Introduction to Mini Split Heat Pumps
Mini split heat pumps are able to heat and cool your home without the need for ductwork. This opens up a world of convenience for your home and can be a great solution for your heating and cooling needs. Read on to find out what mini split heat pumps can do for you.
Benefits of Mini Split Ductless Heat Pumps
The main benefit of having mini split heat pumps is that they require no ductwork, and can replace your radiator, or baseboard heating, so installation is easy. That’s only one of the many benefits these pumps come with.
Energy Efficiency and Lower Utility Bills
These pumps are known to be 3-4 times more efficient than an electric or fossil fuel system, which can help save you money on your monthly utility bills. They also tend to get to your home to the desired temperature faster than other systems, which allows them to work less hard, furthering your savings.
Quiet Operation and Zone Control
These pumps also allow for individual zone control in each room of your home, so you can easily set one room at one temperature and another at a different temperature. They also tend to operate rather quietly, making them less intrusive to use.
Improved Air Quality and Dehumidification
Mini split heat pumps are also known for having high-quality filters which can help trap things like pollutants, and dust, improving your air quality. They can also act as dehumidifiers, making the air in your home more comfortable.
Types of Mini Split Heat Pumps Suitable for Connecticut
Ductless Mini Split vs. Central Heat Pump Systems
Ductless mini splits work well for residences that do not have existing ductwork, while central systems are best suited to those that do. Mini splits provide room-specific control, which improves efficiency.
Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone Mini Split Systems
Single-zone systems are ideal for small spaces, such as a single room or an expansion, but multi-zone systems meet the needs of the entire house, allowing for independent temperature settings for each zone.
Choosing the Right Split Ductless Heat Pump
Choosing the right ductless heat pump can be a difficult process. Thankfully, there are a few factors that can help make it easy to figure out which one you need.
Sizing and Efficiency Ratings
When it comes to choosing a size, you’re going to need to figure out how large the rooms you want to heat or cool are first. You’re going to want to multiply your room’s square footage by 25 to get a close approximation of how many BTUs your unit will need. In terms of efficiency ratings, split ductless heat pumps tend to be 20 SEER or higher, which means they tend to work very efficiently to cool, or heat your various spaces.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking room insulation levels
- Ignoring window sizes and placements
- Choosing a system without professional guidance
Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone Systems
Single zone systems are able to control the temperature of one location in your home, while multi-zone systems can change the independent temperatures of multiple rooms. To figure out which you need, you should take a look at how large of a home you have to see if you need a multi-zone system.
Customization Options
Of course, there are also a variety of customization options you can choose from to personalize your own mini split heat pumps to better fit the specific needs of your home.
Recommended Mini Split Brands
There are a number of mini split heat pump brands that we produce high-quality products that’ll last. Our top picks are:
Mitsubishi Electric
With a large selection of models to choose from that range from budget picks to premium, Mitsubishi Electric has what you need. They are a titan in the industry and the quality of their products is a testament to their reputation.
Top Models from This Brand
Deluxe Wall-mounted Indoor Unit
The Deluxe Wall-mounted Indoor Unit features Dual Barrier Coating, triple filtration, a backlit hand controller, and a 3D i-see Sensor®, which measures temperature and occupant location and directs air away from or toward room occupants.
EZ FIT® Ceiling Cassette
The EZ FIT® Ceiling Cassette recesses between the ceiling joists providing a clean flush-mount appearance. The slim body design fits into shallow ceiling cavities making the EZ FIT a popular selection for room upgrades or new construction projects. High/low ceiling airflow settings and automatic vane control personalize room comfort.
Floor-mounted Indoor Unit
The Floor-mounted Indoor Unit mounts low on the wall and can be mounted partially recessed. This indoor unit features rapid heating capability that quickly warms a space to the desired temperature and a multi-flow vane distributing airflow throughout the room, preventing uneven temperatures.
intelli-HEAT™ Hybrid HVAC Indoor Unit
Upgrade your current HVAC system to a Hybrid dual fuel heat pump and significantly reduce gas usage and CO2 emissions. Our intelli-HEAT system consists of 2 units: an exterior heat pump, which replaces your existing air conditioning condenser, and an interior unit that is installed on your existing gas furnace*. This smart system not only improves air conditioning efficiency on hot days, but also determines the best source of heat (gas or electricity) on cold days, so your HVAC system is always running at peak efficiency and comfort.
Daikin
Daikin mini split heat pumps are known for their durability. They have a reputation for building steadfast units that can handle any weather all year round while providing you with quality heating and cooling.
Top Models from This Brand
Wall Mounted Type (with Daikin Streamer Technology)
This model use cutting‐edge technologies to ensure room air quality and the inside of your indoor unit stays clean and odour‐free.
Wall Mounted Type Stylish Design
The units are both stylish and elegant, featuring distinctive moulded corners which allow them to blend seamlessly into any modern home.
Wall Mounted Type
The simple and elegant flat panel design complements any interior decor. Its refined appearance and functions provide homes with a comfortable living environment.
Trane
Trane mini split heat pumps are also known to be quality units that can handle all of your heating and cooling. These units to be durable and efficient, allowing them to get the job done whenever you need them.
Top Models from This Brand
Standard Wall Mount Cooling Only
Maximize energy savings with this mini split AC by using only the energy needed to comfortably cool.
Standard Wall Mount ST
Get sleek comfort control with this slim, wall mounted mini-split heat pump.
Deluxe Wall Mount PH
Gain maximum control and energy efficiency by cooling and heating only the room in use.
Installation Process
Installing a mini split heat pump setup can be done in a few steps. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when looking to do so.
Basic Steps
While we always recommend you get a professional to come in and install your system, the process is generally easy if you have some electrical know-how. The basic steps boil down to:
1. Choose a wall to place your indoor unit that is connected to the outside, and locate the studs in said wall to connect your air handler plate to.
2. Drill the holes where you’ll be running your various tubes and lines through, and connect the wires to the unit, with the help of your instruction manual for your specific unit.
3. Install your outdoor condenser unit by choosing a location, which can go anywhere that it makes sense including you’re the ground outside your home, your roof, or on an outside wall with mounting gear. You’ll need special gear if you choose to install it on the ground. Then connect all of your lines to the outdoor unit.
Placement Considerations
As mentioned above, choosing a good spot is very important when it comes to installing your mini split heat pump. For the indoor unit, you’re going to want to choose a wall in your desired room that has space for the air handler without any shelves or lights. As mentioned earlier, it will also need to connect to the outside to allow enough room for your lines to run through. The unit also has to have at least 6 feet of space between it and the floor. For the outside unit, as we mentioned, you’ll need special gear pretty much wherever you put it to keep it secure, and you’ll need space to put it, so plan accordingly.
Evergreen HVAC's Expertise
Though installing your own unit is possible, you’re almost always better off hiring professionals to handle it. We at Evergreen HVAC have been in business for over 30 years, so we have the expertise to handle anything you throw at us. We’ll have your system up and running in no time.
Our Reviews Before Google and E-mail
Back before email and Google reviews, we used to rely on good old-fashioned letters to hear about the quality of our work. For over 30 years, our HVAC business in Hamden, CT has been serving the residents of Connecticut with top-notch heating and air solutions.
Maintenance and Longevity
To ensure that your mini split heat pump system works for a long time, there are a few things you should be doing to maintain it.
Regular Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect and clean filters monthly
- Check refrigerant levels
- Ensure unobstructed airflow for outdoor units
Regular Maintenance Tips
The best thing to do for your mini split heat pumps is to keep them clean. Clean their filters out and clean their coils to keep them running smoothly. Though there are a few other small things to do, keeping the pumps clean is definitely one of the best.
Common Troubleshooting
Apart from checking for anything to clean, there are some other common things to check for when troubleshooting your pumps. Obstructions around your outdoor unit, interruptions to your power supply, refrigerant leaks, and a clogged condensate drain can all cause issues with your pumps too.
Long-Term Reliability
When you properly take care of your pumps, you’ll find that they’ll last for a long time. Keeping up with regular maintenance is the best way to make sure your pumps last for many days to come.
Costs and Financing
Like with any home climate solution, there are various options that will cost more than others to implement. Premium options may be more effective, but they will of course cost more compared to more budget models.
Cost Breakdown and Savings
There are a couple of main costs to keep track of in terms of your mini pump system. The big ones are the cost of installation, and, of course, how much they’ll cost to run year-round. The cost of installation will depend on whether you have a single or multi-zone system. While the operation costs will vary, most people usually see a reduction in their monthly electric bill after installing one of these systems.
Financing Options
If you work with a company to help you install your system, you’ll have a couple of financing options available to you. Many companies will work with you to ensure that you can comfortably afford the installation process and your new system.
Available Incentives and Rebates
The High-Efficiency Electric Rebate Act will give a federal income tax credit of up to $2000 to anyone that gets a high-efficiency heat pump. The HEAR program may offer you a rebate as well. Many state and local governments offer various incentives for installing heat pumps, be sure to look into your local programs to find out which will apply to you.
Financing
Evergreen HVAC Partners is a proud authorized contractor of Energize Connecticut, offering financing options for energy-efficient home improvements.
As of 2023, there are a number of rebates and incentives available for heat pump installation in Connecticut. These include rebates through the Energize CT program, which offers up to $750 for qualifying air-source heat pump installations, and federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. Additionally, many utility companies offer rebates or low-interest financing options for customers who switch to a heat pump system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most commonly asked questions regarding heat pumps are:
Will a Mini Split Work in an Older Home?
Yes, their ductless architecture makes them an excellent choice for retrofits.
Can Mini Splits Be Used Year-Round?
Yes, mini splits provide both heating and cooling capabilities.
How Long Do Mini Splits Last?
Regular air conditioning units usually last up to 10 years, while mini splits can last up to 20.
Are Mini Splits Effective in Connecticut Winters?
Mini splits are able to operate even at 0°F at full power, and they can still operate even in the negatives, just less effectively.
What is the Warranty Coverage?
The warranty coverage on your mini split will depend on the model you get. A warranty can last anywhere from 1 to 10 years, depending on the brand and model.
Can I Finance My Mini Split Installation?
In many cases, you can. If you hire a company to install your mini split pump, then they typically offer financing options to allow you to afford it.
Conclusion
Mini split heat pumps can handle all of the heating and cooling in your home with great efficiency. With plenty of options to choose from a number of reputable brands, finding a mini split system for your home should be easy. Of course, once you choose a model you like, you’ll need someone to install it. That’s where Evergreen HVAC comes in. With over 30 years in the industry, and a great reputation to back it up, we’d be happy to help you get your mini split heat pump installed.
Contact us today!
