How to Save Power with Ducted Reverse Cycle?

Lancerx on 06/07/2017 - 03:15
Last edited 06/07/2017 - 11:23 by 1 other user

Hi all, got a Panasonic ducted 14kw reverse cycle installed.

Over the past 3 months using, I always find the power consumption (as shown from my solar inverter) is roughly the same for heating one vs three zones. Usually sit around 5000w.

I always thought turning on less zones & getting temp closer to outside temp is the way to save power, but I was told it's not true with ducted system? Some guy told me it's better to run ducted system at max power and turn off asap.

So what is myth & truth then? Hope to hear from some aircon expert.

Thanks!

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  ExtraSalt on 06/07/2017 - 06:35

  +1

  Hey dude, very odd you were told that. I believe the way you are running it is perfect. You never want to max out a system no matter what it is and turning it on and off repeatedly is the worse thing you could do if it is a Panasonic Ducted Inverter System.

  Inverters are designed to stay on and maintain your desired temperature to within .5 of a degree each way. This is my belief anyway. Turning it on and off would be like a car in peak hour traffic on the M1, whereas leaving an Inverter system on would be like driving off-peak during school holidays

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    Lancerx on 06/07/2017 - 09:39

    I hope you do know I'm on ducted system, not your typical split unit. I somehow wonder if the individual outlet able to detect temperature changes,hence adjusting compressor power.

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  DarkOz on 06/07/2017 - 07:21

  Most temperature is set at 22 Degree Celsius plus or minus 1. If you could handle the temperature a little colder or hotter than that you would save heaps.

  For example, instead of 21 - 23 Degree Celsius all the time you could set it to 20 - 21 for Winter and 23 - 24 for Summer.

  • 

    Lancerx on 06/07/2017 - 09:40

    I set 20c heat for winter just for one zone (master), and it makes my room too hot after a while, can never leave whole night for the bubba

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      DarkOz on 06/07/2017 - 10:45

      You can always try lower temperature for Winter and higher for Summer. We all have different comfort zones so set it to suit yourself and family.

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        Lancerx on 06/07/2017 - 11:33

        even on 16c, the ducted unit still run at same power as 23c anyway, hence my question. just not sure how accurate the reading on my inverter is,

      • 

        poboy on 07/07/2017 - 12:02

        It will be running the same power, but less frequently.

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  geek001 on 06/07/2017 - 08:53

  Try some other modes. We used to live in a house with ducted aircon. I found that if I used "cool" mode, the compressor was on all night until I turn it off in the morning, but if I change it to "dry" mode, it turns off once the temperature is reached. I am not sure if this will make any difference to your power consumption, maybe someone with more knowledge may want to chime in on this.

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  holdenmg on 06/07/2017 - 09:00

  Check the Return Filter is clean because dust build up.

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  svmick on 06/07/2017 - 10:08

  keep 19 deg. in winter and 21 deg. in summer. Its the best zone to keep power bills low.

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    Lancerx on 06/07/2017 - 17:53

    But does that principle apply to just split unit or ducted unit too?

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    modsec802 on 08/07/2017 - 17:20

    21 is way too cold for summer. Try 24 to save energy

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  Stewardo on 06/07/2017 - 10:45

  +1

  Zones are just closing off pipes in the roof , not really part of the motor

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  afoveht on 06/07/2017 - 19:25

  IME most units have only one temperature sensor (usually right near the control panel) which likely is not in the zone being controlled, hence the ac will work continuously and dump air into a permanently connected zone/port.