3 ms·

Apparently integrating appliances that use refrigerant piping isn’t so easy, compared to self-contained units that just need electricity. It looks like mini-spl

Apparently integrating appliances that use refrigerant piping isn’t so easy, compared to self-contained units that just need electricity. It looks like mini-split systems require professional installation. I wonder if there is another way to connect things?

lazide 2y ago
Refrigerant lines tend to be high pressure (300+ PSI) and the system as a whole is intolerant of leaks - even tiny pinhole leaks - over time.
- lsaferite 2y ago
  More than any of that is that a _proper_ install means you need a specific level of vacuum on the lines before refrigerant is introduced. That effects the performance of the system a lot. My friend is an HVAC nerd/wiz and has explain, in detail, the whole process for how HVAC systems function. It's really quite interesting. One interesting thing he pointed out was that HVAC system load calculations are predicated on a max exterior temperature of something like 92 or 94 degrees (I forget the exact number). If the exterior temperature exceeds that, the system's ability to cool faster than the space heats is compromised. And if you think, oh, just oversize the system then, you'd be making a mistake as well. Over-sized systems don't run enough for proper dehumidification and most houses I've been in do not have a dedicated dehumidification loop. My friend has one in his house, but it uses dedicated vent lines and everything, so it's a sizeable investment. That's actually where things like this system start to become interesting.
  - lazide 2y ago
    Do you know if the vacuum is to purge contaminants or something else?
netcraft 2y ago
there are many mini-split heat pump systems that can be installed by a homeowner without a professional installation now. An example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmwZVD2KEDY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmwZVD2KEDY

3 ms·

Apparently integrating appliances that use refrigerant piping isn’t so easy, compared to self-contained units that just need electricity. It looks like mini-spl

by skybrian 2y ago

lazide 2y ago
Refrigerant lines tend to be high pressure (300+ PSI) and the system as a whole is intolerant of leaks - even tiny pinhole leaks - over time.
- lsaferite 2y ago
  More than any of that is that a _proper_ install means you need a specific level of vacuum on the lines before refrigerant is introduced. That effects the performance of the system a lot. My friend is an HVAC nerd/wiz and has explain, in detail, the whole process for how HVAC systems function. It's really quite interesting. One interesting thing he pointed out was that HVAC system load calculations are predicated on a max exterior temperature of something like 92 or 94 degrees (I forget the exact number). If the exterior temperature exceeds that, the system's ability to cool faster than the space heats is compromised. And if you think, oh, just oversize the system then, you'd be making a mistake as well. Over-sized systems don't run enough for proper dehumidification and most houses I've been in do not have a dedicated dehumidification loop. My friend has one in his house, but it uses dedicated vent lines and everything, so it's a sizeable investment. That's actually where things like this system start to become interesting.
  - lazide 2y ago
    Do you know if the vacuum is to purge contaminants or something else?
netcraft 2y ago
there are many mini-split heat pump systems that can be installed by a homeowner without a professional installation now. An example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmwZVD2KEDY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmwZVD2KEDY