Mini-split systems, also called ductless systems, are a great way to heat or cool your home the entire year. Unlike traditional forced-air furnaces, mini-split systems don’t rely on ductwork. They provide heat in the winter straight out of a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted unit.
How Does A Mini-Split System Work In The Winter?
When you’re looking for a heating system for your home, a ductless mini-split unit could be the way to go. This system transfers heat from outside to the inside of your home using refrigerant. Unlike other systems, a ductless mini-split system doesn’t need combustion to create heat. It uses electricity to move the refrigerant between the outside and inside of your home.
Size The System Properly
Size the unit based on average low temperatures. Oversizing the ductless mini split heat pump may keep your home comfortable in the winter, but remember that you count on the ductless mini split for cooling in the summer as well. An oversized mini split fails to dehumidify your home in cooling mode, leaving you cool but clammy.Size the conduit, tooIt’s advisable to install the outdoor condensing unit relatively far away from the indoor air handler to reduce noise transfer, but the longer the conduit has to stretch, the lower the efficiency.
Protect The Outdoor Unit
You can’t stop the snow, but you can install an overhang above the outdoor compressor to protect it. You should also install the unit a foot or two above the ground so snow falls below it, not around it. If snow plugs the unit, it drastically reduces performance, since it goes into defrost mode to melt the snow instead of putting that energy toward heating your home.
Mount The Indoor Unit Correctly
If you only rely on the mini split for heating, it makes sense to position the indoor unit near the floor, but if you want efficient air conditioning in the summer, a higher-up installation could be better. The best advice is to follow the particular manufacturer’s guidelines.
What Homes Can Benefit Best From Ductless Units In The Winter?
There are many different types of heating systems out there. These include heat pumps, ductless mini-split units, radiant heaters, and even furnaces. It’s always good to know what units work best for your home so that you can choose the best option to meet your needs.
Mini-split units are ideal for winter heating in homes that are already built. Their key benefit is that you don’t have to rip out any existing walls to have ductwork installed. These units are also best for home additions where you can’t connect to existing ductwork.
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