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Old 01-27-12, 03:51 PM   #6
Xringer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by strider3700 View Post
I'm not sure how well the actual unit handles cold but at -4C my controller switches to the electric backup. I doubt the controller has any knowledge at all of the heat pumps ability to work at this temp and is just programmed to switch over.
That's about 24.8 deg F. Not super cold. At least not for a modern Mini-Split (R410A).
The Sanyos do a good job down in that range. They really start using more power
when it gets down in the teens, but can still keep the house nice and warm,
until we get single digits.. At about 8 deg F (-13.33C) power use maxes out,
but is still not too bad.
When it hits 5 deg F (-15C), that's when I just turn them off and go to backup.

We've been lucky this season, since it's only dropped to 4 °F, once or twice..
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