Thread: Power prices, gas prices- ouch or Solar perhaps?

Originally Posted by RANDLOVER

Could it be you have 3 phase power, but the house and shed are on different phases? In which case you'd be putting 100% of your solar into the grid and not using any for the house which the power supplier wouldn't like.

Thanks Rand, but no but is has 2phase connected.


Oh, we are using it for Chez Bee without a doubt but thanks for your opinion.

I need to move away from our gas ducted money burner to something more efficient and thinking of retaining the ducting at looking at reverse cycle/heat pump system.
Anyone have one or know much about them , i already have an evaporative cooler so really only need the heating function.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

I need to move away from our gas ducted money burner to something more efficient and thinking of retaining the ducting at looking at reverse cycle/heat pump system.
Anyone have one or know much about them , i already have an evaporative cooler so really only need the heating function.

I looked at getting reverse cycle ducted through the current under floor vents. It was a no go, the cost was just not worth it as they could not reuse the ducting.
We ended up with two splits, one down each end of the house and they heat the space well if left on (it is a long narrow house). They don't heat as quickly as the central. A mate of mine who is on bottled gas uses the gas to get some heat in quickly then lets the reverse cycle take over.

Originally Posted by Fattima

I looked at getting reverse cycle ducted through the current under floor vents. It was a no go, the cost was just not worth it as they could not reuse the ducting.
We ended up with two splits, one down each end of the house and they heat the space well if left on (it is a long narrow house). They don't heat as quickly as the central. A mate of mine who is on bottled gas uses the gas to get some heat in quickly then lets the reverse cycle take over.

I am looking at a dual head reverse cycle system but thought i would ask, ours is also long and narrow (the area i want to heat).

Originally Posted by loanrangie

I am looking at a dual head reverse cycle system but thought i would ask, ours is also long and narrow (the area i want to heat).

If you can go to two single head units,it is the best long term option.

A lot less complicated internally,have a fault with the outdoor,and both indoors will not operate.
Eventually,the whole system will need replacing as parts for units become obsolete pretty quickly.
With two systems,you may have to only replace one.

Sure they should have a 5 yr warranty,but have a gecko make it's way over a PCB,it isn't warranty.
We are struggling to get parts for some 7yr old units now,particularly Pana.
The other brands are hit and miss,and often not worth repairing anyway,due to the cost.

Long and narrow areas generally a unit at each end is the best.
Under floor ducteds have always been a nightmare,possums,snakes,rats,mice and other animals seem to get into the ductwork somehow, and nest,crap everywhere, or die,and also make a huge mess of the insulation.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Originally Posted by scarry

If you can go to two single head units,it is the best long term option.

A lot less complicated internally,have a fault with the outdoor,and both indoors will not operate.
Eventually,the whole system will need replacing as parts for units become obsolete pretty quickly.
With two systems,you may have to only replace one.

Sure they should have a 5 yr warranty,but have a gecko make it's way over a PCB,it isn't warranty.
We are struggling to get parts for some 7yr old units now,particularly Pana.
The other brands are hit and miss,and often not worth repairing anyway,due to the cost.

Long and narrow areas generally a unit at each end is the best.
Under floor ducteds have always been a nightmare,possums,snakes,rats,mice and other animals seem to get into the ductwork somehow, and nest,crap everywhere, or die,and also make a huge mess of the insulation.

Just my 2 cents worth.

2 single units seem to be cheaper than a 2 outlet system which is a big plus, not many animal related issues here in Mexico .

Originally Posted by loanrangie

I need to move away from our gas ducted money burner to something more efficient and thinking of retaining the ducting at looking at reverse cycle/heat pump system.
Anyone have one or know much about them , i already have an evaporative cooler so really only need the heating function.

I have 5 sandan heat pumps. Love them and hate them! Via Hydronic heat they heat the house very well and very cheaply WHEN they all turn on at the same time! Sandan removed the warranty for using them for hydronic heating as many installers did not put enough heating capacity which over stressed the heat pumps. Mine are only a bit over worked IF they all do not turn on at the same time!

Hot water for showers.... is never ever a issue! One unit and one tank could do it easily for hot water alone. Right advice and right installer of the right product is the key!!!

Split system are heat pumps anyway! getting the air flow via a few ceiling fans or via a better but expesive to install hvac system?

We were lucky to do it when doing a renovation. It was money well spent as it saves a lot now and has paid for itself buy the savings I make.

It is very interesting to see the EU and UK heat pumps. Seem a LOT bigger and better than available here?

"whirlpool" forum has fairly big chatter about them.

LOTS of Shysters out there including some rubbish heat pumps via a hardware chain I hear

Originally Posted by NavyDiver

I have 5 sandan heat pumps. Love them and hate them! Via Hydronic heat they heat the house very well and very cheaply WHEN they all turn on at the same time! Sandan removed the warranty for using them for hydronic heating as many installers did not put enough heating capacity which over stressed the heat pumps. Mine are only a bit over worked IF they all do not turn on at the same time!

Hot water for showers.... is never ever a issue! One unit and one tank could do it easily for hot water alone. Right advice and right installer of the right product is the key!!!

Split system are heat pumps anyway! getting the air flow via a few ceiling fans or via a better but expesive to install hvac system?

We were lucky to do it when doing a renovation. It was money well spent as it saves a lot now and has paid for itself buy the savings I make.

It is very interesting to see the EU and UK heat pumps. Seem a LOT bigger and better than available here?

"whirlpool" forum has fairly big chatter about them.

LOTS of Shysters out there including some rubbish heat pumps via a hardware chain I hear

I will be fitting a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries system which ever way i decide, comparing prices and the big green shed is $100 cheaper for the same item so not all bad.