[drsingh]

Are all 'blue fin condensers' with copper coils? There's a Panasonic split AC with that specification. I understand PFC (parallel flow condensers) are all aluminium.

[diyguy]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Yes: go for an inverter AC. I am enormously impressed. It simply works better, maintaining an even temperature and humidity level. From now on, I will never buy a non-inverter AC again!

I think the best selling point is the maintaining of an even temperature. My traditional Daikins drive me nuts as it is either too cold or not cold enough at different times during the night, that I have to either cover up completely or remove my comforter and shift to a thinner bedsheet that I keep handy nearby. This affects the quality of my sleep and sounds like it might be worthwhile investing that extra 10k or so into an inverter model.

[ariesonu]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

I bought a Sharp 1.5-ton inverter AC about four months ago.

Originally Posted by sgiitk

Thad; Also Sharp is R401a, another big plus.

Huge thanks gentlemen. Never had thought of SHARP but will now keep Sharp eye on my next visit.

Regards-Sonu

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by diyguy

I think the best selling point is the maintaining of an even temperature. My traditional Daikins drive me nuts as it is either too cold or not cold enough at different times during the night, that I have to either cover up completely or remove my comforter and shift to a thinner bedsheet that I keep handy nearby. This affects the quality of my sleep and sounds like it might be worthwhile investing that extra 10k or so into an inverter model.

With the proviso that my Sharp is yet to be tested by the Chennai summer, I really think that an inverter AC will be a godsend for you. It should make a big difference to your sleep. Worth every paisa of Rs10,000

[sgiitk]

As compared to Chenni our summers are worse. Sharp has been doing well here. Only crib (from a dealer) is that they are charging much more for the refrigerant that Daikin.

[Thad E Ginathom]

That's interesting, I would have thought that the gas would be "generic."

[sgiitk]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

That's interesting, I would have thought that the gas would be "generic."

Yes I agree, but since R401a is relatively a new product local dealers were a bit wary. My Daikin had a small leak and had to be fixed and recharged a year ago, under warranty.

[Lord Lucan]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

With the proviso that my Sharp is yet to be tested by the Chennai summer,

Mine has already seen 2 Chennai summers and no complaints yet. Just ensure to clean your filter regularly and it should serve you well

[drsingh]

A query regarding AC installation.What is the right sized copper wire (sq mm) required for taking a connection from the meter a 1668 watt ac ? Do I need to worry about voltage drops (wire length will be 40-50 feet). Is a 15 amp CB enough?

As part of wiring will be exposed, a simple pvc conduit would be enough? Or do I need to do some special sealing for weatherproofing?

[sgiitk]

Originally Posted by drsingh

A query regarding AC installation.What is the right sized copper wire (sq mm) required for taking a connection from the meter a 1668 watt ac ? Do I need to worry about voltage drops (wire length will be 40-50 feet). Is a 15 amp CB enough?

1668W is about 8A max. I will suggest a 4mm wire. 15A CB is fine. Just make sure the plug (if you are using one) is of a good quality, preferably of a solid brass pin design.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by Lord Lucan

Mine has already seen 2 Chennai summers and no complaints yet. Just ensure to clean your filter regularly and it should serve you well

Good news.

I must check our purchase date: I'm sure we must be due one of our first-year free services by now.

[Juggy]

Originally Posted by diyguy

I think the best selling point is the maintaining of an even temperature. My traditional Daikins drive me nuts as it is either too cold or not cold enough at different times during the night, that I have to either cover up completely or remove my comforter and shift to a thinner bedsheet that I keep handy nearby. This affects the quality of my sleep and sounds like it might be worthwhile investing that extra 10k or so into an inverter model.

We are getting mixed feelings about the Daikin Inverter heat pump models. Do they maintain 24 degrees when outside temp is 13~15 on the AC mode, as the dealer suggests? They seem reasonably priced.

Also in Bangalore, the necessity for heating per se seems somehow diminished. But my fear is the regular Inverter series would not be able to hold a constant sleeping temp, and the kids are light sleepers.

[sgiitk]

@Juggy; I guess you will almost never need heating in Bangalore. The Inverter types do not oscillate around the set point, but asymptote to it, and then use the power to hold. The temperature fluctuations are imperceptible.

[Thad E Ginathom]

asymptote --- wow, what a word! Thanks!

The temperature fluctuations are imperceptible.

Let me repeat that the humidity fluctuations, which, to me, is more important than temperature, are also negligible if not imperceptible.

It's really what AC should always have been like!

We have spent Rs.5,000 on our old main-hall Samsung, fixing leaks and replacing a part or two. Just now, with other things to spend on (like 43,000 for a new solar water heater!) it made better sense than 50,000 on a new, inverter Daikin or General. We'll get another year out of it.

[Juggy]

Originally Posted by sgiitk

@Juggy; I guess you will almost never need heating in Bangalore. The Inverter types do not oscillate around the set point, but asymptote to it, and then use the power to hold. The temperature fluctuations are imperceptible.

Thank you. I am after reading your and others comments on this thread, a firm convert on the utility of inverter AC.
I was wondering how the Daikin heat pump works, as it seems to reverse the cycle. So after midnight on a cold Bangalore January night, I reach for the remote and press 'heater' function and it would do what precisely.
In an automated HVAC system I guess the cutover logic is inbuilt, but am unable to comprehend when I would intervene, and what exactly happens during the switchover. Does it take 15 mins, do the valves reverse letting fresh air in? The dealer says although he has this installed at home, he rarely feels the need for it.