For targeted heating or cooling, you need a ductless mini-split heat pump. Modern ductless technology is effective, powerful, and you can probably find one in your price range. But what about ductless heat pump efficiency? Do they compare to conventional systems? Are they going to cost you an arm and a leg in added electricity bills?
Don't worry, we can answer those.
Ductless vs Conventional Efficiency
Let's get this out of the way first: Does conventional heat pump efficiency beat ductless heat pump efficiency? After all, central condensers are much bigger, so they probably have room for more efficient components, right?
Not really.
Virtually all ductless heat pumps are at least 14 SEER efficient, the federally mandated minimum for residential systems circa 2018. Compared to previous generation products, a 14 SEER rating will save money and energy. Ductless units hit that standard, which puts them on par with the average unitary product.
And there are some ductless heat pumps that go way above and beyond even that. The Mitsubishi FH Series is a good example. This unit is rated as 33.1 SEER efficient. Not only is this twice as good as the government minimum, it's way ahead of the most efficient unitary products that are rarely better than 20 SEER.
Ductless Heat Pump Efficiency On Average
Most ductless heat pumps are neither 14 or 33 SEER. Most hit somewhere between 16 and 20 SEER. This puts them below the very highest efficient systems, but still comfortably on par or ahead of central heating and air units. Which means that a ductless heat pump provides not only a compact installation footprint and powerful comfort, but sufficient efficiency to save you money compared to your old air conditioner.
Ready to Save?
When you're ready to dive into ductless, we're ready to help. If you still have questions or comments about mini-split technology, just ask in the comments below!
I bought a diy unit it only took maybe 30 mins to install and cools very well . Electric bill went from over 200 to less than 150 great units very quiet you cant tell its on most times WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY I RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT
ok at 15 hundred, you lost me! (please forgive me as my caps are messed up on this new laptop, i being so ignorant that i will be waiting for hi to arrive and see what i hit by mistake!) i'm needing one for a tiny house that i have had the shell built, yet everything is a pain in getting the rest built, am sure glad i didn't buy this as i cant afford to but this unit and then pay 1500.00 just to hook it up right??? far too rich for my blood! ty for sharing this info.
If you are looking to save money on installing a mini-split in a tiny home, the unit you are looking for is the MRCOOL DIY. The 12k unit retails for around $1200, but you don't need a professional to install it. Most homeowners do the unit installation themselves, then just have an electrician complete the connection. https://iwae.com/shop/12k-btu-17-5-seer-mrcool-diy-ductless-heat-pump-split-system-wall-mounted-ha11720.html
I am very interested in this style of heating and cooling. I need help configuring the proper way to go about this as I am new to this technology. I have a relatively small 800 square apt 8-9 foot ceilings that is being renovated. I have 2 bedrooms appox 140 sq and a approx 450 sq open area where there is the kitchen and family area and another small bathroom approx 30 sq? what do you think is the best set up is for this situation. 4 zones ? do I get a 2 zone unit for the bedrooms and just a separate unit for the living area, do I need to have something in the bathroom. We live in central NJ so winters can be somewhat cold.
Also Is the heat pump sufficient to heat and rely on or should I install some baseboard as well? We only have electric at this site
thanks in advance.
4 zones would likely be overkill. I would put one unit in the main area for sure. I would not put one in a bathroom. A 2-zone unit for the bedrooms would work, but against it might also be more than you need. Though with the inverter-driven technology that's not as big an issue as it used to be. I don't think you would need anything more than a 3-zone setup, and a 2-zone might work depending on how the bedrooms are arranged.
In terms of heating, heat pump efficiency does drop the colder it gets. If you have a lot of cold winter days with below freezing, near zero temperature, supplemental baseboard heating is not a bad idea.
We have a sunroom with all glass sliders. Three sets of double door sliders. The room is a 14 X 14 foot patio enclosure sunroom. The room is mounted to the outside wall off of the dining room that has a set of outside French doors and a brick finished outside wall. I'm assuming I will have to have some real walls installed before that system can be installed. Would a roof mount be a possibility? The roof is pitched with a ceiling mounted fan connected to the I beam. The ceiling is probably 3 inches thick, Any help would be a appreciated.
Most ductless units use a wall-mounted air handler. You do need a real wall for those. However, you can also get units with air handlers designed as ceiling inserts. Give us a call at 800-360-1569, and we can help you find a unit that will work.
The square footage a unit will heat and cool is dependent on the amount of BTUs it can produce. A ceiling unit can be matched with different condensers that produce different BTUs. They would help circulate air. Also, operating an air conditioner to reduce interior humidity is a good tool to control humidity.
110 VAC or 220? And would a single unit work for a 2 room (maybe 1000 SF) upstairs area? I would prefer a ceiling mount... Not sure if that changes anything. And could I mount the condenser unit on my roof or does it have to be set on the ground?
Ductless heat pumps are available in many different configurations. Depending on the layout and interior air flow, a single-zone unit could provide air comfort for multiple interior rooms. Typically we don't recommend installing a condenser on the roof, exterior wall mounts are available if you don't want to place them on the ground.
It would definitely be efficient to cool, and would be efficient to heat during some parts of the year. Extreme Minnesota temperatures would make heating difficult for any heat pump. So we would definitely recommend a Hyper Heat.
I'm building a sun room I north Florida with a lot of windows !6X36. Will 18000 btu unit handle the heating and cooling? Will a inside unit on the end circulate condition air throughout the room. I'm considering a Mr. Cool unit.
On a ductless mini-split, the interior air handler will definitely circulate air throughout the room. For a 16x36 space (576 sq ft), an 18k unit should do the job.
