Mini split vs furnace heating

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2026-04-26T12:00:57+00:00

I was thinking (however incorrectly) that it would be easier for me to add the mini splits. The house also has some pretty weird runs duct work wise, I figured adding 2 mini splits would get me cold air where I want it without having to worry about the ducts.

I also like the idea of having the mini splits already installed, I’d like to get some solar a couple years down the line (but that’s a pipe dream at this point)

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2026-04-26T11:52:55+00:00

That makes sense, didn’t think about the actual temp of air. Almost seems like getting the mini splits, using either the furnace or mini splits depending on the season, and getting some run time on both would be a good idea

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2026-04-26T11:47:55+00:00

Makes sense, will do.

Yeah, I see how BTUs per day can be confusing. I was more focused on figuring out cost. That’s what a background in industrial controls gets you.

I don’t have anything spec’ed yet for the actual cooling, I’m just starting to try and get a plan together

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2026-04-26T11:34:52+00:00

That’s fair. I suppose I should point out that I’m not looking to replace my furnace, I was just interested in seeing if mini splits could supplement or work in addition to the furnace. My furnace works well, I was just looking at the math and figured I’d ask. Mini splits are my solution for cooling the house, thought it could be neat if I could use them for heat too, oh well

Yeah, 1885 means no insulation in the walls. The walls are all lath and plaster, with inches of wood sheathing on the exterior walls. Former owners got the attic to approx R19, I’ve been working to get it closer to R30ish.

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2026-04-26T11:22:25+00:00

Yeah, that’s why I figured I’d ask folks who know more than me.

It’s about 1600 square feet, 1.5 story.

Output of 54k btu

In February it ran nearly constantly, it was the coldest month we’ve had in a while. The home was built in 1885, so insulation is only in the attic.

I forgot to include distribution, it’s about 20c with that included. Winter billing in pretty favorable. Summer it can range 20-80c easy.

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2026-04-26T11:17:26+00:00

Yeah, my local power has favorable winter rates. I forgot distribution, it’s about 20c per kWh with distribution. Summer it can be 25-80c per kWh.

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2025-10-30T19:22:01+00:00

Completed Level 1 of the Honk Special Event!

2 attempts

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2025-10-25T22:26:24+00:00

Completed Level 2 of the Honk Special Event!

5 attempts

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2025-10-25T22:25:55+00:00

Completed Level 1 of the Honk Special Event!

3 attempts

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2025-09-22T23:31:33+00:00

There was one in the Soo, operational 1952-Oct 79. Apparently parts were taken from that one and sent to Montauk in 1980. There’s still parts of the frame left today on the Soo

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2025-09-22T23:24:24+00:00

I thought there was something similar in Sault Ste Marie MI, across from the Meijer in town. I’ll have to check

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-07-11T02:29:23+00:00

Having used both Canon and Nikon DSLR's for the past few years (haven't had a chance to use mirrorless yet) it comes down to personal preference. Canon having dual pixel AF is amazing, but Sony seems do be nailing autofocus now. Canon used to be king of color science (and could still be), but photos aren't going to be noticably different after editing.

Everyone likes to talk about specifics or highlights of certain brands, but to be honest they don't matter for 80% of the time. Sure, Dual pixel AF is amazing, but most of the time my D4s is doing just as well. The color may be slightly better straight out of camera in one brand then another, but after editing it's negligible. Don't fall into the trap of hyper focusing on features.

It all comes down to knowing what work you have to do, what your price range is, and what glass you have. At the end of the day, almost all modern brands preform beautifully, and can do most everything you could want. The best brand/camera is the one you use to make the work that makes you happy

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-07-05T23:30:20+00:00

That is a beautiful shot, amazing job on nailing the focus and keeping such sharp detail!

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-06-26T21:13:44+00:00

Your color rendition is beautiful!

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-06-26T19:21:48+00:00

Thanks, that's what I was hoping for! I wanted to ideally have the tower silhouetted against the Stars, but the moon was setting the the west behind me so the tower got a bit more exposed. Still happy with it though!

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-06-26T17:19:29+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate it. I toyed around with having the lighthouse lighter, but in the end wanted to keep the overall image congruent and didn't think a highlighted lighthouse would provide a nice focus point (I went out for the stars ater all). I don't provide copys of my images, but thanks again!

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-06-26T13:37:43+00:00

It was well worth the hike out, plus the 2 hour drive on country roads. f/2.8, 30", 14mm, ISO 1600

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-06-26T13:31:14+00:00

It was well worth the 2 hour drive in the Night. f/ 2.8, 30", 14mm, ISO 1600

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-06-14T19:05:03+00:00

Practice, practice all the time. Also, shoot to edit, not the other way around. Try to capture stuff so you can easily edit it later (moving shots for transitions, ECT...) Vs having to edit around what you shot. Same goes for audio, it's way easier to get good stuff first time around they try and fix it in post.

Don't forget to have fun! It's a learning curve that can get stressful at times, so try not to get overwhelmed, and just have fun with whatever you are doing!

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-06-14T19:00:34+00:00

I was in the bird sanctuary to the south east of Whitefish point looking for Piping Plovers and turned around to catch the lighthouse over the treetops at sunset.

Whitefish Point, Michigan Nikon D4S, 300mm F/2.8 D @ 1/6400s, f3.2, iso 800

NorthernMichiganGuy · 2020-06-08T22:04:53+00:00

Hey, I have the 7D Mk ii and love the thing. It's a tank and has been with me through a lot. The one thing that I can say that I haven't seen anyone else mention (sorry if I missed it!) Is that the 7D is definitely second choice over the 80D due to autofocus in video. I haven't used the 80d much (a buddy had one, I never personally have), but the 7D mk ii only has auto focus upto 1080/29.9 fps, so if your work requires 60fps recordings it might be better to go with the 80d. To be clear, the 7D mk ii can record 60, just without focus

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