Bill, I'll try googling HotSpot reviews and as you suggest, try a thread on HeatingHelp.com. The promise of a SEER of 65 is nearly double the best of the Fujitsu (33) and really shouldn't be that unexpected. When building really tight small houses, it's hard to find more conventional HVAC systems small enough. After a little checking, I may well try one and offer the list a first hand account. Thanks.
Bill Dorsett Manhattan, KS From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Loesch Sent: Friday, March 11, 2016 6:22 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating? Bill, I wish I had first hand experience with these folks. What I can comment on is that they were IMHO the premier technically competent exhibitor pitching solar HVAC at the AHR show. Several exhibitors shared that they had a $10K commitment to exhibit (for just the base 10 x 10 foot booth) and yet some folks didn't know heat transfer basics. I can imagine that the inadequate installation of the mini-splits resulting in unsatisfactory operation doesn't surprise you. The well designed, well manufactured equipment is still dependent upon proper installation to deliver the advertised capability. Even here in Missouri, an EPA certification is theoretically required to purchase refrigerant. Unfortunately, just like the solar industry, certification is no guarantee of quality workmanship. There are similar groups to the RE-wrenches in many other technical areas. The first that comes to mind in the HVAC arena is HeatingHelp.com Undoubtedly there has already been discussion of the mini-split products as they have been actively promoted for well over three years and have justifiably been very well received by consumers. The mini-split promotes the concept of modular HVAC something our non-oil subsidized neighbor nations have been onboard for some time already. I cannot agree with you more about the tech support offered by the HVAC manufacturers. What helps is to understand how their supply chain, etc. is structured. In the example of International Comfort Products (ICP) they manufacturer quite similar products for no less than nine "quality brand name private label products" (oftentimes distinguished only by the label and perhaps a paint stripe). The distributor is the front line tech support. When the distributor cannot solve the problem, a three way conference call is requested with the manufacturer, which is hopefully returned the same day. Not exactly timely support for the field tech. Makes the solar tech support model look like perfection. I don't know that other HVAC manufacturers (Nortec, Johnson Controls, Trane, Goodman, et.al.) work the tech support any differently. Best, please keep us informed of your results, Bill Loesch Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar 314 631 1094 On 3/10/2016 10:34 PM, William Dorsett wrote: Thanks, Bill. Do you have any fairly close connection to anyone who has used HotSpot's equipment, tech support etc? I've put in perhaps a dozen Fujitsu minisplit's as an alternative to trying to find small efficient furnaces.and mostly in the early installs mistakes were made by HVAC techs who didn't want to take the time to make sure there were no refrigerant leaks under very high pressure. They've otherwise been very good. Tech support.mixed bag. The heat recovery focus of HotSpot looks very promising. Again thanks Bill Dorsett Manhattan, KS From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Loesch Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 4:12 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating? Dan & Bill, If mini-split equipment is what you are using/considering you might want to look further at www.hotspotenergy.com John Williams who runs the place was at the AHR show in Orlando earlier this year and has DC and solar HVAC equipment. Hope it helps, Bill Loesch Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar 314 631 1094 On 3/9/2016 9:40 PM, William Dorsett wrote: Dan, I think it is Gree that has a PV direct mini-split heat pump for both heating and air conditioning. It may have run on two 250 watt modules. When in non-PV mode, I believe the AC is rectified to DC and run through an inverter. And there are now a few others as well..possibly Fujitsu. Bill Dorsett Manhattan, KS From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dan Fink Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 8:07 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating? I have an interesting question I haven't run into before, using existing equipment, some in place, some just waiting for an install. Has anyone here ever done an MPPT PV-direct install to DC air heaters? Advanced Energy used to have a PV-direct MPPT water heating controller, but the residential division of their company no longer exists. We are looking at 1200-1500 watts of PV. How would one program a Midnite Classic (for example) to most efficiently connect PV to DC heating elements without a battery bank/diversion load setup, whether for water or air? This one's new to me; I've never tried PV direct heating before. Thanks in advance for any input. Dan Fink Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute IREC Certified InstructorT for: ~ PV Installation Professional ~ Small Wind Installer Executive Director, Buckville Energy NABCEP Registered Continuing Education ProvidersT <tel:970.672.4342> 970.672.4342 _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai gn=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=oa-2115-d> This email is safe. <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai gn=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=oa-2115-d> www.avast.com _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai gn=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=oa-2115-f> 0 viruses found. <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai gn=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=oa-2115-f> www.avast.com
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