If you’re considering ductless mini splitsas supplemental heating for select areas in your home, or if your home-improvement project calls on ductless heating as a primary heating solution for multiple rooms, then bookmark these tips to leverage peak heating performance from your ductless system when the mercury falls this winter.

Drop the Heating Load

The faster heat escapes a home, known as heat gain/loss, the longer and harder ductless mini splits must work to maintain target temperature. Working harder and longer means a bump in your electric bills and a drop in comfort. Drop the heating load instead by air sealing your home and boosting insulation in the attic, walls and floor. For professional results, contact your HVAC contractor for an energy audit of your home.

Sizing a Ductless System

Ductless mini splits are sized the same way conventional heat pumps or air conditioners are sized. Your HVAC pro performs a Manual J calculation to determine the heating load of your home, and then matches the appropriate-sized ductless system using Manual S. (Manual J and Manual S are HVAC-industry standard, and published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.)

Installation Best Practices

The indoor air handlers are typically mounted high on walls or the ceiling. This saves space and allows for unrestricted airflow. The outside unit containing the compressor/condenser needs special consideration to allow for unrestricted airflow for homes in areas that receive a lot of snow. In our area, of course, snow isn’t a big concern, though with any heat pump, it’s important to keep the area clear around the condenser/compressor for better airflow.

Advanced Features and Efficiency

Advances in component design, such as inverter technology and multi-speed fans, help new ductless mini splits efficiently heat homes when temperatures drop well below freezing. Ask your HVAC pro for tips on selecting the features that suit your needs.

Regular Maintenance

Ductless mini splits need maintenance similar to conventional heat pumps, which includes cleaning or changing the air filter regularly, ensuring the outside unit is free of airflow restrictions (snow, leaves and other debris) and annual professional maintenance to test components. Airflow, ducts, coils and refrigerant levels need to be checked, as well.

For more performance tips on ductless mini splits or other HVAC questions, please contact us at Powers Heating & Air before cold weather arrives in the Peachtree City area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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