diy solar

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  • Post in thread: 5 ton AC technology with Sol-Ark 15K

    As @Quattrohead implied, 10 tons is quite large for a single-family dwelling. Before choosing equipment, I'd encourage you to consider insulating the building envelope as much as is practical. Also, run the Manual J calculations to get an idea of heating and cooling loads for each floor or hire...
  • Post in thread: Are micro-inverters/ AC battery tie the way to go currently?

    I made a similar decision last year. I started out leaning towards a string inverter given that I have no shading issues, but ultimately went for Enphase microinverters despite the higher initial cost. They simplify the installation (not relevant in your case), have a longer warranty (25 years...
  • Post in thread: Multizone Mini Split?

    As others have said, one inside unit paired to one outside unit has the potential for the highest efficiency; I say potential because SEER ratings vary considerably across models. Despite the cost in efficiency, I went with a three-zone Mitsubishi because I didn't want condensers everywhere on...
  • Post in thread: Heating watts vs cooling watts

    That difference is typical -- most mini splits use more juice to make heat than to cool.
  • Post in thread: Solar eclipse cuts production

    I was about to post the same thing. :)
  • Post in thread: EG4 24K mini split

    I've read the warranty statements for a handful of major manufacturers and all of those require a licensed HVAC person to do the installation to qualify for a warranty. With good equipment, my hope is the warranty isn't worth that much.
  • Post in thread: How to get solar when you can't afford it

    Agreed, in part because we're dealing with the legacy of residential structures that were not built to maximize energy efficiency. I imagine that if most members here were building new, they would reach net zero even on a small lot. Not so much for having a giant PV array but for appreciating...
  • Post in thread: Actual Power Draw of all Household Devices on Standby

    Perhaps that's true for a contemporary amplifier that's class AB. Old-school class A is a room heater when it's on and is off when it's off. Lots of middle ground, I suspect.
  • Post in thread: Actual Power Draw of all Household Devices on Standby

    I'm a longtime audio dork and switched to Class D amps some years back; zero regrets.
  • Post in thread: 5 ton AC technology with Sol-Ark 15K

    I went with Mitsubishi equipment. They and a few other brands make ducted air handlers for situations like yours; I think theirs maxes out at 3 tons. I actually bought one but switched to ductless once I saw that my existing ducts were rusted through! ?
  • Post in thread: What Mini-Split did you use, and Why?

    Just this week, I installed a Mitsubishi 9k (MUZ-FS09NA outside unit, not a MUZ-FS09NAH -- the H indicates Hyper Heat) but had a pro connect and vacuum the lines and release the refrigerant. That means I had everything ready to go, so he was here for less than an hour. For me, there were...
  • Post in thread: Electric tankless add on to tank water heater

    Reading along had me think of the Rheem Marathon water heater. It's basically a conventional unit built like a thermos bottle. It's expensive, but also has a lifetime warranty.
  • Post in thread: Actual Power Draw of all Household Devices on Standby

    I agree, the better Class D amps on the market are now really good. I use a Hypex NCore in my main rig. For a vehicle, I'd lean Class D for sure. Something like 90% efficient, so small footprint and lots of clean, cheap power. For home, even though I use Class D, I too have a few Class A...
  • Post in thread: Heating watts vs cooling watts

    Sizing and efficiency are two different things. As @Partimewages suggested, you should do a load calculation (Manual J) to determine the size of the unit required to meet the design conditions for your space. Once you have that value you can choose whichever model you want so long as it's the...
  • Post in thread: Help me Install 3 EG4 Mini Split Solar Heat Pumps

    I gave up trying to find the formal EPA rule, but I think the ban on using R410A in new equipment starts in 2025. So the phase-out has started but the ban isn't implement until 2025 given push-back from the HVAC industry.
  • Post in thread: Preparing for the heat...

    @Lt.Dan I'd be surprised if an attached garage didn't have at least some insulation... but I guess it's possible. MIght depend on what code was at the time it was built. I've been using CoolCalc to run the Manual J load calculations to size mini-splits. It's free. You only pay (something like...
  • Post in thread: Mitsubishi mini splits off-grid?

    When units are oversized, the primary risk is short cycling; the consequences depend on local conditions. In humid environments, for example, not enough humidity will be removed because the unit won't run long enough. Modest short cycling can be slightly less of a concern with mini-splits...
  • Post in thread: Solar powered mini split vs just using inverter and batteries with old mini split.

    @watchdoc, even at 10 SEER, it would take a very long time to return your investment on a new mini-split. So, from the financial side, it doesn't make sense to replace the existing unit. But I'll assume it's not all about money. You're renovating, so if the thought of having to swap units a...
  • Post in thread: Actual Power Draw of all Household Devices on Standby

    You're welcome. Scratchy volume and tone controls are typically an easy fix -- pull the knob, spray some compressed air or contact cleaner, spin back and forth. I bet there are a pile of YT videos with illustrations. A full restoration would be a labor of love. At 44 years, I would expect...
  • Post in thread: Multizone Mini Split?

    I agree that without a remote temperature sensor then it's just a remote. The options I know best are for Mitsubishi units, which, according to reviews, work as expected. I have one but have not yet installed it, so we'll see. The down side of the Mitsubishi stuff is the price, so I have been...
  • Post in thread: SolarApp+

    Sorry slow to reply, was working long days on the house in advance of roofers showing up yesterday. Made it, if barely. To your question, I don't know the answer, but the utility distinguishes self-installers from those with a contractor's license. I imagine the app could be set to work...
  • Post in thread: Help me Install 3 EG4 Mini Split Solar Heat Pumps

    As you mentioned, some mini-split heads come with a pump, some don't. Typically, those intended to be mounted high on a wall don't come with one because gravity is usually sufficient. In contrast, those intended to be mounted on the floor (e.g., air handler) or mounted in the ceiling (e.g...
  • Post in thread: Enphase Microinverter Selection

    In case you have not seen it, Enphase has a technical document for calculating voltage rise. It's a pdf and it's here.
  • Post in thread: Multizone Mini Split?

    To be clear, the remotes work okay, so I use them for two zones, a bedroom and a garage. There's no real need for wired remotes, but they do a better job at gauging temperature. I bought one only because I wanted a wall control for the main living space.
  • Post in thread: cheap/simple device to measure actual power used by HVAC- building solar just to run AC

    There are several components available to integrate air-source heat pumps (mini-splits) with ducted systems. I used two different types, one is an air handler that replaced a conventional blower. Multiple brands make them; I happened to install this one.
  • Post in thread: EG4 24K mini split

    Thanks! And you didn't sounds like a sales guy -- I'm in the same study mode!
  • Post in thread: EG4 24K mini split

    I bought this mandrel set which makes non-trivial bends less stressful. They're also available in different sizes, lengths, etc.
  • Post in thread: What Mini-Split did you use, and Why?

    Okay. They mean the outside unit comes loaded with refrigerant, not the line set. In fact, most mini-splits don't come with a line set; we buy the copper lines, a 14/4 cable that connects the inside and outside units, as well as a few other odds and ends separately. Units labelled as DIY...
  • Post in thread: I'm a Makita guy. You? LifePo cartridge?

    Mostly Makita; a few batteries still work okay after many years of occasional use, like @SparkyJJO. Of course, I wanted to stick with the same brand for convenience, but couldn't pass up silly deals on a few Bosch 18-volt tools that offered a charger and batteries for almost nothing. Also a...
  • Post in thread: Home renovations - What are the first steps?

    I'll second talking with an architect who specializes in renovations if yours might benefit from the creative input of a pro.
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