Now that your ductless mini split is installed, you could probably use some tips for finding the perfect comfort zone. Operating at maximum efficiency will enhance the energy cost savings these systems were designed for. Knowing the most efficient way to run a mini split will help you get the most out of your investment. Mini split heat pumps are known for their efficiency. But, it’s important that they’re properly controlled and maintained to maximize savings.
Do Mini Splits Heat and Cool?
To cool a room, the indoor unit pulls air inside, which passes over evaporator coils filled with refrigerant. Any absorbed heat is transferred to the outdoor compressor unit and cooled air goes back out into the room. When your mini split heats a room, the opposite happens. The outdoor compressor unit absorbs heat from outside and moves it inside using the refrigerant coils. (Refrigerant is very cold, so it can find outdoor heat even at very low temperatures).
Mini split heating and cooling is all just a transfer of energy!Regardless of the model you choose, mini split efficiency is about 30% higher than central ducted systems. Part of the reason for this is based on how inefficient a central system can be, often due to leaky ductwork.
Setting the Temperature
Most homeowners will need an auxiliary heating source for their ductless mini heat pumps. That’s because with a heat pump, which transfers heat via refrigerant inside the unit to warm the home, when temperatures fall below freezing the heat pump may no longer be able to heat the home efficiently. That’s when an alternative heat source should kick on. If you set your mini split between 65 and 70 degrees in the winter, set your back-up heating system to between 55 and 60 degrees. If you have a system installed in more than one room, the temperature can be adjusted for each room individually. For further energy savings, the thermostat used to control your ductless mini split can be set to keep different temperatures for different times of the day and night just like any other system.
The Energy Star program suggests that you set your ductless AC thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer months. That sounds hot, but these units are extremely efficient. This is enough to maintain a cool environment, all while keeping your energy bill as low as possible.
When the Ductless Mini Split Turns Off.
The ductless mini split system should turn itself off automatically in extremely cold outside temperatures to prevent damage to the unit. Your auxiliary system will then kick in. The ductless system will automatically resume when the temperature warms up sufficiently.
Should I Leave my Mini Split on all the Time?
Should you run your mini split 24/7? Yes! A ductless mini split heat pump will use less energy when you let it run continuously. And, as a bonus, it will keep your temperatures more consistent. But, you can still make small changes to save energy.
For a traditional HVAC system like a furnace or baseboard heaters, it’s smart to schedule a temperature setback of 4–5 degrees celsius overnight and then resume your preferred temperature before you wake up in the morning. This way, you save while you sleep!
However, mini splits work a little differently. Having them ramp up or down with major changes can cause them to be less efficient. Instead, try setting a smaller setback temperature overnight, so your mini split doesn’t have to work as hard in the morning to bring the room temperature back up to normal.
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