If you live in an area with constant changes in temperature, you'll need both a heating and cooling system. If you're thinking of buying a mini split, you might want to know if it functions for both purposes. We are also curious, so we have researched answers for you.
A Mini-split heats and cools your home. Aside from this, it is also cost-effective as you can cool or heat specific areas of your home instead of heating or cooling the whole house.
Specifically, mini splits are designed to heat and cool small areas of a house, serving as the better alternative for a ducted system. To have a better idea about how this works, hang on and keep reading as we'll provide a more in-depth explanation.
Does a Mini Split Heat and Cool?
Mini-splits are designed to help heat or cool single or multiple areas of your home while saving cost and energy. It comes in two parts: the indoor units and the compressor unit.
The indoor unit is mounted on the wall, and is mostly beside the ceiling, while the compressor unit is mounted outside. Mini split helps to cool your home by carrying the heat from the outside to the Inside. The heating process involves carrying the heat from the inside to the outside.
However, despite the fact that mini splits are ductless and easy to install, they also have their own downside. Some of these include the high cost of installation, the space needed for installation, and the stress of maintenance since the ducts might be embedded in the walls.
Do You Have To Put a Mini Split In Every Room?
You do not need to put a mini-split in every room of your home in order to cool it. Some rooms are better with a mini-split while others might not be so suitable because of their low humidity levels and low foot traffic.
For example, installing a mini split in the bathroom or large space would likely lead to a waste of energy. So, if you plan to install a ductless system in multiple rooms, you must select rooms that need this system more.
The reason for installing splits in specific rooms is that people spend more time there, unlike in the bathroom and walk-in closets.
Does Mini Split Consume A Lot Of Energy?
An appropriately-sized mini-split installed correctly won't cost consume more energy as it cools or heats. It helps to reduce utility bills because it does not cool the whole house, unlike the air conditioner.
This means that if you do not plan to cool the whole apartment, you will benefit more from using a mini-split than a ducted system since it is cheaper to use.
Although the cost associated with installing a ductless mini-split system is higher than installing an air conditioner, it allows you to save more in the long run. However, keep in mind that you should consider the size of the system and your home area when choosing the right mini-split for you.
For example, a smaller unit might be exhausted if used in a big space in a hot area. This will increase the cost of energy consumption.
How Cold Can a Mini Split Get a Room?
As a mini split owner, you might wonder how cold your system can get your room before producing heat. The answer to this depends on the type of mini split, but most of them stop cooling when the temperature gets to the range of 5°F -46°F.
If the mini split is an economy-level mini split, it can still keep working till it drops to 30 degrees. Mid-level mini split can operate at a temperature down to 20°F while the low-level mini split can handle the temperature till it gets into the negative number.
At What Temperature Does a Mini Split Stop Heating?
This depends on the brand and model of the mini split. However, heating capacity declines when the temperature reaches 47 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to protect your split from getting damaged, most ductless systems are designed with a safety device that helps to stop the heating process of the split.
The most suitable split for most homes is the economy-level mini split, but people that live in cold climates would need a system that works better in extreme cold. However, the exact temperature at which your mini split stops heating still depends on the model.
This is why it is important to refer to the user manual to better understand the split's working temperature.
Do I Need a Furnace If I Have a Mini Split?
Just like how a mini-split can help you heat your home, a furnace also does the same. But do you need the two heating systems? The answer is No. As previously mentioned, one major pro of using a mini-split is that it helps to save energy, unlike a furnace which significantly increases energy bills.
Even though it is less expensive and easy to install, you will spend more on energy bills, especially if there are regular temperature fluctuations in your area. However, you can also opt for a furnace if your budget allows it and if it's the right fit for your home.
How Long Do Mini-Splits Last?
Installing heating systems can be expensive so it is normal to want to know how long they would last. The lifespan of a mini split varies because it depends on different factors, but you can expect your ductless system to last for 20 years or more.
This is even better than most conventional air conditioning systems that have a lifespan of 12 - 15 years. So, it is safe to say that mini split will last longer, and you can even increase the life expectancy of your system if you maintain it properly.
How To Properly Maintain Mini Split
Having a ductless system is one of the most efficient ways to keep your home cool but proper maintenance has to be done if you want them to remain the same. Here are some steps you can take in order to increase the life expectancy of your mini-split.
Monitor The Heat Pump
The heat pump helps in the transfer of air from outdoors to indoors, so there is a chance of accumulating dust and dirt in the process. Ensure you check the heat pump from time to time as it can also develop leaks, in which case, you would need to replace it.
Clean The Filters, Condensers, and Coils
When the filters and coils are clogged, they will affect the efficiency of your mini-split. Clean them regularly especially if you live in a dusty area. If there is a need for replacement, do that too but make sure you power off all components before you start anything.
It is recommended that you clean them with a damp cloth weekly and ensure that the vent outside is free from blockages.
Check out this Filtrete Air Filters on Amazon.
Keep Your Unit In a Spacious Area
Installing your mini split in a small space would only attract dust further. Make sure there is enough space on both sides (indoors and outdoors). Remove clusters of furniture and curtains nearby so there is open space.
If you're having trouble maintaining your unit, it is recommended that you put a call through to a professional to help out in order to prevent costly repairs.
Summary
A mini-split system can help you cool and heat your home, be it single or multiple rooms. Aside from its high installation cost, it is the best way to save energy bills.
Make sure you keep the size of the unit and your area of residence into consideration before buying one. In order to increase their lifespan, follow all of the maintenance steps listed above.
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