Heat pumps of the 1800s are becoming the technology of the future • Hacker News Board

Re: Heat pumps of the 1800s are becoming the technology of the future

#491

Post by culopatin » Wed, Jan 18, 2023, 4:16 PM UTC

turtlebits wrote: post #451

thedougd wrote: post #437

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I believe they now sell other size lines and extensions. I got hung up on the excess line set idea and did a full DIY install of a non-DIY model mini-split. I bought, borrowed, and rented a lot of tools, spent a lot of time researching and learning. I really wish I went with the DIY model. Despite that lesson, I may do it again when I finish my attic space, but this time I'll add copper line brazing to the list.

As long as the unit is pre-charged, DIY installs aren't that bad. I've done 2 Pioneers at my home. I spent around $150 in tools.

How do you get the pipes through the wall in a pre charged unit? Do they have two pieces connected by a special valve? I’m curious about how they keep the air out of the lines.

Re: Heat pumps of the 1800s are becoming the technology of the future

#492

Post by thedougd » Thu, Jan 19, 2023, 1:37 AM UTC

mrexroad wrote: post #481

thedougd wrote: post #480

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No, not at all. I enjoyed it but my wife had a different expectation of completion date than I. My advice is to get the tools, don't shortcut, so that you have confidence at each step. Stuff I had already specific to HVAC: -R-410a manifold, gauges, and hoses. Stuff I went out and bought: -Nitrogen tank pressure regulator and hose for HVAC. -Mandrel pipe bender -Flaring tool -Micron vacuum gauge -A slightly better cop…

Thanks for the follow up! I understand completely. Somehow my wife stuck with me after more than a few significant home projects with misaligned expectations around completion. Re: wall mounting vs pad. Do you find noise transmission to be a nuisance?

I was on the lookout for it, as it was a concern of mine. I haven't noticed an issue. It's also mounted on an exterior wall of my garage. That wall lacks insulation but has drywall. It may be more of an issue if it shared a wall with a bedroom. The mount has rubber dampeners between the unit and the arms.

Re: Heat pumps of the 1800s are becoming the technology of the future

#493

Post by daddylongstroke » Thu, Jan 19, 2023, 1:38 AM UTC

lsaferite wrote: post #471

mvnuweucxqokii wrote: post #292

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If it's pretty cold outside, then you're throwing all of the ostensible energy savings of a heat pump out the window the minute you open it to air out the house. Following the thread of conversation, it just didn't compute to me: >>>> Heat pumps are great for climate control >>> Yeah, ducts are dead >> What if you want to recirculate air in your house through your central air filter to eliminate smells? > Just open t…

I'm not sure why "Heat pumps are great for climate control" went to "ducts are dead". I live in Florida, we've used Heat Pumps for as long as I can remember. We also have central air handlers with blowers and ducts to distribute the conditioned air. Mini-splits can _also_ be ducted mini-splits. According to my HVAC geek friend, mini-splits are pretty terrible about humidity control (an important thing in Florida). Fo…

No doubt: majority of the southern US went to heatpumps with central air handlers 2-3 decades ago. Ducts are definitely not dead. Or, if they're dead, then they must be as dead as BSD. :-P

Re: Heat pumps of the 1800s are becoming the technology of the future

#494

Post by thedougd » Thu, Jan 19, 2023, 3:32 PM UTC

culopatin wrote: post #491

turtlebits wrote: post #451

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As long as the unit is pre-charged, DIY installs aren't that bad. I've done 2 Pioneers at my home. I spent around $150 in tools.

How do you get the pipes through the wall in a pre charged unit? Do they have two pieces connected by a special valve? I’m curious about how they keep the air out of the lines.

Pre-charge has one of two meanings here. Most mini-split units have the refrigerant in the compressor unit. After a complete installation, evacuation, etc, you open a valve to release the refrigerant into the lines.

There are also DIY variants where a fixed line length comes from the factory with either a vacuum or a refrigerant in the line. The lines have metal seals on the fittings that are ruptured when torqued down on the equipment.