Can Solar Power My Heat Pump 3 Ton HVAC System? Yes...BUT!!
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
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I am glad it is warming up soon in the midwest. If shtf, I can live without air conditioning. Wish I could have solar like you but it is not in my budget. I have noticed lots of people with historic homes use mini- splits.Your videos always inform and give food for thought. Thank you
Glad we are informative. I am excited to get these splits in. Have you thought about starting really small with the solar and scaling up? These modern inverters and components are really versatile and can be added to easily.
Solar power is a goal of mine. Thanks for another good, informing video.
I just put two of the pioneer mini splits in my house in savannah and they work really well and don't cost much to run, I used 220 because that is supposed to be more efficient than 110. I've never seen seer ratings as high as the ones one that system though, looking forward to see how they perform.
Cool. Yes, 220 is more efficient.
We are getting three mini-splits for our ranch. Two of them for the house and one for the solar shack. We live in the desert and elected to not have the solar shack open to the outside dust and heat. Instead we over insulated it and are adding its own dedicated mini-split. Of course the temp will likely be set on something like 85 in summer and 65 winter so that it doesn't use a ton of power.
Awesome! That will work great.
Great Video, Go Sparty. Your hat takes me back to my senior year in HS when we lived in Okemos along the Red Cedar. I use to paddle our canoe up to State and back.
Keep up the great content.
Bob
Denton, TX
Go Green! Thank you. I grew up in Romeo MI and attended State in the late 90's.
I appreciate it.
You are a beast! I'm very jealous, in a good way.I've wanted to move out of our small town for several years before all the problems and the inflation that we are having now.Unfortunately, my wife didn't have the same vision and this has left me very frustrated to put it mildly.Now in my 60's, I am starting to purchase Solar components as I can afford them, knowing that soon they may not be available as we enter into this new normal.I am using your knowledge and example as I look to an uncertain future.GOD bless you and your family as you build your little piece of Heaven.Keep the knowledge coming, it is greatly appreciated!
Glad we could help. Good luck with your system.
We have pretty much the same setup air-conditioning wise. Perfect video I needed
Cool. Glad it was helpful.
The joys of the inverter mini split indeed!
Great video & thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to the install video. It would be nice to see how robust the units will be.
You're welcome. I am excited to get them in.
I installed a Bosch IDS system 3 ton heat pump it can ramp down from one and a half tons to 3 tons plus 10%, it's an awesome unit the compressor side of it is a variable speed DC control works great with solar system
Interesting. I am totally unfamiliar with that system. I'll check it out.
Great video. Thank you for your suggestion. That answered all my questions.
Glad it was helpful!
Soft start kit on a new unit but mini splits are very nice
Just read the instructions on the soft start kit
It’s pretty easy I would hope you could do it
my humble opinion is that centralization is usually better than multiple smaller units (in general) due to a higher chance of failure as in one unit vs. more units. Plus it's easier to control and automate. Not to mention darn remotes and battery exchange constantly :) But that's just me... In any case you answered some of my questions none the less, so thank you for the video and best of luck !
Both have pros and cons
Im an hvac tech. I would bet Your 3 ton 13 seer starting amps are way more than 22 amps. Some older compressors with wear and tear can be 60 to 80 amps on start. (But only for a very small amount of time)
You're right. I was trying to be conservative if someone had a newer unit. Just trying to let them know it wouldn't start up anyway.
As a retired HVACR tech myself I don't blame him for suggesting a mini split system especially with those hi SEER ratings, I've gone to them myself.
Regarding that 3 ton: Thirteen years it's about done on life expectancy. Me I recall those 6 seer and when the 10's came out WOW! ......Most people will nurse them thinking they're saving money, but in reality they're not; but as they say "...to each his own". Lastly, 60-80 amps to me was LRA (lock rotor amps). When they're that high "Hard starts kits" rarely helped. The best (3-ton) run amps ran around 18 here in Texas, with an ambient of 95-98°, but that was under a shade tree LOL.😆
agree lock rotor amps are around 7x running amps for a split second
@@CountryLivingExperience
In this application you don’t want to use a soft start. VFD Is the way to go.
I'm the same boat. 2006 3 Ton, Xr13. 3 Bdrm, 2 bath under 1500 sq, ft. I'm trying to figure how much solar/battery it would take. A lot! lol Wouldn't a new replacement for that one be a lot more efficient than it? It seems like mini splits wouldn't allow for much control in all rooms.
Many thanks for such informative and practical videos
You're welcome
I’m really enjoying your videos. While I did go with different batteries and a different inverter, your videos still provide plenty of great information. My question with this one is something I don’t see addressed. How to handle a mini split install where you have an older house (1950) and the rooms are split up by walls (not open concept). With so many rooms, even a smaller house would need one of the “wall units” for each room and that would get expensive, no?
Thank you. Glad they have been helpful.
Yes, older homes could be a little more challenging but it should work. I have seen these installed in historic homes that don't have space to add ductwork. You can get systems with multiple head units that have long line sets.
I know u could install the easy start. I have pretty much the same problem old ac low on freon. It's probably 30yrs old. I think a heat pump with a coil where the old a coil on top of the furnace so u can cool and heat the house is probably the best plan but not as universal as the split unit tho but if u run the furnace circulation fan to distribute the cooler air can work also. I also like the idea of redundancy multiple split units is a good thing in my eyes. Love the videos about solar. Keep them coming.
Thank you for the confidence in my ability. I appreciate it. I have heard that running the central unit fan for circulation is a great idea and I will surely do that.
Put in a 2-3 ton Mr Cool Universal
About 5k with install. Has a dc inverter works well
I put in several 1 ton Mr Cool mini-splits. We did several videos on those.
Yea I am looking into Mitsubishi ceiling cassette version. Thanks for the video
Very cool. You're welcome
1st time viewer. Have perused several other vids today and will review your solar playlist too. Fellow Texan, fwiw.
Can you provide background as regards current factors to reduce need for new units? What's your house insulation package like? Are windows and doors well sealed? What other HVAC related energy saving measures have you taken?
I ask because it's always better to insulate and tighten up a house rather than just buying " bigger/better" new systems.
Thanks.
P.S. subbed
Welcome to the channel Will.
Not sure I understand your first question. To answer the others, I live in an old drafty home with adequate but not good insulation. It was built in 1980. I can add some attic insulation and plan to but that is about it. It currently has only about 8" (of settled) blown in batts.
So, I am buying smaller newer units. I have a leak in the current hvac system ref lines and it is not in great shape not to mention the fact that I cannot run it on the solar, would need to add the soft start, and it is not efficient. Adding new just makes sense.
I am an HVACR tech( on lunch right now ) and that is EXACTLY what i am doing. I have a 3 ton split heatpump and im tired of the noise and cost to run so i am installing a city multi ductless system and run it on solar.
Awesome
Single Stage systems are destructive to Solar Power systems. Mini Split systems are inverter based. Very compatible with Solar Power. Great content.
Thanks
We used mini splits in Afghanistan when it was 130 degrees out, well worth it imo to buy one of these. Dust will clog them but it’s easy to clean just need a can of compressed air to blow them out
Awesome!
One of the drawbacks of traditional mini-splits are that there is no air filtering. Do you have any room air filters? Ceiling fans are a must for mini splits also. Great videos! Thanks for all the info.
You're welcome.
My splits have air filters. I prefer them as they are washable.
Where in the world did you come up with having a ceiling fan with a mini split? You are absolutely not supposed to run the split system and the ceiling fan at the same time. When you do so , the ceiling fan meses with the thermostat in the split head unit.
I strongly recommend, if you can afford it, one of those DIY mini split air conditioners. They use phenomenally little amounts of power and you barely notice the drain on the system when they're running.
Funny you mentioned that. I am currently working on an install video about one of our new mini-splits.
@@CountryLivingExperience I have the minisplit Mr Cool for my studio/theater and upstairs I installed an LG dual inverter AC which is quiet and seems to use very little power. Inverter load without AC 3% with AC 8%.
A soft start can consist of one capacitor and relay. They usually come as a small package kit and run about $30.00. I installed several over the years even in Brand new installations when replacing condensing units used in site glass /expansion valve systems. With that being said....it can be done on the cheap, but mini- split systems are far more efficient and use way less wattage.
My friend is an HVAC tech and he did just mention a type of soft start that works within the old units themselves. Very intriguing. I may do that as an additional backup because of the low cost.
Yes and there are videos of how to connect them. Pretty simple really. Just so everyone knows the existing capacitors inside can be dangerous if not discharged.
Those soft starts are easy to put in. I put one on my 3 ton system at my last house and it ran it great. But it was only about 5 years old.
That's cool. If my system was new and didn't have leaks, I probably would have considered it.
@@CountryLivingExperience yeah, it sucks you’re having all of those problems out of it. I could run that unit with my 6250 watt gas generator with a 30 amp interlock kit along with the fridge and deep freezer. Can’t wait to see more of your videos man! Doing good stuff
Thanks
One pitfall I have encountered with mini-splits is that the drain hoses tend to clog up and you will have lots of water draining down your interior walls.
This will damage your walls and rot out your base plates.
Awhile back, a professional AC guy installed some mini-splits and tried changing 120V circuits into 220V circuits at the main panel.
He did not want to have to run dedicated circuits.
The homeowner fried 3 dishwashers before calling me.
Always run dedicated circuits even if you have to run pvc conduit around the outside of the house.
We monitor the hoses and have all dedicated circuits.
I bought a Trane Heat Pump , unlike my 2 other units, this had nothing but problems. The parts were made in Mexico, and China and supposedly assembled in the USA. I am 71 and hope not to have to buy another one but if I do, it will be a split system also.
I hear that. It is hard to find anything good anymore.
When I design PV systems, I generally double size (array, Inverter & triple batteries) to operate a central HVAC🌻
I totally understand. It is good that you do.
What about a hot water heater?
I've heard varying things about mini splits. They are more efficient than many systems, and will undoubtedly be more efficient than your 13 year old heat pump. However, I've heard of many reliability issues and a lot of people I know end up leaving them turned off and using other supplementary systems, especially when it comes to heating.
I have heard that too but only about the cheap brands. My wife is from Asia and they are exclusively used there without many issues at all. I do like backup systems though. I have my wood stove for heat.
@@CountryLivingExperience yeah I definitely think sticking to high quality brands is a must, given the necessity and cost. Wood stoves never fail and are still the cheapest fuel.
@@CountryLivingExperience U.S. uses heat pumps. Rest of the planet uses efficient ductless mini splits.
@@rustyloads1361 Mini-splits are heat pumps
My mitsubishi is outstanding. Have it for a few years, and it's cost me next to nothing to run.
The cooling/heating capacity of those units depends a LOT on how well the dwelling is insulated.
Insulation in the house would vary the efficiency of any heating or cooling unit.
Yes, of course.
i got a MR cool universal.. look at it, whole house minisplit.. not as efficient as yours.. but 10000 times better than anything else! i also have a ductless as a backup ( you never know)
Cool
Awesome
Gree flex look into it. Will make life better
Davidpoz interviewed a guy on one of his CZcams’s who is running a system like yours what he did was put a solar panel on top of it on a 33 degree angle to protect it from the elements but also creat energy
czcams.com/video/6nxH9_GmCiU/video.html
Interesting, I didn’t see that one.
how could a person tie into the start power of the compressor side of the heat pump, the startup is where the power surge is every time, THEN have it automatically kick over from the alternate power to start and run?
Yes 👍 ☀️⚡💡
Startup amps on a motor is usually 10 times the running amps for a short period of time.
Yes, about that.
Sounds like the way too go.. I will trying one soon.. my old system is a energy inefficient wasting Dog.. from a Electrician
Cool. They are working great. I did a video about their winter performance when it was 2 degrees outside.
Sorry if too bold but possible to link to spreadsheet with all parts and prices (date paid) for your solar grid? I saw a partial list attached to previous video but this would be so helpful. Thanks!
Sorry, I don't have the time to put something like that together. I purchased everything last October through December. Prices at Signature Solar have not gone up from what I paid. The only thing that has continued to go up is romex and thhn wire.
Ask me for specifics here and I will try to answer.
Am I missing something your mini split runs at 1200 watts for 12kbtu. My ge regular window unit runs off 1000 watts for 12kbtu.
My ac cost 350$ yours cost Amazon atm 850?
I don’t understand because prettier maybe? They take way more room outside. They cool at the same speed so idk could you explain why?
Sounds like your run amps will end up the same or close. Start amps will be different bcuz they won't all start and stop at the same time. But the real benefit seems like they won't all need repair at the same time
Yes. You are correct on all.
Enjoyed your video, question, you remarked that you are using 4 inside heads on a 3 output compressor unit. Did you parallel or series the two units? thank you for your answer ahead to time
Thanks. That is not exactly what I said. I have 3 separate compressor units. One of them is a dual output with 2 head units that is designed like that. That is a Mr.Cool unit. There is no parallel or series type connections involved.
@@CountryLivingExperience Thank you for the clarification. probably misunderstood.
@@chuckmarrs8181 You're welcome
What if you got a larger capacitor to jump start the unit. Like for a sound system
A soft start would be a good option.
By the way is your tractor on solar also or does it run on diesel fossil fuel
Would it be possible to start central ac off grid then switch to run on the panel?
Sorry, I don't understand your question.
I moved to the middle East and solar power is non existant over here.. its so hot and air con needs to be blowing 24/7 (all splits) and energy cost is extortionate..as a starting point to shift to solar energy what would you recommend I look into?
Honestly I do not know what is available to buy there. I cannot suggest anything since I have no knowledge of the area.
The leak is almost never in the linest, almost always at the coil, most likely the evaporator coil inside.
Mini splits are okay, but very leak prone.
I don’t understand
Why do some people talk about amp hours
Some do watt hours
And some kilowatt
Which is it
I use 3000 kilowatt a month average
So what is that in watts and amps and what will work for solar
Can't you use batteries to handle the surge? I'm thinking of putting my lithium powered golf cart to work. BTW I don't know much about solar, just starting to play.
I don't think so because the batteries are dc and still need to go through the inverters and changed to ac. Those surge amps are still dependent on the inverter size.
That refrigerant leak is a huge problem. R10A refrigerant is 5,000 times more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.
How to find someone in my area to put in a solar system for a reasonable price? I spoke to Southern Solar yesterday but their price is out ! I live near Lafayette, Louisiana.
There should be several in your area. A good website to help is www.energysage.com
Hw many minisplit systms can your solar run and start up at once and continue to run?
That depends on a lot of different factors. Location in house, size of mini-split, size of solar system, etc.
There are several CZcams videos on how to install the soft start. If anyone has a mind that can set up solar systems then the soft start is peanuts in comparison.
I'm surprised the 2 paralleled Growatts would require a soft start for your existing unit... You have over 40A @ 240v there, without the momentary power rating they put out (up to 2x). I'm not saying you don't have other good reasons to get rid of it, but seems like it could handle it fine.
Starting Amp draw is 4-10 times higher than full load amps. Can the growatts handle the surge?
@@johnlockington9872 Yes. They are rated at 2x rated power for 5 seconds. That's 80A @ 240v.
@@struc5810 they won't handle it. They'll trip. If they could handle it he wouldn't need a soft start
Solar company told me they could not handle it so I defer to their expertise.
@@johnlockington9872 Personal Experience?
You wouldnt happen to know how I can install a ac for my 4runner with solar? That way during summers I dont have to run my car to cool it down when camping.
There are a lot of channels that have RV solar systems. You would need the solar setup and a separate air conditioning unit I believe. Try to check out those channels.
@@CountryLivingExperience a lot of videos have the rooftop ac fans that's why I figured to ask.
I’m looking on buy a solar generator, but the salesman told me I need a soft start installed for it to handle the initial surge. I’ve called everyone in town and they have never heard of a soft start. I finally got a hold of someone (not local) and they said a soft start is only for hvac and not a well pump. Is it possible to install a soft start for a well? It’s on a 20 amp breaker and a 1hp pump.
I think you can install a soft start in many places including on a well pump. I am not an expert in that area though and I would consult with an electrician. I can't believe that nobody around you has heard of what a soft start is......it is a common piece of equipment.
I still don't know if a solar generator can handle a 1hp well pump even with a soft start. Those generators aren't made for much more than refrigerators, freezers, lights, and outlets.
@@CountryLivingExperience they assured me it could. I watched a video of a guy who bought one. It powered his whole house. I may end up having a soft start well pump installed, which is unfortunate because I just had a brand new pump installed last year. Just trying to plan for the time of trouble.
It all depends on your loads and what you run at the same time, etc. How many panels to charge it, how fast will it charge, how big is the battery capacity?. I have 13kw of inverting power with 10kw of panels and 46kw of batteries. It is just enough for my house which is only 1800sf and almost all electric.
EV took the words right out of my mouth-why not use a single inverter powered heat pump and put the coil in the existing air handler? That way your existing ducts distributed hot & cold everywhere, with no head units on the wall or multiple compressors outside. I have a similar situation to yours, with an old heat pump in the main part of the house, and two older furnace & A/C combos. The tradesmen want to take me for about $25K to replace with three new heat pumps! No way. We’re going solar soon.
That may work. I am not an HVAC guy so I couldn't say if it would be better. That 25k price is nuts. They are out of their minds.
learn how to properly clean them and I don't mean just washing the air filter. that will run you 300.00 per year with 3 indoor and 1 outdoor unit if you hire it out. Also, these are very critically charged meaning that they suffer badly if they have a leak. Use best practices to set them up and if you can't do that yourself or service it yourself you need to find a qualified contractor. Parts will be covered by warranty for maybe 6 years, but labor is usually not included, and that bill can be a whopper, if you can find someone qualified to do it. I recommend power protection for all outdoor units as they are really delicate and do not like power problems.
can you start them all at once?
Start which things all at once? All the mini-splits?
Why cant you just run a 240 volt straight wire inverter to your central air?
Just ad a auto transformer to take the 7500 watt more surge protection growatt makes them I have them on my website for sale
I have two auto transformers including the one from Growatt. I don't believe it acts as a soft start for large amp loads.
Startup is 6 with 4 running, so basically 50% increase in amperage on startup and only 4 amps of cooling. That doesn’t sound that great.
Is this new system a VRV/VRF system? Have you released an update video yet on this system in action. Please let me know. PeaCe2U!!!
I don't know what this system is. It is old. I have disconnected it now and installed mini-split units. Here is the video......czcams.com/video/quqCTrGcmUg/video.html
@@CountryLivingExperience... Yep!!! I noticed it in your timeline events. Thank U man!!!
the minisplit link is wrong: Innovair mini-split 9000btu:
I will check it. Websites change links all the time.
That is the new systems today your old systems that ran on r 22 was the best I have an air conditioner from 1985 a carrier still has the same microfarads starter in it and still running great no problems I clean it all the new stuff is garbage all plastic and all junk
The older stuff was better for sure.
You put in your own solar but cant install a soft start? What?
I probably could if I studied and spent a lot of time on it but that was not really the point. Point is my system is old and does not warrant any upgrades or fixes to make it work when there are better more efficient feature rich options like mini-splits that run better off solar.
Or you reples your a/c system with a mrcool 4 ton heat pump $4200
Talk to much don't show how to connect.
That is not what the video was about dude.