Ductless Mini Splits Can Do a Better Job in Winter If You Follow These Tips

Ductless mini splits are an effective, economical way to provide zoned heating or cooling to rooms in your Omaha home that lack traditional ductwork. Here are some great tips on how to get the most out of yours this winter.

• Start at the beginning – To achieve maximum savings, comfort, and heating efficiency from your ductless mini splits, first improve your home’s thermal envelope. Your doors, foundation, outer walls, roof and windows are all that stand between the outdoors and the indoors, and their efficiency level determines the amount of heat transfer between the two areas. Seal any air leaks with caulking or weatherstripping, check the roof for any loose or missing shin
• gles and consider adding more insulation to your attic to a minimum level of R-38.
• Size matters – As temperatures drop outdoors, so does the amount of heat your mini split can put out. Size the unit according to the average low temperature, which in Omaha is between 10 and 15 degrees.
• Go undercover – Provide shelter from the elements for the outdoor compressor unit, protecting it on all sides without restricting airflow.
• Location, location, location – The indoor component should be mounted about 18 inches from the floor with an unobstructed path to the living area. This increases efficiency and comfort by drawing in cooled air for heating and directing the warm air down low where it can mix in with the cooler air. It also provides indirect airflow and increased comfort while ensuring easy access to clean filters or perform maintenance.

• Don’t forget the pipes – To prevent the transfer of noise between the indoor and outdoor components, it’s recommended to use at least 15 feet of pipe between them.
• Do your math – Balance is needed between the efficiency of the unit and reduced operating temperatures. In warmer climates, more emphasis can be placed on efficiency, allowing you to install a unit with a higher heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF).

For more information on efficient heating with ductless mini splits, contact us at Fred’s Heating and Air. We have over 25 years of experience and are proud to serve homeowners in Omaha and the surrounding areas.