n2aws
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2022
- Messages
- 681
I placed an order today for a 12k BTU minisplit.
We replaced our central Air Conditioner in 2018. The old unit died, and needed replaced.
Since then, the new unit has died 4 times. 3 times was the capacitor failing (easy fix, so now I just keep an extra one onhand) but this last time, the variable speed motor for the outside fan died. Luckily it was under warranty, cuz the bill would have been around $800.
However, it was 3 days between getting the tech out, and getting the replacement part. (I live in florida.. 3 days without A/C is miserable)
My wife and I have discussed. I'm going to install the 12k btu in the bedroom. It's oversized (by far) for just the bedroom. However, our intention is to leave the bedroom door open (as we usually do) and let the minisplit help offset some of the cooling demand from the central A/C.
The central A/C is 16 seer. the minisplit is 22 Seer2. So the plan is to set the central A/C 2F "warmer" than the minisplit. The minisplit can keep the bedroom slightly cooler than the rest of the house (which we like) and whatever air flows down the hall, will help offset cooling costs from the central A/C.
Another aspect: The next time we have 9 or 21 days without power from hurricanes, we can run this unit off our solar+batteries, and sleep in comfort, just by shutting the bedroom door. I made sure to get a 220v unit, so it'd be balanced loads on my inverter.
I'll update this thread with pictures of the install. I'll likely install the minisplit itself right after I get it. However, I'll probably do the electrical sometime in the fall or winter, because my attic is 130F this time of year. I'll need to run a line from an outside panel on one side of the house, to the minisplit on the exact opposite side of the house.. and I'm not doing that in 130F heat.
overall this is a win/win/win!
I was without power for 21 days in 2004, and 9 days a few months ago after hurricane Ian.. so it'll be nice to have cost savings, a cooler bedroom, and potentially A/C when the power is out!
We replaced our central Air Conditioner in 2018. The old unit died, and needed replaced.
Since then, the new unit has died 4 times. 3 times was the capacitor failing (easy fix, so now I just keep an extra one onhand) but this last time, the variable speed motor for the outside fan died. Luckily it was under warranty, cuz the bill would have been around $800.
However, it was 3 days between getting the tech out, and getting the replacement part. (I live in florida.. 3 days without A/C is miserable)
My wife and I have discussed. I'm going to install the 12k btu in the bedroom. It's oversized (by far) for just the bedroom. However, our intention is to leave the bedroom door open (as we usually do) and let the minisplit help offset some of the cooling demand from the central A/C.
The central A/C is 16 seer. the minisplit is 22 Seer2. So the plan is to set the central A/C 2F "warmer" than the minisplit. The minisplit can keep the bedroom slightly cooler than the rest of the house (which we like) and whatever air flows down the hall, will help offset cooling costs from the central A/C.
Another aspect: The next time we have 9 or 21 days without power from hurricanes, we can run this unit off our solar+batteries, and sleep in comfort, just by shutting the bedroom door. I made sure to get a 220v unit, so it'd be balanced loads on my inverter.
I'll update this thread with pictures of the install. I'll likely install the minisplit itself right after I get it. However, I'll probably do the electrical sometime in the fall or winter, because my attic is 130F this time of year. I'll need to run a line from an outside panel on one side of the house, to the minisplit on the exact opposite side of the house.. and I'm not doing that in 130F heat.
overall this is a win/win/win!
I was without power for 21 days in 2004, and 9 days a few months ago after hurricane Ian.. so it'll be nice to have cost savings, a cooler bedroom, and potentially A/C when the power is out!
