I'm full-timing in a 1989 Toyota camper, about 21' long... the cab & over-cab areas are sealed off with thick blankets, so the area I'll be cooling/heating is about 100 sq ft, 12x8'.
I'm looking at the high efficiency EG4 units, debating between 9K and 12K, 115VAC.
The 9K is rated for "rooms up to 500sf"... but I know that old RVs don't behave like modern houses. My toyota has stock insulation (compressed foam mostly), stock window tinting (pretty good), a new roof w/highly reflective PVC membrane, + 900W in panels covering about half the total roof area...I'll be insulating the windows with warm window. The indoor unit will be mounted against the rear wall, & I have a maxxair fan right in front of it, so I can reverse the fan and blow conditioned air around the cab pretty powerfully. I have a 48V system with 5.1kwh battery and am open to adding another battery if necessary.
This will be my home for years probably, and I'll be doing a 3-month surgery recovery in it at some point, so I want to be comfortable....but I don't want to over-spec it either.
I'm in the Sacramento area most of the year --hot and dry in summer--but I plan on traveling a fair bit, maybe go around the country to more humid climes. I also would like to be able to heat the space comfortably when outside temperatures are in the 20s...
Is the 9K plenty for me, or would you go 12K?
Second question--If I moved into a cabin later could I transfer the mini-split, or is better to start fresh? I ask this question because even if 9K is enough, maybe I'd go 12K to potentially use it in a bigger space later.
I have very little income and this is a big purchase for me. I'd rather spend the extra $200 than be underpowered, but if 9K is more than enough I'd happily save the $200.
Thanks!
I'm looking at the high efficiency EG4 units, debating between 9K and 12K, 115VAC.
The 9K is rated for "rooms up to 500sf"... but I know that old RVs don't behave like modern houses. My toyota has stock insulation (compressed foam mostly), stock window tinting (pretty good), a new roof w/highly reflective PVC membrane, + 900W in panels covering about half the total roof area...I'll be insulating the windows with warm window. The indoor unit will be mounted against the rear wall, & I have a maxxair fan right in front of it, so I can reverse the fan and blow conditioned air around the cab pretty powerfully. I have a 48V system with 5.1kwh battery and am open to adding another battery if necessary.
This will be my home for years probably, and I'll be doing a 3-month surgery recovery in it at some point, so I want to be comfortable....but I don't want to over-spec it either.
I'm in the Sacramento area most of the year --hot and dry in summer--but I plan on traveling a fair bit, maybe go around the country to more humid climes. I also would like to be able to heat the space comfortably when outside temperatures are in the 20s...
Is the 9K plenty for me, or would you go 12K?
Second question--If I moved into a cabin later could I transfer the mini-split, or is better to start fresh? I ask this question because even if 9K is enough, maybe I'd go 12K to potentially use it in a bigger space later.
I have very little income and this is a big purchase for me. I'd rather spend the extra $200 than be underpowered, but if 9K is more than enough I'd happily save the $200.
Thanks!
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