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HVAC / mini split experts: Energy consumption, what am I seeing?
- Thread starter rbstern
- Start date
Still the same. The only difference is that with the new technology some of these machines can still work at temperature as low as 26 degrees. But eventually it falls apart and cant pull any heat from outside. And then, it calls for the "emergency heat", and that's when you energy bill spikes up!
I've got a one ton Mitsubishi split system...SEER 21.... in my 360 sq ft Sunroom with 11 foot ceilings.
The past few mornings it was able to heat to lowest 60s
Power (240V) comes from my shop in the back which has it's own 200 amp service and separate meter/bill.
Highest bill I ever got...winter or summer...was a little over $60
It was $42.49 last month
Located in upper right corner of this room...
The past few mornings it was able to heat to lowest 60s
Power (240V) comes from my shop in the back which has it's own 200 amp service and separate meter/bill.
Highest bill I ever got...winter or summer...was a little over $60
It was $42.49 last month
Located in upper right corner of this room...
I installed the 9000 BTU, 230v version of this, which isn't currently listed:
My understanding is that there are only a handful of manufacturers, and all of these inexpensive units are rebranded with one of many different brand names. A couple of years ago, I installed a 12000 BTU 230v version in my son's office. That was the TOSOT brand. It's worked great since day one for both heating and cooling, and similarly is very energy efficient.
I like the 230v units because they can be used with 15A breakers and 14ga wiring, but I wouldn't hesitate to go 120v. I just happen to have a lot of spare 14/2 wire left over from various projects.
The construction of both machines is very similar. Hardware, sheet metal, paint, details are all generally very good. The fans are quiet and vibration free. The deflector motors on the inside unit are also incredibly quiet. These seem to be refined products that do what they are supposed to do. The documentation, both install instructions and user guide, are even reasonably well done.
Just got the EMC bill, which covered about two weeks of use with the new mini split. The bill was $30 lower than the same period as last year.
That's not a reliable indicator of anything, other than our bill didn't go through the roof. The little bit of data I collected with the clamp meter suggested it wouldn't.
A few things at work here: Recall we had a bad cold snap January last year, which may be reflected in last year's usage; it's certainly been cold this year, too. I'm sure, with the propane furnace running less, we're getting a reduction in electrical use because the blower motor isn't running. The furnace blower probably draws more amps than the mini split. My wife also runs a 750w resistance heater in her little greenhouse, which definitely drives our bill up during freezing weather. Lot of variables.
The overall/feel good news is: Electric use down and propane use down, even if it's not a precise or long measurement.
Will continue to gather more data.
That's not a reliable indicator of anything, other than our bill didn't go through the roof. The little bit of data I collected with the clamp meter suggested it wouldn't.
A few things at work here: Recall we had a bad cold snap January last year, which may be reflected in last year's usage; it's certainly been cold this year, too. I'm sure, with the propane furnace running less, we're getting a reduction in electrical use because the blower motor isn't running. The furnace blower probably draws more amps than the mini split. My wife also runs a 750w resistance heater in her little greenhouse, which definitely drives our bill up during freezing weather. Lot of variables.
The overall/feel good news is: Electric use down and propane use down, even if it's not a precise or long measurement.
Will continue to gather more data.
My split system in 9 years old
Compressor sits right outside of this room's window. Very quiet.
These split systems are seen in use all over Europe and Asia...very common
Compressor sits right outside of this room's window. Very quiet.
These split systems are seen in use all over Europe and Asia...very common
I built it.
Started out as a Screen Porch in 1996. I finally got tired of the pollen and enclosed it in 2015.
I spend most days out here...flat screen tv is mounted in the corner behind that room pic I posted
It looks like you had a very smart, good looking HVAC guy to install that.
