Quote:
Originally Posted by lwmcguire
The inverter split HVAC units are the most efficient available currently
I think he was referring to Class A coaches which are almost entirely residential fringes with more all electric each year produced
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Mini-split air conditioners shouldn’t be compared to refrigerators directly just because they use similar refrigeration cycles. That’s a mistake in my opinion.
First, mini-split A/Cs have very high SEER numbers but if one looks closer at the actual EER which is at full load, the efficiency isn’t that different. And most of the little that is gained at 100% load is not due to the inverter but rather the larger size of heat exchangers. No doubt the inverter (variable speed) compressor shines at partial loads, which is why the SEER number is significantly higher. With A/C the “seasonal” rating of mini-splits improves considerably because required cooling at night, or during cooler weather, is a fraction of the maximum rated load, hence running compressor slower improves thermal efficiency by reducing temperature split across heat exchangers.
Refrigerators are very different because their average heat load doesn’t vary as much. The temperature difference between inside and outside of refrigerator and freezer are usually much more uniform year round (unless fridge is installed outside).
No doubt an inverter drive can still save energy because refrigerators have oversized cooling systems (in case owner keeps door open too often) so it can be operated at partial compressor speed, but I don’t see gains being as great proportionally as for air conditioners.
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