Do I Still Recommend The EG4 Solar Hybrid Heat Pump After 1 Year?

1 Year review of the EG4 solar hybrid heat pump - Its hard to believe I have already had this unit for 1 year. These are my thoughts and a cost breakdown on the savings on the 12k btu solar heat pump.
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[@madcyborg]

Signature solar was awesome... just got my first order of 10 400 watt bifacials. Dang good price, arrived flawlessly.

[@sandippatel8584]

I love the concept of Solar mini-split but it under utilizes solar panels. It should come with 3kwh battery so it can store energy it is not using.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Have a big upgrade for that coming soon!

[@dealinator9]

What is this upgrade

[@sneakypete830]

Got two 9k units on order from Signature solar. These will be used to cool/heat my shop which has my office and a small living area in it which is completely powered by two EG4 powerpro wall mount batteries and one 18kpv. Pretty excited to see how energy efficient these will be.

[@JWTX]

Congrats on the channel. I've watched all your videos. I live about an hour and a half firm Signature Solar. Finally got both mine installed. Had to do some underpinning and poured 2 pads to set units on. Had a couple issues but got them fixed. Waiting on some solar accessories such as shut off switch and inline fuse. Said not to exceed 12 amps was having problem finding a 12 amp one but Layla at SS found one and sent me the link. Can't wait to get it completely finished. Thanks for all your help...... Jeff

[@SmitHVAC.]

Glad to hear you're almost up and running, Jeff!

[@2006mrderrickh]

I just installed 12k unit a few days ago. So far, everything is working and the used solar panels I bought seem to be working. Thanks for all the information.

[@cosmic_giant1523]

Could this cool a 900sqft house? What part of the house would you put it to get the most out of it?

[@SmitHVAC.]

Yes, put it in the most central location possible, or the area that gets the hottest during summer.

[@cosmic_giant1523]

@SmitHVAC. I live in las vegas, we get 110 degree summers, would it keep it kool with only solar, my electric bills are $500 $600 plus, because of ac, ideally i would love to get that down to 0 i don't need it freezing just bearable, I have a upstairs and down stairs, 900sqft, I'm trying to do my research before I pull the trigger on this, and I need someone to install it, because im not handy, what do you recommend?

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@cosmic_giant1523 should do just fine as long as your house is well insulated. Not sure who I'd recommend to do the install, take a look at the instructions and tackle it slowly.

[@cosmic_giant1523]

@SmitHVAC. I live in las vegas and we get 115 degrees summers, my electric bill is $500 $600 plus, all because of the ac, I ideally would love to get that down to $0. Would the unit, kool a 900sqft house with a upstairs and downstairs? On solar alone? I don't need it freezing ,just bearable, I'm trying to do some research before I pull the trigger on my purchase, and I need someone to install it, because im not handy, what do you recommend?

[@heroesandzeros7802]

Be sure to regularly check the condensate drains on these types of ACs. Their condensate drains clog up quickly and will lead to damage to your walls and floors.

[@RealityTrailers]

Wonder if there is some kind of manual or electronic sensor you can put somewhere there, which can warn you before any overflow occurs??

[@PagliaroMark]

In my opinion, they need to upsize the drain port, they actually generally have 2 by default but 1 is capped . I'd recommend using both . And to do maintenance on them. There are bibs and pressure washers you can get to keep ontop of the cleaning.

[@TheCrawdadman]

Very funny you uploaded this today, because of you I am off work today early and waiting for a scheduled delivery of the same unit you have! I did choose to go with the plug-n-cool diy set though. Might upload a video once it's all setup and running. Anyway thanks again for all the detail oriented and informative videos and keep em coming!

[@SmitHVAC.]

That's awesome! You should upload a video for sure! I'll check it out

[@OP-fd4lh]

I love update videos!. Thank you.

[@dansplett8303]

Great video keep updating

[@michaely1164]

Thanks for doing the videos on the EG4 heat pump. I've been following your videos and have enjoyed listening to all your valuable information. It's been very helpful. Keep up the great work.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Thanks for watching!

[@leafnutz2341]

Great year end summary especially the cost savings data and the data point of "roughly 1/3 of the energy coming from solar". I ended up installing a 12k 240v Durastar because it was cheaper and comes with a 10 year warranty. My plan is to power it with my Growatt 3k inverter, EG4 battery, and 2kw of panels with the grid as a backup. No fancy app though to track useage so I guess I'm just monitor with the Growatt app or Solar assistant.

[@2hotscottpro]

Haha your supervisor pawed the glass door😊

[@SmitHVAC.]

Every time 😂

[@mrrustygray]

Looking at these to cool a garage that is now a shop, and we are adding a carport with room for lots of panels. Definitely going to give this a shot. We moved to Prime branded 110v minis in two rooms that were previously on a 24 yr old Trane system that was leaking freon. So we disconnected that big old thing and had 2 mini splits installed and they work great. (note, if you put in minis, clean those filters often. ) Great videos and thank you for the follow up information.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Awesome, I'm uploading a video tomorrow installing one in my garage as well

[@brucey5585]

I will get one when i finish installing my solar panels.

[@RealityTrailers]

Thank you❤

[@offgridwanabe]

Some of that savings is because of the warm winter but for sure it is worth it. Seems the heat runs most of the time even in warmer winters thanks for all the videos.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Yes for sure! I meant to mention the difference in temperature.

[@PlumCrazyRob]

Thanks for 1 yr review, always enjoy your videos. 15th month with my 24k, 4th month with an additional pair of 12k's I liked them so much, added these to bedrooms. Theres a video subject for you, 12k vs 24k. Did you get the inlaws going??

[@SmitHVAC.]

That's a video I've considered as well, maybe on the next NY trip! Yes the inlaws are up and running, they now have 24k for the basement, a 24k for the main floor and a 12k for the bedroom, all working well.

[@rv10flyer84]

They make a UV resistant line set tape that you can buy. It works really nice.

[@PlumCrazyRob]

Depending on where and how your condensate line terminates, that tape might be useful on it too.(?) When I bought a condensate line extension roll, I noticed a guy had a video where UV exposure had turned his to "crumbly" within a couple years...

[@misqpl]

cool good info

[@andys5203]

Ordering mines soon. Thanks again😊

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Keep the videos coming, I want to install one someday.

[@kenword3751]

Put in 3 or 4 48v eg4 batteries and tie to an inverter it will mostly run of solar unless you have an extended period of bad solar input

[@user-qf6eq3dw5z]

I saved more! I turned my thermostat down 2 degrees in the colder weather and up 2 degrees in the warmer weather.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Wow great job!

[@Michael-bf4ud]

Great video! Did you get your unit shipped across the border? I was not aware that signature solar shipped to Canada?

[@SmitHVAC.]

Yes they do, it's not cheap but they had a $100 flat rate shipping promo on when I bought mine! Thanks for watching.

[@jamespierce5812]

I am having an issue with the EG4 Hybrid Split AC i bought last year. I contacted the vender that sold it to me and they stated they were aware but do not have a fix. the issue is that when I have a clear sunny day, my unit is not pulling power (watts) from the PV array. If I turn off the breaker then the unit switches over to the power from the PV array, but as soon as I turn on the breaker it switches back to AC power. I have 6- 200watt 24 volt panels connected in series to the unit. In addition, I noticed this morning that, while my return temperature is at 71 degrees F, and my set point is at 74 degrees F, the unit is still pulling 500 watts of power. For the last year when this is the case it only pulled 40 watts of power.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Did you get it from Signature Solar?

[@mikebroom1866]

I wish there was a solar add on for already installed inverter mini-splits.

[@SmitHVAC.]

That'd be nice

[@tyrelli001]

My unit comes on Friday, similar, but I ordered a lot of extra panels to maximize solar to account for cloudy days and target the true Wattage output. Don't know exactly what I'm doing, but giving it a shot. Same reason as you, the natural gas rates were skyrocketed in my area last winter by 50%. Natural gas is a money waster, especially with an inefficient system in my house. I'll be expanding from one unit to multiple units if it works well enough. Batteries later if possible, but I'm going for money savings. The efficiency improvement of the EG4 and solar power combination. Looks like I'll cover the outdoor unit with a small cover / with open sides. I might try to order an alibaba unit for $600 if this unit works well, two months shipping. At $600 out the door it's half the price of the EG4, but the CFM rating is in the 180s. $600 unit + $360 panels = $1000 system about. Alibaba units are not precharged lines however. Would you recommend sticking to the 12,0000 btu units or upgrade to the 24,000 units? What's your thoughts on adding more panels to get more solar power to your system? Good video.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Hey that's how I learn about solar, just jumped in head first! I have some upgraded bifacials panels I just haven't had time to install yet. I think you'll be happy with yours, they work great IMO!

[@mikemotorbike4283]

You're not going to find a Chinese inverter hybrid-solar unit with a true DIY self-install quick-connect precharged lineset for $600- think $6,000. The EG4 is a remarkable and unequalled value. The only other affordable true DIY self install, precharged quick connect lineset unit is $1,800 from Costco, and it doesn't even have hybrid solar. The built-in solar switching transformer adds the biggest cost. True DIY self-install, quick-connect precharged lineset units are extremely rare or expensive, like Mr. Cool, which is suddenly now $3,000 and, "ta da! "- also not solar! And China waaaaay too risky. You know they hate us, right? They are going to send us their best? Or sabotaged by some politically imprisoned Uyghurs or an arrested Falung Gong courtyard exercising Grandparent. Delivery damage! At least If you're missing a part, you can "Better Call Saul" at EG4 in America. Or you can try navigating a phone tree in Chinese. Don't bother... they went out of business a year ago.

[@mitchelllogsdon4254]

I appreciate your videos. I have the same unit. I have been running mine off of 3 400 watt panels. I been wondering if I would be better off running all solar to an invertor with batteries and just running this off the batteries all the time. Do you think its better to do this or keep the solar running to it? My though pattern is I have wasted solar as it only uses solar when it turns on and the other time it could be charging the batteries.

[@SmitHVAC.]

I like both options! It's a good way to get started for cheap doing it with just the unit and panels. Adding an inverter and batteries down the road can serve many different purposes and gives you the best of both worlds. Panels are pretty cheap especially if you find deals on used ones, so the more the merrier for me.

[@user-fb2zw8bo8i]

great results enjoy your videos

[@jeromewelch7409]

I'm curious as to why you haven't considered modifying your existing system to dual fuel hybrid, system consisting of one 5KW VRF R35 heat pump… you have an air handler that seems to have air conditioning? All situations will and can be different, depending upon the heat loss of your home with respect to heat pump sizing.. You could eliminate gas use all except for the coldest days of the year. The most important thing is once you set up the system. All you have to do is set the thermostat everything will be automatic based on the outside temperature. Liked and subscribed…..

[@SmitHVAC.]

I will eventually but I wanted this one specifically for the solar capability. The system is only a few years old and when I replaced it, heat pumps weren't really on the radar in my area because gas was so cheap. If I had asked for a heat pump at the supplier 3 years ago they would have looked at me like I was insane. Now that gas has trippled and there is a government incentive, heat pumps are very popular.

[@domonite]

Hey thanks for the 1 year review! Whereabouts are you located again?

[@domonite]

Nevermind, I see the Enbridge and Ontario bills now. We are in the Okanagan and looking at the EG4...were there any other models you looked at when considering the EG4?

[@SmitHVAC.]

Ontario Canada

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@domonite No, EG4 was the only one I seriously considered. I should be reviewing the Ecosolaris around June, until then I have no idea what it's like!

[@joel6427]

The sizing recommendation from this company, "EG4 Hybrid Mini-Splits offer a highly efficient 12K or 24K BTU heating and cooling system, designed for spaces from 650 to 1,350 square feet," is too general. Other factors need to be taken into consideration. Some installs have heat-producing activity, like a kitchen, and others might be an attic room, which will be hotter than the lower part of the house regardless of the R-value of the insulation between the roof and ceiling of the attic room.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Yea. Pretty much everyone knows this, you should do a Manual J or similar calculation. Obviously it's not a one size fits all.

[@johnzach2057]

One question I have is what is the COP of these machines under different external temperatures? Do they give the info? Have people tested them to validate those numbers? Many times with some cheap machines those numbers are wishful thinking and for lower power ratings.

[@SmitHVAC.]

I've done COP calculations in many of the cold weather videos on this channel. I think that last one I did was 3.1 around - 15C

[@acmaster5959]

Wow

[@thedavesofourlives1]

You have a coil in your furnace, swap the outdoor unit to a heat pump model to match your indoor coil... ?

[@SmitHVAC.]

Maybe in a few years, it's only 3 years old

[@jasonbroom7147]

If you were building a structure (cabin or barndominium) that was only going to see 3-season use, would you purchase something like this instead of paying for a conventional furnace and ductwork? Even two of these would cost about the same to install as the furnace and ducting, so would it be worth it?

[@SmitHVAC.]

Furnace and ducting would cost significantly more unless you did it all yourself. Even then it would still be higher than 2 of these. Depends if you had cheap natural gas in the area or what your options where. Central systems are nicer for even temperature distribution.

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@SmitHVAC. There is only propane available at this location, so pricy. I'll definitely be going with mini-splits for 3-season use, and maybe a wood stove if we're ever there during truly cold weather. This is zone 4-5, so it can get pretty cold.

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@jasonbroom7147 yea I'd think minisplits would do well if you're not living there fulltime. You may get some complaints of temperature not making it to the bedrooms but if youre not living there full time it probably wouldn't be an issue.

[@at0977]

Will this system in Asia with 230V/50Hz if we also want to use grid power at night?

[@SmitHVAC.]

Yes you could order from Deye

[@kennethreise6416]

I’m thinking about getting a 12,000 e.g. for mini split for my one car garage will a 3000 W inverter work with this for AC? Thanks ken

[@SmitHVAC.]

Yes, I run mine on a 3000w inverter at times and it has no problem. It rarely pulls over 1000w

[@2hotscottpro]

A 3k inv will run 20k btu😊

[@sunlite9759]

....and the rest of the house? Now how many units would one need to heat/cool a 2000 SQ house? How much solar power? Now you have two different operating systems. Maintenance???

[@SmitHVAC.]

Do a manual J or similar sizing calculation if you want to know. You can't make that estimate on square footage alone.

[@pete3897]

Wow! I'm pulling in the range of 1100-1200KWhr per MONTH :) No gas though and that makes a difference

[@SmitHVAC.]

Is that on a 24k?

[@pete3897]

@@SmitHVAC.My apologies. Your reply made me realise you must have been talking about consumption of just the AC unit. I had assumed that was your entire household usage (my 1200/month is for the entire household incl all water and space heating plus two EVs). Thanks for the reply anyway :)

[@kennethoh6928]

I need to move my 12k and I got the how to get all refrigerant to outside unit from KZbin but can you recommend an inexpensive Amazon gauge? I need it very quick so I will have to Amazon it… can’t get the wrong one Thank you for all help.

[@SmitHVAC.]

No, I've got no experience with amazon gauges, that's one of those things I'd spend the extra money on and go with a brand name

[@kennethoh6928]

Makes sense for you but it’s really a one time use for me. 😊 I suppose any gauge with 5/16” connector would work. I will look for one with higher star ratings. Ty again.

[@kennethoh6928]

Gauge was delivered but I was wondering if I need to plug/seal off the inlet that’s not being used? I suppose other inlet was used when u r feeding refrigerant but I’m only using it as a gauge.

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@kennethoh6928 if your trying to do a pump down you would close the liquid line service valve and run the unit in cooling, closing the suction service valve when pressures reach 0psi. It's easier said than done on a minisplit, you may throw a low pressure protection error before reaching 0 psi. You're also going to need to vacuum the lines before releasing the charge after you move the system.

[@kennethoh6928]

May be this is beyond my skill level. I thought once I let all refrigerant flow into outdoor unit I can undo line set , move it, reconnect than it would work normally…

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Do you know if EG4 is going to import the 48vdc only versions?

[@2hotscottpro]

Wow where are those at?

[@SmitHVAC.]

I'm not sure if they will, but stay tuned around June! The new one I'll be reviewing has a 48v option.

[@2hotscottpro]

@@SmitHVAC. now that would save me 100 watts from not using my 6k inverter .I ‘m thinking I’ll buy a 38 seer unit.

[@silaswatt6519]

What’s the lowest temperature it can operate. Manual says-15C but the specs say -10C

[@SmitHVAC.]

I've gone to - 17C with no issues

[@DoomKnight131]

Do you know if they honor the warranty if it's diy?

[@SmitHVAC.]

The DIY ones they do, the original version I beleive they want it to be professionally installed

[@kennethoh6928]

May be this above my pay grade. I thought that once I move all refrigerant into outdoor unit, move it than reconnect line set, turn it back on and refrigerant would flow normally…

[@SmitHVAC.]

No unfortunately once you disconnect the lines you allow air into the lines and the head unit. If you put refrigerant back in without pulling a vacuum, your system will have air and non condensibles in it and it will cause major issues.

[@kennethoh6928]

@@SmitHVAC. thank you so much. You saved me from making a big mistake. I will just put outdoor unit on a cart, walk along side of rv than let refrigerant settle b4 turning it back on.

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@kennethoh6928 Anytime, good luck!

[@kennethoh6928]

Successfully moved the outdoor unit on a buggy walking next to rv as it was moved. Line set not being wrapped and tucked away helped with lots of slack available. Thank you again for all your help. It sure saved me time/headache/money.

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@kennethoh6928 glad you got it sorted out

[@dealinator9]

thinking about buying one very seriously but I dont know which solar panel I need, I am afraid to choose some wrong ones , any advice would be very appreciated . great video by the way . love it.

[@SmitHVAC.]

You want to be between 100v and 380v DC. 5 or 6 panels in series is ideal to get you around 200 volts DC. I currently have 6 33v panels at 225w wired in series and it works great.

[@dealinator9]

Just joined

[@SmitHVAC.]

Thank you! Appreciate it

[@dealinator9]

@@SmitHVAC. VDC? VOC? Watt?

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@dealinator9 my array is 200v DC VOC (volts open circuit) at 1350 watts

[@robbehr8806]

Good video!

[@SmitHVAC.]

Thanks Rob!!

[@dnewf]

do they make a 18000 one? 12k is to small and 24000 is to big for my application 2:11

[@SmitHVAC.]

Eg4 does not but I'm reviewing one this weekend from a company that makes an 18k. Subscribe and check back on Sunday!

[@dnewf]

I am subscribed. thanks

[@dnewf]

you know the brand name of it

[@dnewf]

Newfoundland here. I think your in Ontario.

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@dnewf Yes I'll give you the name this weekend, they are just finalizing their website and online store! They're Canadian based too which helps with shipping.

[@wooac]

Why 12K over a 24K unit?

[@SmitHVAC.]

It's sized for the space, if you need a 24k it's the same unit

[@GrowingUpGoudie]

Just an FYI, you can get this right here in Ontario Canada $2,500 CND plus Tax and Shipping.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Good to know, but mine was cheaper through signature solar. Who's selling them in Ontario?

[@GrowingUpGoudie]

@@SmitHVAC. true Signature is about $2,050 in CND after exchange rate. Plus tax and shipping. You got lucky with the import tax. Me not so much. Every time I have bought from there I get hit with taxes. Just bad luck. I will still buy from them as I like the products and they have nothing to do with boarder taxes. Canadian Off Grid has EG4 products.

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@GrowingUpGoudie I'll check them out too. I got mine when it was on sale and they had a $100 flat rate shipping deal on, so it was around $1800 CAD, then I got lucky at the border.

[@samfish6938]

You can buy mini splits $650 vs $1500 for this one Your better putting mini splits and heat pumps out of sun on north facing

[@SmitHVAC.]

Ok 👍

[@josephkostinko739]

I am disappointed with the perfomance. Set it as low as it can go at 61F. The room won't get colder than 75 on hot days. room is less than 200 sqft and split is about 22 degrees. I think a window unit would perform better.

[@SmitHVAC.]

I haven't heard anyone with that complaint before. It keeps my main floor at 72f set for 68f on a 95f day. What's your insulation and windows like?

[@josephkostinko739]

@@SmitHVAC. I don't think there is anything wrong with my windows or insulation. What is the split you see with these units?

[@kevin9c1]

Your complaint about the price of natural gas when the company was bought is usually how it works. Often the expected/planned rate hike will coincide with a new company. It all traces to regulations. Believe me, they didn't randomly decide to jack up the prices.