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Heavy-Humor-4163 t1_ixvrhp1 wrote

I will say this about mini splits.

We got them (1200sq ft older house) primarily for air conditioning.

But we tried to use them exclusively for heating 1 room ( to be fair, it’s a poorly insulated sunroom, but during the day it heats up without using any heat, ) so we used the heat pump at night set to lowest 66 degrees.

We do use a pellet stove for heat , but have an oil furnace that holds hot water ( but we rarely use oil for heat. )

OUR ELECTRIC BILL DOUBLED DURING THAT WINTER! The KWH usage was off the charts!

It was worse than using 4 units all summer for AC! And that was 3 years ago. It added about $ $200 to our bill.

So using electricity might be cleaner, but these mini splits should be installed by someone that can make sure you are getting the most cost efficient system for your house.

Plus… something we did not know until after the fact, When even one unit is in use for heat, the rest of the units throw a bit of heat off the top of them.

That might be ok for some people, but we like our bedrooms very cool at night , and it also warms up the room even if it’s off in that room, but on in another.

It’s normal according to installers.

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scupking83 t1_ixx44sc wrote

The key is to make sure you get the most efficient mini splits. 2 years ago I got the cheapest Mitsubishi that also did heat (because I didn't want to spend the extra 1k for the more efficient model). I have been happy with it but I do wish I went with the more efficient one. My electric usage went down in the summer vs the old window ac units. For heat I run them until December 31st then use my oil furnace until March. I average about 900 kwh in November and December. Last month I used 598 kwh. I also have solar! I think a great setup would be a well insulated home, solar, battery backup and efficient mini splits.

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needles617 t1_ixw7ym4 wrote

People will deny that in this sub. Now this year, it’ll be another $500/mo. Just pay more! You’re saving the planet!

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snowednboston t1_ixwl897 wrote

Thanks for this honest feedback.

Was looking at mini splits 10 years ago after MassSave audit and with one of their “approved” vendors.

It felt like an Anderson Renewal window scam. For 1200sqft condo was quoted $14 and change discounted from $18k.

I can’t see in any scenario how I would’ve made out from this.

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Heavy-Humor-4163 t1_ixx0sgt wrote

YES!! We did the Anderson Renewal “presentation “ too!! After 2 hours, was told 32k for 9 windows!!! Cheapest option. What a waste of time!!

And the mini split racket is the same. Our first quote was 25k but we wound up knowing someone and they did it for 10k.

We were running window or portable ac units very noisy and costly so just the quiet was worth it!!

I guess if you can get all this from solar it, you will see returns in your lifetime

But our small house didn’t have enough roof space ( as per a solar company’s inspection) to make enough for all our needs. Maybe that’s changed from 10 yrs ago.

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MajorProblem50 t1_ixwzd3w wrote

It really depends on your situation. My heat pump is actually much cheaper than the oil furnace I replaced. My highest bill last year was $450 but I have no gas or oil bill while my neighbor was paying close to 1k to fill up his tank every 1 and a half month, I would say I made it out like bandits compared to him.

Gas on the other hands cost pretty close. Gas might be a little bit cheaper but it is more comfortable than heat pump heat. On the other hand though, if you use window AC then getting a heat pump is a no brainer.

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Heavy-Humor-4163 t1_ixx7ava wrote

Yes, I would hate to just have heating fuel as the only option. We spend about $300/yr in pellets fuel for primary heat from October thru June on cool days. and only run the furnace for 45 mins in the AM when temps go into the 30’s.

The pellet stove is a pain in the ass, dust, cleaning and lifting 40lb bags to fill stove, but it does heat well, and I guess we are saving a few bucks vs fuel alone.

We considered a propane wall heater , but glad we didn’t as LG prices have skyrocketed this year too. I just wish we could have solar, but not enough space 😞🫤

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snowednboston t1_ixx9h0f wrote

No option for pellets :)

The Green Energy Consumers Alliance has webinars on the newer heat pumps. I know technology has improved, but it’s good to hear from someone who actually had it done and doesn’t have skin in the game.

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