Considering installing a ductless heating or cooling system but don't know where to start? ECI is here to help.
What is a Ductless Mini-Split?
Ductless splits provide solutions to several issues and deliver a wide range of benefits to homeowners. They are a great replacement for inefficient window units and a nice addition to historic homes that need to be preserved.
Not only this, but ductless splits allow for customizable home comfort. Whether you and your family find yourselves spending most of your time in only two or three areas, or if you prefer different temperatures for each room, ductless splits are the answer. Each room in your home can now be conditioned the way you want it, when you want it.
Plus without the need for ductwork, these systems are perfect for older homes, new homes, or anything in between. The installation process requires little invasion and the system itself takes up little space. Ductless splits are quiet, efficient, cost effective, and work to heat your home at the perfect temperature all year long. Lastly, they are big energy-savers. What more could you ask for?
Click below to check out just how our Mitsubishi ductless systems work so well.
What Goes Into Sizing a Mini-Split
Once you've made the smart decision to install a ductless heating or cooling system, the big question remains: what size should I get?
A few important factors go into determining the right fit for your room/house:
- Size of the room
- Age of the house + insulation
- Ceiling height
- Outdoor climate
- Number of doors and windows
- Amount of direct sunlight in room
- Type of flooring in room
Size of room
First is the square footage of the room you're looking to heat or cool, or the square footage of multiple rooms if you're looking for a multi-zone system. The size of the room will determine the amount of British Thermal Units, or BTU's, needed to power your unit. In general, the larger the room is, the higher the BTU rating your unit will need. Check out the chart below to see room size compared to the estimated BTU requirement.
Age and Insulation
An older home or a home with poor insulation will need more power to heat or cool. Insulation blocks heat from entering the home in the summer and holds heat inside in the winter. If your space is poorly insulated, it will require about 30 percent more power to maintain comfort.
Ceiling Height
A high ceiling means a bigger room, and that means a bigger BTU capacity is needed. If your ceilings are higher than eight feet, experts recommend increasing the BTU capacity by around 20 percent.
Climate
Outdoor climate affects the temperature indoors, too, which calls for differently sized Mini-Split systems depending on where you live. For example, in areas where the temperature often exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the BTU capacity should be increased by 30 percent.
Other
There a couple other factors that may be considered when deciding on the ideal size of your system. The number of windows and doors can have an effect, as they are not insulated and can leak air. Floor type may also make a difference, as a carpeted floor traps more heat than hardwood. Finally, direct sunlight in the room may provide some natural heat, therefore affecting the amount of BTU's needed.
In Summary
Ductless Mini-Split systems are the complete package -- they maintain comfortable temperatures, save you money, and don't require a lot of work for installation. While sizing can be confusing, these factors, along with an expert consultation, will tell you exactly what you need. Now you can get started on home comfort with the ductless system best fit for you and your home.
To learn even more about ductless, download our ductless brochure below.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
