Mitsubishi Electric mini-splits are a great choice for many homeowners. They operate at up to 100 percent capacity in 23 degrees, and 75 percent in 13 degrees. And, unlike other types of air conditioning, mini-splits require no fuel or gas service. However, mini-splits have considerable electrical requirements. My friend in Hawaii needed to install a 40-amp 230-volt dedicated breaker in order to run her five-zone mini-split. She hired a licensed electrical subcontractor.
Energy efficiency
There are many benefits to a mini-split air conditioning system, but what makes it an energy efficient option? According to the United States Department of Energy, a mini-split with zoning capabilities can save an average of 30% on a home’s energy bill. Because mini-splits don’t use ductwork, they ensure that all air enters the home. For this reason, these systems are ideal for small houses and smaller rooms.
Because mini-split systems are small, they offer flexibility in zoning. For example, some systems feature as many as four indoor air handling units that are connected to one outdoor unit. The number of indoor air handling units depends on the cooling needs of the building, as well as air sealing and insulation. Because mini-split systems are thermostatically controlled, they only need to condition occupied rooms. This saves on energy costs and helps keep homeowners comfortable.
Controllability
Controllability of mini split AC is important to homeowners who want to maximize energy efficiency and personalize comfort. These units feature two primary components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are connected by a conduit that houses power cable, refrigerant tubing, and suction tubing. These components work together to control temperature in the room and keep it comfortable for the occupants.
A programmable thermostat will offer the same benefits as a standard controller, but will allow you to set specific temperature ranges for different rooms on a daily basis. This technology can work through walls to provide control over multiple minisplit units. These units can be controlled through the app and should allow for zone controls to cool or heat certain areas. Some mini split AC systems are even multi-head, so you can use them in different parts of the house.
Cost
A ductless mini-split AC costs between $3,000 and $9,000, depending on the brand and style. The national average is about $3,150 for a multi-zone system and $5,377 for a two-four-ths-ton system. The cheapest mini split AC costs $1,678 and the highest costs are around $9,548. In some cases, you may need to hire a local electrician to install the unit, which can cost an additional $50 to $100 per hour.
The price of a mini-split system depends on several factors, including the type of system, number of zones, air handlers, system size, and installation complexity. The brand and model of the mini-split unit will affect the total cost, as better-quality models require less energy to run. The installation cost varies by state and region, so be sure to research your options before selecting a unit.
Installation
Before choosing the right mini split AC system, homeowners should determine how many zones the system should cover. The size of the unit will determine its price. The capacity of the unit should be higher than the number of zones it will cool. Also, homeowners must consider whether their rooms are heavily shaded, which reduces the BTU it can cool. To determine how much power the mini split AC system should use, homeowners should measure the rooms they want to cool and decide how many zones they’ll connect.
The next step in installation is wiring. This is typically the most time-consuming step. Mini split AC systems have three main parts: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The two pieces are connected by copper tubing. The copper tubing transports the refrigerant. The outside unit also has a plumbing connection, and the indoor unit needs a dedicated drain. If this isn’t possible, the installer can use an indirect drain to direct the condensate away from the room.