting about ten years so not to bad but I have some healthy systems that are 20 years old still going strong.</div>
<div style="font-family: Aptos,Aptos_EmbeddedFont,Aptos_MSFontService,Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">Pieter</div>
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514x_appendonsend"></div>
<hr style="display: inline-block; width: 98%;" />
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514x_divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong>From:</strong> RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>> on behalf of Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br /><strong>Sent:</strong> Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:02 PM<br /><strong>To:</strong> RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br /><strong>Cc:</strong> Wayne Irwin <<a href="mailto:pureenergysolar@hotmail.com" rel="noreferrer">pureenergysolar@hotmail.com</a>><br /><strong>Subject:</strong> Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits</span>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">Hey Jay,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">I live off grid (25yrs) in North Fla. (temp range is teens - 100+ F) with mini-splits throughout the house (2,700sq'). </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">I have used just about every brand. We primarily use them for cooling but also use heat to supplement the wood stove. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">I can't imagine living without them. Although it's a love/hate relationship.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">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. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">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. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">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.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">I don't use the vacuum on the lines. I just keep the lines plugged and dry until I hook them up.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">My 15kW array with 2 - VFX3648R's has had no issue powering any of them.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;">I hope this info helps.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"> </div>
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514x_x_Signature">
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514x_x_divtagdefaultwrapper" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #000000;">
<div><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">Wayne Irwin</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">President</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">License #CVC56695</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">State Licensed Solar Contractor</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #06400c; background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0); line-height: normal;">Pure Energy Solar</span><span style="color: #06400c;"> International Inc.</span><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">Wayne@PureEnergySolar.com</span><br /><a id="v1m_-2466788726394948514OWAe5b696c2-eb53-99f3-ff40-38f0320eadac" title="http://pureenergysolar.com/" href="http://pureenergysolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span id="v1mt-tracked-link_0_1741898582149" style="color: red;"></span>PureEnergySolar.com</a><br /><a id="v1m_-2466788726394948514OWAa91948fc-b93d-8562-0609-1b6e7de4286c" title="http://solarchargingstation.com/" href="http://solarchargingstation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span id="v1mt-tracked-link_0_1741898582151" style="color: red;"></span>SolarChargingStation.com</a><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">352 377-6527 Office</span><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">352 336-3299 Fax</span><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">352 316-1637 Cell</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #06400c;">The Sun Is Always Shining!</span><br /><br />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.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514x_x_appendonsend"></div>
<hr style="display: inline-block; width: 98%;" />
<div id="v1m_-2466788726394948514x_x_divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong>From:</strong> RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>> on behalf of Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br /><strong>Sent:</strong> Thursday, March 13, 2025 11:05 AM<br /><strong>To:</strong> RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br /><strong>Cc:</strong> Michael Morningstar <<a href="mailto:mjmorningstar@gmail.com" rel="noreferrer">mjmorningstar@gmail.com</a>><br /><strong>Subject:</strong> Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits</span>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div dir="ltr">I'm interested in this too</div>
<br />
<div>
<div dir="ltr">On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 7:39 AM jay via RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="noreferrer">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>> wrote:</div>
<blockquote style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid #cccccc; padding-left: 1ex;">HI All,<br /><br />I have been getting a lot of questions about people wanting to install mini splits in their off grid homes, and in normal homes. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Is there a good place for information so I can educate myself as to the different brands etc<br />Or maybe someone can contact me off list if they have some info to share. <br /><br />Thanks'<br /><br />jay</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="pre" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: monospace">_______________________________________________<br />List sponsored by Redwood Alliance<br /><br />Pay optional member dues here: <a href="http://re-wrenches.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://re-wrenches.org</a><br /><br />List Address: <a href="mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br /><br />Change listserver email address & settings:<br /><a href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a><br /><br />There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other:<br /><a href="https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/</a><br /><a href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a><br /><br />List rules & etiquette:<br /><a href="http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm</a><br /><br />Check out or update participant bios:<br /><a href="http://www.members.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.members.re-wrenches.org</a><br /><br /></div>
</blockquote>
</body></html>