The Homemade Heat Pump Manifesto

[MEMPHIS91]

I think labeling something as broad as "hacker" is dangerous. It isn't a club or organization. Its a word to describe someone who uses what he has (or can get) to make what he needs (or wants). But even that is labeling. Some people are super safe and know everything before starting a project. Some just go at it. It doesn't make either one more or less a hacker. If it doesn't work, just swallow your pride and try again (assuming you didn't die when the project failed).

As far as r22 and r410a go. You can blend some r290 in with the r410a so as to not need a lube change. I've heard numbers as low as 5% r290. Then again that is a uncharted territory.

Just my 2 cents.

[jeff5may]

Originally Posted by MEMPHIS91

Just my 2 cents.

It is people just like you that the refrigeration industry points its long fingers at. I hope you are proud of yourself. Your well documented projects inspire more people than you might think. They fit right into the intentions of this thread. Keep on brewing up more superheat monsters; I won't call you a hacker if you don't like the label.

[AC_Hacker]

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOU GUYS TO REALIZE THAT THIS THREAD IS A PROJECT THREAD? IT IS NOT A DISCUSSION THREAD.

YOUR POSTS HAVE NO MORE RELEVANCE TO THIS THREAD THAN A CAT BATTING AT A LASER DOT.

I HAVE TRIED VERY HARD, FOR YEARS, TO KEEP THIS KIND OF CRAP OFF OF THIS THREAD.

DO YOU HAVE A HOMEMADE HEAT PUMP PROJECT THAT YOU NEED HELP WITH OR NOT? IF YOU DON'T, TAKE THIS STUFF TO ANOTHER THREAD. YOU ARE RUINING THIS THREAD.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT IS RELEVANT AND ACCURATE TO A SPECIFIC, PARTICULAR PROBLEM SOMEONE IS REQUESTING HELP FOR? IF YOU DO NOT, YOUR REMARKS AND UNRELATED INFORMATION DO NOT BELONG HERE.

DO YOU HAVE THE MENTAL DISCIPLINE TO GIVE FOCUSED INFORMATION REGARDING A BUILDERS REQUEST FOR HELP? IF YOU CAN NOT STAY FOCUSED LONG ENOUGH TO GIVE ANSWERS THAT ARE RELEVANT TO SPECIFIC REQUESTS FOR HELP, LET SOMEONE ELSE DO IT WHO CAN STAY FOCUSED.

THERE IS A REASON THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE SHOWN AN INTEREST IN THIS THREAD, AND IT IS BECAUSE THIS THREAD IS LIMITED IN SCOPE TO INFORMATION THAT IS SPECIFIC AND RELEVANT TO PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUALLY BUILDING A HOMEMADE HEAT PUMP.

EVERYTHING ELSE IS UNWANTED, AND DIMINISHES THE VALUE OF THIS THREAD.

THE MORE DIFFUSE THIS THREAD BECOMES, THE LESS VALUE IT HAS TO READERS.

DO NOT DESTROY THIS THREAD WITH YOUR WANDERING, UNFOCUSED PRATTLE. YOU HAVE ALL THE REST OF ECORENOVATOR IN WHICH TO DO THAT.


Sincerely,

-AC_Hacker

[AC_Hacker]

Since it is clear that there is an irrepressible urge to free-associate about vapor-compression topics, I have created a thread that will be a welcoming home for those folks who keep making the mistake of free-associating on the Homemade Heat Pump Manifesto project thread.

The new thread is called: HVAC Philosophy, Speculation, and General Brain-Buzz

It's statement of purpose is as follows:

This thread is being created so that our HVAC-inclined community can share their opinions and pearls of wisdom in the comfort of a completely unstructured, un-moderated environment.

Best of Luck,

-AC_Hacker

[AC_Hacker]

Originally Posted by DonT

what is in a compressor that make it so I can't change the Freon. Example R22 to R410. My R22 compressor is new, never ran. Is there a seal or something in the compressor that the different Freon will destroy??

DonT,

Did your question get answered to your satisfaction?

Is there anything else that can help you to move forward on your project?

Best,

AC_Hacker

[DonT]

Mobile Master Tech

but R290 can be had from your barbecue grill or a bottle from the grocery store

I have a LP tank for the furnace in the shop that's the same stuff as R290?
what oil do I need?

[DonT]

AC_Hacker

I'm trying to collect stuff right now. I have the compressor and 500 gals of LP. looking for components on the internet. thanks for asking

[AC_Hacker]

Originally Posted by DonT

AC_Hacker

I'm trying to collect stuff right now. I have the compressor and 500 gals of LP. looking for components on the internet. thanks for asking

Great!

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I have to remind you that LP is an extremely dangerous substance. The consequences of mistakes can be dire. Anything you do with it is entirely at your own risk. We can give you advice on how to proceed in a least-dangerous manner, but be aware that you are assuming the responsibility for the consequences of your actions.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

The amount of propane you will need is very little.

I would even suggest to get a green can of camping propane because it is easy to handle, and the quantity is small and less dangerous, due to the quantity.

Keep us posted.

-AC

[Spiv]

Hello AC_Hacker,

I had previously posted the below in your other thread "DIY Hidronic Floor Heating", but I just now found this thread and I think it is more appropriate.
I must say that I only read the first and last page, so please forgive me for asking questions or advice that has already been answered.
Here is what I posted:

"What a thread this is: 57 pages, 580 posts....

I have been reading all day, followed countless links and learned a lot, thank you all!!!

My interest is in a new home I will be building in 4~5 months, hopefully the last home I have to build:

• The ground floor is 196mq - garage= 150mq and the first floor is 122mq.
• The floors will be solid concrete on sand and limestone ground.
• Walls and roofs will be properly insulated,
• Flat metal roofs.
• Here it never freezes, but we need to heat the house 3~4 months a year
• 8~9 months we open the windows and let the sea breeze in the afternoon and the land breeze at night, but some days it goes over 40c (100F), so cooling ability will help.

I am exploring the ideas of:

1. ]Geothermal floor heating using a heat pump with solar as well.
2. Perhaps cooling with cool air exchange??
3. I am thinking to place the slinkies below the house in trenches, before I build the concrete floor slab, is that a good idea?
4. Can I use black poly irrigation pipes for in-the-slab floor heating for the above house?

Any help to get on the right track deeply appreciated!

Keep smiling
Stefano

[AC_Hacker]

Originally Posted by Spiv

Hello AC_Hacker,

Any help to get on the right track deeply appreciated!

Keep smiling
Stefano

Sure, glad to help if I can.

To start things off, it is wise to begin your design with considerations regarding conservation of heat (and cool) as your primary concern. That way, whatever heating or cooling system you choose will be the smallest and least expensive to operate.

Too often people begin with the heating system ideas and work backward from there. The only thing true about this approach is that it is backward.

If your heating and cooling needs are low enough, then alternative heating and cooling methods become feasible.

Don't fall in love with radiant floor, or even solar. Your properly designed house may not need it.

I haven't tracked your previous posts, but if you can give a general outline where you are headed (the drawings you included are great), we can get this conversation rolling.

Where will your house be located? ZIP CODE?


Welcome,

-AC_Hacker