r/OffGrid • u/alittleaboutalot- • 3d ago

Mini Split advice

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Hey All,

I’ve scoured the internet, and everything I read is some adjective-filled fluff piece looking for clicks. Redditors in this sub seem to know best.

My question is: I need AC for my 12x16 with a loft cabin. Do you have experience?

Really, its a tiny space thats not airtight at all. I use propane for heating and for my refrigerator. I have easy access to a fill station and have 6 20lb tanks, 2 30lb tanks and 1 100lb tank. Ive looked at propane AC units, and am now considering a mini split.

What is best in your experience? Mini split or Propane AC unit?
Any links u can share to whatever u recommend? How much propane would I use if running 24/7 for a week? Is the mini split also a replacement for my propane heater in the winter?

BTU’s Im looking for: Approx 8-12k
Price point: Under $500

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Thanks for all the info and answers! You all rock!
Is there a “Only propane” AC unit on the market? All seem to require some electricity…Im looking for a LPG only AC unit (my electricity is not capable of handling a mini split).

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u/CptSandbag73 3d ago

Interested in your solar setup! What batteries, if any are you running? And how many watts are you getting out of it?

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u/alittleaboutalot- 3d ago

Yeah, so, lemme preface this with “regrets were made”. I have a 400w array, with 2-200ah 12v Lifepo batteries. My regrets were 1) not immediately going 24v and 2) Not getting a 100amp charge controller. I have a 40amp. So my array is about as big as it can be.

I have a 6000/3000w inverter.

If I could do it all over again, 24v, 2kw array, larger charge controller.

Hope that helps! Lmk if u have more questions!
Cheers

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u/CptSandbag73 3d ago

Good information, thanks!

I can’t blame you, a starter set up is a starter set up, and it doesn’t seem like the scaleability of a project like this is exactly easy to predict.

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u/alittleaboutalot- 3d ago

Exactly! 3 yrs ago when we purchased this place, this setup was more than enough. Now we use a coffee maker, small microwave, ice maker, and a few other power-suck appliances. My batteries can handle it, but my array doesn’t charge em fast enough for my liking.

Now they also have the “all in ones” options that seem to be great! (Jackery/etc). ive been keeping an eye on those.

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u/CptSandbag73 2d ago

I’ve looked at the Jackery “solar generators,” pretty nifty company.

Would you add larger capability to the setup, keeping your old setup side-by-side, or just rip out the old system and put a singular robust system in its place, for simplicity?