How efficient are our minisplit heat pumps in the winter

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
  • Gauging the efficiency of our heat pumps using a temperature model for our house that I established last winter when we were still heating mostly electrically. This allows me to work out the effective coefficient of performance.

ความคิดเห็น • 563

  • @ZrubekFamily
    @ZrubekFamily ปีที่แล้ว +373

    Build a cover for those outside units to keep the snow away, should help a lot.

    • @sfan2767
      @sfan2767 ปีที่แล้ว +37

      Yup, even just covering the top of the intake side would probably do a ton without hurting the airflow enough to matter.

    • @dannyjepp985
      @dannyjepp985 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      I think this would be an interesting experiment. If the fan is moving a lot of volume, a smaller cover wouldn't prevent enough snow from getting pulled through the unit. A larger cover would limit the amount of snow, but could limit air flow and not distribute temperature as quickly, making the unit less energy efficient overall.

    • @JeffDM
      @JeffDM ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I want to build a large "winter" housing with screen mesh intakes to see if I can keep the fins clear of snow.

    • @barthanes1
      @barthanes1 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      I don't think you would need any kind of screening. Just a large enough roof over the unit and maybe some slat walls. I think screen might get packed full.

    • @matthewcantrell5289
      @matthewcantrell5289 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@barthanes1 exactly. It’s a lot easier to shovel around a large cover than trying to clean and de-ice a screen

  • @sashqa0
    @sashqa0 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Finally got it up and running. The only delays we had was because we realized we needed some extra parts (I’ll list that below) th-cam.com/users/postUgkxihMYiJNXcHdbH-7ihymsLz61l7jVyb5O . So we have a loft where our current hvac just couldn’t seem to keep cool during the summer. We have been using a window unit since we bought this house over 6 years ago (all the houses in this neighborhood were built in the 80’s and majority of the houses built like ours use a window unit). I hate window units because they are just so noisy and the one we had really only cools one side of the loft. I had contemplated upgrading our current HVAC, but with all the rising prices these days, it would take years before saving up enough to do that. With the advice of my father-in-law (used to run an HVAC business), he recommended we get an inverter instead. We thought we bought everything we needed, but there were just a few other parts we didn’t anticipate needing (which is what caused most of our delay). My friend and father-in-law did all the work to get it installed and running and now we have nice cool air circulating nicely throughout the entire loft. It is very quiet and even the outside unit is much quieter than our main HVAC unit. Saved ourselves thousands getting this.

  • @TheCrimsonFlash
    @TheCrimsonFlash ปีที่แล้ว +29

    We have 7 mini splits with two condensers at our house. Installed them 3 years ago. They work fantastic, even when it gets very cold outside. A lot cheaper than our old baseboard heaters, plus we get air conditioning in the summer.

    • @kennixox262
      @kennixox262 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I guess it depends on where one lives: Here in the very hot desert with relatively mild winters, I have a 6 zone Mitsubishi system but it is ducted with one exception of a ceiling cassette in a utility room/home gym. I could not imagine the ugly boxes on the walls.

    • @jimmybrad156
      @jimmybrad156 ปีที่แล้ว

      What's your coldest outside temperature in a typical year?

    • @kennixox262
      @kennixox262 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jimmybrad156 Where I live, 30.0 F, is the average winter low.

    • @CT-vm4gf
      @CT-vm4gf ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@kennixox262That’s why we have choice. What one finds ugly, another might find beautiful.

    • @TheCrimsonFlash
      @TheCrimsonFlash ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jimmybrad156 coldest averages around -20 celsius, but usually it's in the -teens.

  • @crfuzz1144
    @crfuzz1144 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    I installed a DIY 18K unit over the summer (primarily for AC). I've been quite impressed at the offset it's produced to the oil boiler, especially in the shoulder season. Rough math so far has me saving half my annual fuel oil usage, with a modest increase in electrical usage. Fuel oil is around 5$/gal, and I usually use 6-700gal/winter. It's paying for itself quickly at this rate. Would love to have the granularity of the data you collected though!

    • @rockymountainman7
      @rockymountainman7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I would look at insulation first

    • @chrisE815
      @chrisE815 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@rockymountainman7 they already installed the unit?

    • @chrisE815
      @chrisE815 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, your numbers are spot on. In my case, heating cost is about a 1/3rd compared to using my oil fired boiler but that's because my boiler setup is super inefficient. Just going to a cold fired boiler would be a huge cost savings in my case.

    • @rockymountainman7
      @rockymountainman7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@chrisE815 A lot of people who read this have not yet installed anything. My advice to people who think of making a move is to look at the insulation of their building first. Insulation you buy once and you benefit for every year after that. Insulating can cut down your energy use so much that it doesn't make sense anymore to make an expensive switch to something else.

  • @anttitiilikainen8543
    @anttitiilikainen8543 ปีที่แล้ว +97

    In Finland covers or canopys for air pumps outside units are rather typical, those would prevent snow issues. Would assume that depending on model they would somehow impact to air flow also, but guessing they would have minor impact. They also hide the ugly white plastic, which seems to be only option by many producers. Considering to make one with homemade bandsaw?

    • @jothain
      @jothain ปีที่แล้ว +4

      All AC guys I've talked have said to never use those covers as if they hinder even bit the airflow, efficiency apparently drops quite much. Don't know if that's true, but guy who installed mine was at school same time and I believe him. Outdoor units are indeed though quite ugly.
      Outoa kun meinaa, että imee lunta kitusiin. Ei itsellä ainakaan ole moista ongelmaa ollut koskaan.

    • @Realism91
      @Realism91 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was thinking you could build one like a custom range hood with a style like shaker or tudor or something, even copper or steel if it looks good with everything else. If it's big enough it shouldn't affect the fan much I would assume, but how big before it looks ugly.

    • @everythingexplained
      @everythingexplained ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@jothain That is not true that you should avoid using covers!
      But what one should consider is the area of the intake fins, and that the available area around the unit should be greater than that. The instructions recommends a minimum distance from wall and surrounding obstructions, so your AC guys should pay attention to those instruction.
      Almost all outdoor units suck air from behind and blows out the front, if you block the top and one side of the unit, the remaining area on the bottom and the other side should be as large as the whole fin section.

    • @jothain
      @jothain ปีที่แล้ว

      @@everythingexplained that's not true either. Check out Mythbusters. I think it was there proven that those areas are actually really small that need to be in use. Reasoning on ac guys seem to be that airflow needs to be very laminar and even small obstruction would break that.

    • @nathanbrown5099
      @nathanbrown5099 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jothain As an HVAC guy myself I agree generally any type of cover will hinder airflow decreasing efficiency way more than it will help with defrosts. If you are going to do something of the sort you never want to cover the sides and you want to leave ample room above the unit for air flow. I believe minimum distance above for a awning type cover is somewhere in the 2-3 feet range.

  • @dirtwhisperer658
    @dirtwhisperer658 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Nice job with the data collection and explanation of findings. I installed 3 mini splits in my house in FL and turned off the old central air. Our electric bill went down from $400 month to $150. To say I am happy would be an understatement. I know a lot of HVAC guys don't like mini splits because they are hard to work on. Right now that is not my problem. If worst came to worst I would just install a new one because the electric is already there and the hole thru the wall.

  • @Vigo327
    @Vigo327 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Impressive data collection. Relating the COP across the temperature range to the frequency of defrost cycles is helpful insight!

  • @Thesaltymaker
    @Thesaltymaker ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Great discussion. We installed a hybrid water heater with similar function to the minisplit from a gas water heater. You’ve inspired me to start collecting a bit more data with external sensors. Of course, to proof is usually in the utility bill.

  • @tau9632
    @tau9632 ปีที่แล้ว +80

    Man you are amazing. I'm off the grid in a tinyhouse, so every Wh counts and I've been dying to know about all these things! Thanks for all the work!
    On a fun note: it's crazy seeing your numbers of 80-100kWh per day, compared to my 5kWh per day D: :D

    • @jarigranroth6873
      @jarigranroth6873 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Leave enough space around the outside unit when making the shield. If the air flow is bad the efficiency drops

    • @VarionJimmy
      @VarionJimmy ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Or hear about “cheap electricity” when we in Sweden had around 3 - 6 SEK (0.3 - 0.6 USD) per kWh in December.
      Contrasts.. 😁

    • @BoBandits
      @BoBandits ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@VarionJimmy wow. Here in Toronto I pay $0.10-0.14… 7k is like $1

    • @cooperised
      @cooperised ปีที่แล้ว +6

      100kWh here in the UK right now would be around £34 at the domestic rate. That's probably $40 or so US. 😱

    • @aleksanderkac7530
      @aleksanderkac7530 ปีที่แล้ว

      What do you do to consume 5 kWh per day in a tiny house? You need some more efficient appliances man. I run a regular house with 2 freezers, 1 fridge, washer (no dryer), stove, water pump, water heater, computers, lights, 60 inch tv, ... on not much more, about 6,5 kWh per day. All A class european efficiency score appliances. Freezers consume 90 kWh per year.

  • @vaskoa
    @vaskoa ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Interesting. I've always wondered what is the efficiency of those things,... I've seen overall numbers anywhere from 2 to 5 times more efficient. Thanks for all you testing Matthias, this is very informative.

  • @Hunter271828
    @Hunter271828 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love this video, I just put a minisplit in my workshop and have been thinking about doing similar tests, but it seemed like too much work. Thanks for doing the work for me :) !

  • @davidwx9285
    @davidwx9285 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    These things are super common in Sweden and has been for 20+ years. I use one to keep +8C in my workshop. Works great! Also common is geothermal. My borehole for the house is 250m deep.

    • @Manofcube
      @Manofcube ปีที่แล้ว

      What goes in the hole?

    • @kenk8215
      @kenk8215 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Manofcube I believe it's usually antifreeze.

    • @mrjozza5924
      @mrjozza5924 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Manofcube U shaped pipes with ethanol. It pumps cold liquid, and brings back heated liquid, so it takes temp from the ground below the house.

    • @dimmacommunication
      @dimmacommunication ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mrjozza5924 Unfortunately we don't have those wells here in lower europe

    • @TornadoTromboss
      @TornadoTromboss 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@dimmacommunication It's a borehole, we have those (it costs money to bore ofc). Now here on private Land we are only allowed 100m i think. But we do have warmer temperatures overall, so it's fine.

  • @TOMA21207
    @TOMA21207 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Yeah they are great, I have mini split of that particular manufacturer Midea, I think they are more efficient because they are using inverter motors for the compressor. I'm very pleased with the mini split unit so far, they are up to the job.

  • @forerunnert
    @forerunnert ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Mini splits are amazing, we're using one since this winter. Some are better at heating than others though, COP 4 or 5 is doable for really optimized ones. Around zero C we're using the same amount of electricity of 3 dishwasher cycles per 24 hours.

  • @geraldhenrickson7472
    @geraldhenrickson7472 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My 8,000 / BTU seer 21 Pioneer split heats my 23 foot travel trailer at 8 degrees no problem. It draws a constant 400 watts to do so. Above freezing, in the 30’s it draws around 240 watts and cycles on and off. My trailer is super insulated with R15 in the walls, R23 in the ceiling. There is nothing like the luxury of good insulation and one of the more efficient mini-splits. Of course a high Seer rating and the time of purchase it a bit difficult due to the initial cost being nearly twice as much. Because my power requirements are so low in both Summer and Winter, I can run all this with solar. Note that when initially started and the Pioneer is running at maximum effort, it can draw as much as 980 watts for a short time. Thanks for the video.

  • @yossarianmnichols9641
    @yossarianmnichols9641 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting effort on your part to measure the COP. You showed just how difficult it is.

  • @burns375
    @burns375 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have a Mr Cool which i believe is a similar unit and another cree. They both do a great job. Your observations match mine exactly. Doesn't do the best in cool humid air, builds up with ice. Once the air drys it does alot better. I keep a wifi temp sensor near the output and have been monitoring as well. Outside humidity can make a huge difference in how quickly the coil reaches max temperature.

  • @TimTurner115
    @TimTurner115 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you sir. That's why we went with mini split throughout the whole house and electric tankless water. But I live in Texas.

  • @Alexander84129
    @Alexander84129 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This channel should be called “How much you can accomplish when you don’t watch TV”

  • @andredsouza2320
    @andredsouza2320 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been watching all of your videos for a while now and only today found out that you are in NB. Hello from Fredericton. Moved here a few months ago and absolutely love it so far!

  • @vennic
    @vennic ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Just the fact that this is on your channel I know that this will not be just another "well, it feels more efficient" video

  • @daniellemos5364
    @daniellemos5364 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    If you have extra temperature sensors I’d recommend adding one each to a liquid and vapor tube on the coil. It should help you monitor how efficient the OD coil is performing. As long as that temperature is close to outdoor ambient then your od coil is performing well.

    • @nobody8717
      @nobody8717 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah i'd second that suggestion. plotting the actual inlet/outlet temp of the exchanger would give you direct info on it's efficiency.

    • @everythingexplained
      @everythingexplained ปีที่แล้ว

      Since this is an inverter unit, measuring the temps on the refrigerant is not that informative. The unit will have pressure and temp sensors giving feedback to the inverter that control the compressor and changes the flow in the system. The one thing I could think of is for detecting unneccesary icing of the evaporator, ie. liquid temp and gas temp are close and way below outdoor temp, but that should the unit detect.
      To see if the unit is performing well you should measure the power that the unit consume compared to outdoor temp and indoor temp.

  • @JonnyDIY
    @JonnyDIY ปีที่แล้ว +2

    And here I just complain when my utilies go up 🤣 I love it, nice job Matthias. Looks like it was a great investment 💕👍

  • @yingchen6236
    @yingchen6236 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very scientific, very impressive. Thanks for the great video!

  • @doozer2726
    @doozer2726 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the thorough and detailed research. I was considering a similar split unit here in the UK - more for the air con. But the real world data about the heating aspect of it is appreciated. I was skeptical they could perform as good as they state.

  • @Little_B
    @Little_B ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I installed a mini spit in our house in December of 2021, I've not seen mine ice up,even after our paltry midwest snow yesterday. I really appreciate seeing the visual evidence that I suspected about its energy efficiency, I feel like between the air conditioning and heating,I've saved a ton over my natural gas,and old air conditioner.

  • @glenschumannGlensWorkshop
    @glenschumannGlensWorkshop ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Your attention to detail and knowing how to measure are impressive. Have you considered placing a roof over the mini split outside unit to keep the snow off?

    • @paulettelambert7965
      @paulettelambert7965 ปีที่แล้ว

      They’re made for outside. No need to cover…

    • @rtyrtyrtyus
      @rtyrtyrtyus ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@paulettelambert7965 But it would mean less defrosting cycles. That was the whole point in recommending a shelter for it. Plus it would be less likely to rust so soon. Have you seen how those things have rusted before? You see them frequently all rusted up. Hopefully newer models have learned.

    • @birdyflying4240
      @birdyflying4240 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      When you live in a coastal climate it is very important to cover the AC unit, otherwise the casing will be damaged in a few years. Covering it will save you many years of use and money! I live in a coastal region and had a AC go bad in 5 years.

  • @tomschmidt381
    @tomschmidt381 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We installed a minisplit heatpump last year and used it that winter. This year in New Hampshire electricity is extremely expensive so we are only using our cordwood stove. We have an LG red system with two compressors and six indoor units. I didn't notice much in the way of defrost cycles last winter but I was not monitoring it as closely as you are.

  • @Don-sx5xv
    @Don-sx5xv 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great presentation brother, I live here in New Brunswick also, just installed 4 , seeing how I can get the best efficiency, you were very thorough, going to check out more of your vids TY

  • @elixier33
    @elixier33 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've used air conditioning all my life for both heating and cooling. I'm from the UK Daikin 1800 BTU split x2 stick it on brackets put it on the wall outside works a lot better. A decent AC will run the inside fan very slowly in defrost. I'm happy with both my units even at - 10 Degrees C.

  • @caseytrudeau
    @caseytrudeau ปีที่แล้ว +1

    some great information here thank you for putting this video together! I did want to give you a heads-up that when the units go into defrost, they aren't heated up with an electric element, it's the refrigerant inside the coils that are pumped in reverse. that is why you felt cold air when you turned it to air conditioning mode to dethaw it.

    • @6Ginge
      @6Ginge ปีที่แล้ว

      And in defrost, the indoor unit fan is off to stop a cold draught in the room.

  • @Lizlodude
    @Lizlodude ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's so satisfying to go "Hmm I wonder how this thing perfor- Ah neat Matthias (or Project Farm) tested it!"

  • @1987FX16
    @1987FX16 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Build a little lean to coming off the house to cover the outside unit. It'll help with snow ingest in winter and with direct sunlight in summer. Increased efficiency year-round.

  • @wholeNwon
    @wholeNwon ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative. As you alluded to, in pursuit of efficiency and economic pay-back, one must always consider the complexity of the systems and therefore their reliability. One significant repair could consume all of the fuel savings and more.

  • @markae0
    @markae0 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Great video! Yes, I also would add a roof to the outside unit. Join the house wall to the top of the unit to stop the snow from being sucked in. Maybe a few inches on the side. The remaining 75% air flow on each side should be enough.

  • @RadioHist
    @RadioHist ปีที่แล้ว +2

    +1 on some sort of cover over the outside unit. My unit is not up against a plain wall... My workshop is on piers with air flow under it (floor joists have insulation between them) So air into the unit is coming from a sheltered area. The little corrugated plastic roof extending out over the unit from the shop wall therefore does not restrict air flow. That roof helps also to keep debris from being sucked into the coils.

  • @IceDragonUser
    @IceDragonUser ปีที่แล้ว +4

    If you want to prevent frost on the back of your unit, try putting some propylene glycol into a spray bottle and spraying a thin layer onto the freezing surface.

  • @pgerry9400
    @pgerry9400 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    If snow ingestion is an issue , I would build a small shelter over the outside unit that still allowed sufficent air flow.

  • @SKEPT_OMBAR
    @SKEPT_OMBAR ปีที่แล้ว +1

    After 7.42 I realised you have reached level 100 Electrical Engineer. I was trying to guess if you were mech or elec, but the instrument comment is 100% elec haha! im mechanical, and loved the content. PS most elec's always take it to the next nerd level and that brings me great joy!
    I found this video by looking into misting the condenser (in cooling mode obviously) to increase the efficiency, my search is inconclusive and you have all the gadgets to run a test in summer.

    • @matthiasrandomstuff2221
      @matthiasrandomstuff2221  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      it will help, but I don't think its worthwhile. Increased complexity, increased corrosion, reduced lifetime.

    • @SKEPT_OMBAR
      @SKEPT_OMBAR ปีที่แล้ว

      @@matthiasrandomstuff2221 After everything I've looked into, I agree. My water is quite hard and the calcium build up will just kill the efficiency long before corrosion kicks in. However, I ended up setting up a manual misting system to assist on hot days >40 deg C and it made a noticeable difference. I would be super interested to see what results you could get even if you just mist with a garden hose for 30 minutes.

  • @spookje111
    @spookje111 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the insight Matthias.

  • @nelsondog100
    @nelsondog100 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very informative, thanks
    It would be interesting to see some data from a tankless water heater in comparison with the storage tank variety. Food for thought sir 🤔

  • @jasonallen7091
    @jasonallen7091 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your data

  • @eh42
    @eh42 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Your experiements/work with cyclone seperators should come in handy for building a duct for the outside units that settles any snow out before feeding dryer air to the unit.

  • @johnnygarcia7386
    @johnnygarcia7386 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great work. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Soothsayer210
    @Soothsayer210 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video. Someone told me if you keep your mini splits outside in an enclosed environment like a box, it saves a lot of energy since it will not be exposed to elements. This could make the number of times it needs to defrost less saving energy. I don't have one myself so it is just something that i heard and thought i will let you know.

    • @h82fail
      @h82fail ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Cover from elements and shade from sun is good, but restricting the airflow is bad. Roof with no walls would be ideal but most people want to hide them vs draw more attention to them.

  • @thomask4836
    @thomask4836 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Matt,
    This was very interesting. I understand they are more efficient than resistive heating but its hard wrapping my mind around it when they are driving a compressor. Just a suggestion for the summer months eh! I've seen the evaporator units make a mess of the walls when the condensation drain clogs up. Be sure to keep the drains clear!
    Best Wishes,
    Tom K.

    • @Bbonno
      @Bbonno ปีที่แล้ว +2

      When trying to understand how these work it helps to think of them as oversize, reversible fridges with fans.

  • @nkuete
    @nkuete ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think my minisplit system has resistance coils in the outdoor unit to defrost itself. I didn't realize that some units didn't have this. Love your data gathering and analysis!

    • @wobblysauce
      @wobblysauce ปีที่แล้ว +4

      This is the key with reverse cycle systems, it is one valve and little electrical change between heating and cooling but does it in one vs independent units.

  • @-TTimo-
    @-TTimo- ปีที่แล้ว

    Explains a lot of things about my own mini-split in winter. I'll have to check if it ices up when we get snow ..

  • @stamfordmeetup
    @stamfordmeetup 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice video and a nice brick house too. Better than the wooden shacks south of the border.

  • @NageebTheAverage
    @NageebTheAverage ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We installed one of these as part of an IT server room hvac and the contractor specifically mentioned us requiring a sub-zero add-on to prevent the unit icing up (winter operation in southern Ontario). Perhaps you might want to speak to your hvac person to get information on that.

    • @rkan2
      @rkan2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That is called a resistive heater :D Just makes the COP even worse.

    • @NageebTheAverage
      @NageebTheAverage ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rkan2 I never realized that’s all that it was. Yeah I guess that would definitely skew the numbers in the wrong direction. Lol

  • @pete3897
    @pete3897 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Here some of our outdoor units actually have a resistive heater coil around the outside refrigeration coils to periodically defrost ice blocks without having to reverse the system :) They call sell those models here in the more southern areas (they cost more and the feature isn't needed in more northern areas).

    • @wesleyhughes3946
      @wesleyhughes3946 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have no idea what you're talking about. Post a picture?

  • @jspinosa50
    @jspinosa50 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent review thanks

  • @jestempies
    @jestempies ปีที่แล้ว

    Very useful view, thank you.

  • @robertomartin8731
    @robertomartin8731 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of our unit have an auto de icing so it stops heating for a couple of minutes when it detects icing. It is computer controlled and even have prepare mode before heating in the morning. Our other unit is just cheaper one and heats non stop until it ice up. We don't usually use the dumb one because it is the bedroom. The smart one is in the living room even have an app so you can track your 2 years of power usage. Current year is overlaid over last year.

  • @hezowo6445
    @hezowo6445 ปีที่แล้ว

    This wasn't entirely accessible for a layman like myself but still super interesting. Thanks for all the research into this!

  • @bigturk83
    @bigturk83 ปีที่แล้ว

    We have had a mild winter this year (im in Freddy too). Im down 800kwh from same time 2022 and 1200kwh from 2021. This week will be a good test of the minisplit! Brr.

  • @orangetruckman
    @orangetruckman ปีที่แล้ว

    Your channel is super underrated!

  • @jangoofy
    @jangoofy ปีที่แล้ว +5

    10:48 - would absolute humidity (g/m3 H2O) be more relevant ? It is after all the amount of water that freezes to the coils.
    +5 C / 80 %RH = 5.5 g/m3 H2O vs. -5 C / 80 %RH = 2.7 g/m3 H2O.

  • @djrenault
    @djrenault ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i received a presentation on samsung VRF systems at work recently, where they showed that they have air pressure differential sensing to determine if the unit is iced up, so that they can potentially run the defrost cycle less frequently. not sure if others do this too, but thought that was cool

  • @RDhali
    @RDhali ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love that you're still rocking the classic Rim fleece, probably some of the best company swag we were given lol

  • @MCsCreations
    @MCsCreations ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Pretty interesting stuff, Matthias! Great testing! 😊
    Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

  • @johnhammond6248
    @johnhammond6248 ปีที่แล้ว

    ayyy i see that surge protector on your disconnect, my man. Good on you protecting your investment

  • @douglasthompson2740
    @douglasthompson2740 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It is always worrisome when the coils freeze because the expansion of ice as it builds up could easily fracture some of the thin coolant lines. I also have reservations about keeping circuit boards in a very wet environment.

    • @matthiasrandomstuff2221
      @matthiasrandomstuff2221  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      coils ice build up is typically thru sublimination. As such, there is no liquid to solid transition happening on the coils, so I don't think the water expanding when freezing is an issue. Except for perhaps the remaining drops of water after a defrost cycle.

  • @gordon6029
    @gordon6029 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for this video.

  • @krenwregget7667
    @krenwregget7667 ปีที่แล้ว

    very interesting as always.

  • @ssaasszza
    @ssaasszza ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good informative video. Recently I switch from excel to python+seaborn+jupyter, and drawing nice chart from data you have is much much better :)

  • @Lagittaja
    @Lagittaja ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Build some form of an enclosure/roof for the outside unit. That's a fairly common thing here in Finland.

  • @ghostwheelppk
    @ghostwheelppk ปีที่แล้ว +6

    If you were to build a structure around the outside unit, a greenhouse might be a way to achieve greater gains. If you add barrels of sand for thermal mass, it would become a hybrid geothermal system (above the ground.)
    In summer months you would open the Windows and doors (switch to screens) and hang opaque shade cloth inside the roof and walls to intercept sunlight from reaching unit.

    • @ryanroberts1104
      @ryanroberts1104 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      No. That would not work. The "greenhouse" would have to be larger than the house house.

    • @randomvideosn0where
      @randomvideosn0where ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I had ideas like this but considering the limited hours of light, the size of greenhouse required, and the cold air getting trapped not a good idea.

  • @millsbrian55
    @millsbrian55 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Nice work! Could you place a roof above the outdoor unit to prevent snow being sucked in?

    • @matthiasrandomstuff2221
      @matthiasrandomstuff2221  ปีที่แล้ว +13

      That would help during snowfall, but not condensation when its just generally humid (which is more often the case than snow falling)

  • @GeorgeLeite
    @GeorgeLeite ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Seems like a shed around the compressor would reduce the defrost cycle and increase efficiency in the winter. Although I don't know how that would effect cooling efficiency in the summer.

  • @daniellastiwka6787
    @daniellastiwka6787 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It would nice to see the data show actual ambient temp, there is lots of video's show how this works in what appears to be moderate temperatures. I live in a area where it can be -20 to -30Cfor a good portion of the winter. Electricity costs are about $0.31 per Kw/hr, natural gas is about $5-7 / MMBTU. So based on what he is indicating there is no cost advantage.

  • @hali_moto
    @hali_moto ปีที่แล้ว +7

    If you get enough ice build up that you need to assist the unit in defrosting, you should ensure all ice is gone otherwise it will start building again in the same areas. In a worst case scenario the ice can shift the coil and damage it. Warm water can be used to melt the last bits of ice.

  • @nobody8717
    @nobody8717 ปีที่แล้ว

    my apartment has a similar unit, we don't use it in the winter due to the building's baseboard radiative boiler heaters, and the lack of consistent airflow.
    But dang is it efficient.

  • @laynelommen9460
    @laynelommen9460 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video.

  • @rivergate950
    @rivergate950 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    11:00 the 33 seer units have a COP of about 4 when the outside temperatures are around 45F. I'm sure it is less when it's freezing outside,

  • @wookievr641
    @wookievr641 ปีที่แล้ว

    Im running mini split in the garage/workshop. Runs year round to keep temp up and reduce moisture in the space. Prior install ran dehumidifier that was a power hog in comparison.

  • @markb3146
    @markb3146 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Here in Australia, we pretty much use them for cooling. trying to sleep at night when it is 26 degreesC and 80% humidity is impossible. Can't live without them in Summer in my part of the world

  • @bigpicturethinking5620
    @bigpicturethinking5620 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love my mini split.

  • @dah1777
    @dah1777 ปีที่แล้ว

    Here in the north of Scotland we find that there ios more variation due to the high relative humidity and the significant number if days that are cold, around freezing but wet. As such the defrost cycle has to run far more often.

  • @IstasPumaNevada
    @IstasPumaNevada ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I hope you managed to get a reasonable install price for the mini-splits (or did it yourself).
    When I called an HVAC place here to get a quote for a mini-split install, they wanted a rather ludicrous markup, two to four times high a price as it should have been. No way I'm getting ripped off like that, I'll either install it myself or just wait until someone's willing to offer a fair price.

    • @randomvideosn0where
      @randomvideosn0where ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My mom got a quote for like $18k. I bought a MRCOOL from Costco for $1500 and spent 4 hours installing it.

  • @johnhubert339
    @johnhubert339 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you could build a small roofed area over your outside unit, it would not only keep the snow off, but the cooling effect from the shade might help during the summer, albeit, marginally.

  • @SuburbanDon
    @SuburbanDon ปีที่แล้ว

    I really dig these videos man. Thanks.

  • @NZherewecome
    @NZherewecome ปีที่แล้ว

    Your unit will have a thermistor on that outdoor coil. The board will look for a reading for defrost to activate.
    It’s normally a temperature after a time period.

  • @JimmyLLL
    @JimmyLLL ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great vid. Just wondering how you are using 40kwh per day before you need heating? Is your hot water electric? We use around 6-7kwhr but have gas hot water and cooking. I also live in a much milder climate.

    • @rkan2
      @rkan2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Now count how many KWh you use in gas ;) One m3 about 10kWh..

    • @JimmyLLL
      @JimmyLLL ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rkan2 Very little this time of year as we don’t need heating.

    • @randomvideosn0where
      @randomvideosn0where ปีที่แล้ว

      I use probably 2kWh per day just heating shower water, and 20kWh for my 100 mile commute. He also mentioned dryer, if he has typical electric that is 3-5kW for however long he is using it.

  • @fergusontea
    @fergusontea ปีที่แล้ว

    We've had warm winters since you moved down here. Thanks! LOL

  • @menchelke
    @menchelke ปีที่แล้ว

    If you turn on the Turbo mode, that will force the basepan heater on and warm up the house more quickly or hold a higher temp over night, of course at the cost of more power usage. Mine never ices in AZ.

  • @makerbotplanet
    @makerbotplanet ปีที่แล้ว

    What an interesting video, I'm so glad I watched it. I'd be interested in knowing how much energy is used in the defrosting process over the course of a season, and whether or not it would be worthwhile to have a couple of air filter/screens that could be manually hot-swapped when they got clogged.

  • @biggig06
    @biggig06 ปีที่แล้ว

    You're amazing!

  • @phil41055
    @phil41055 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Did you have the unit installed by pros or did you do it yourself? And which would you recommend for someone relatively handy?

    • @marcelo403polo2
      @marcelo403polo2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I installed minisplit for my shop myself. You need vacuum pump to do so. Install is very easy, If you don't want to buy vacuum pump, after install you can hire HVAC guy to start it up. There is few videos on TH-cam showing that job. I believe my unit is senville. I can also operate it from cellphone. I got one called arctic weather. Runs on 240V and works till -30Cor -22F. so far so good and is super quiet in and out. I wish my central AC for the house would be like that. I got it mainly for summer/AC. I have forced air NG furnace. But few times I tried it in -25C

  • @Alwayzsmilin
    @Alwayzsmilin ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you could tie into the control board, ie. like BACnet integration, you'd be able to get inlet/outlet temps, coil temps, etc.

  • @davewilson6859
    @davewilson6859 ปีที่แล้ว

    I install these for a living .I would recommend putting a little roof over the unit keep snow and ice off.

  • @edwingehman9885
    @edwingehman9885 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Do you factor longevity into your cost savings? I'm a hvac apprentice and see many minisplits fail due to poor air filtration, refrigerant leaks, and main electrical boards burning up occasionally. Some of this can be attributed to poor installation, but some seems to be from just a poor design. So if you have to replace it before it pays for itself, is it worth it?

    • @ryanabels8737
      @ryanabels8737 ปีที่แล้ว

      Buy a Daikin

    • @randomvideosn0where
      @randomvideosn0where ปีที่แล้ว +3

      For many units the ROI is shorter than the warranty, so yes.

    • @andycanfixit
      @andycanfixit ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The good quality ones last years. I have a Samsung at work that cools a server room, runs 24/7 365 and been at it for 8 years with nothing needed but occasional cleaning. Cleaning the funk off the fan wheel on the indoor unit is important along with that coil, but there are cleaning kits that make it easy to do it. Oldest one at my house is going on 7 years now, with no issues either.

  • @eleventy-seven
    @eleventy-seven ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We put in a four inverter Mitsubishi mini split in N Ca. Starts getting less efficient under 40f and around 32f just not that good but we have propane supplemental. It's saved us 1000s this last year on propane and electricity in both Summer and Winter. The best range is 40- 110 f.

    • @balokurd17
      @balokurd17 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did you choose the hyperheating one ? It's on paper much more efficient during freezing cold winters

  • @jordanbonnett3323
    @jordanbonnett3323 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You need to install the outside heater. I keeps the outside unit from Icing over and breaking a coil and helps it work in even lower temperatures. Frankly this is an "optional" part that should be standard in any sub 40F environment. We have one after our first one went out and its a VAST difference.

    • @jsjs6751
      @jsjs6751 ปีที่แล้ว

      How does that work?

    • @jordanbonnett3323
      @jordanbonnett3323 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jsjs6751 Basically its electrical rod that keeps ices from accumulating on the fin stack on the outside coil. Its keeps the the ice from expanding and damaging the outside coil, which also makes its possible to work in colder temps. The second company that came out and did my new unit stated that they refuse to install them now without the heater as it can result in warranty claims for them but they feel that everyone should run one where sub 40 degree temps are possible. After doing some research and now doing one for my detached garage it makes perfect sense. If the coil outside can't have air pass through as well, its not going to work and since ice expands, if it expands in the fin stack it could rupture the outside coil without it.

  • @stevenspmd
    @stevenspmd ปีที่แล้ว

    I got 3 daikin aurora units installed under the federal/provincial program; with the rebates the 3rd one was almost free.

  • @thewitherslayer9669
    @thewitherslayer9669 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is great info, thank you! Also, I loved you in Season 3 of Stranger Things.

  • @wildwoodtop
    @wildwoodtop 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This Dude is a Graft Warrior! 🤟

  • @grinpick
    @grinpick 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You refer to "wind effect" as partial explanation for temp difference between intake and output air of external mini-split unit. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe "wind chill" applies only to the effect of moving air on exposed flesh. The temp sensors that you placed in that unit, I believe, would not be affected.

    • @matthiasrandomstuff2221
      @matthiasrandomstuff2221  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      correct, wind chill is not actual chilling. what you are wrong about is somehow thinking that is what I said.

  • @ThePeavey23
    @ThePeavey23 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As a hvac technician I love ductless units they leak refrigerant all the time and control boards are typical to die and indoor blower motors love to burn out so yea they pay the bills very well. Personally I’ll take a true flame over any ductless

  • @TFlorian
    @TFlorian ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting !