
To determine the suitable mini-split heat pump size, try the following procedures:
- 1 . Determine the lot area of the room in square feet. Note that you must multiply the length and the width of the room...
- Multiple the room area by 25 to get the recommended BTU capacity of a mini-split.
How many Watts Does a mini split use?
Split systems typically use about 9,000 BTU or 900 watts. Running for eight hours per day at the national average kWh unit cost of 13.2 cents, a ductless mini-split would cost only 95 cents per day to run, or about $28.50 per month. Click to see full answer.
How many BTU's do I need for my mini split?
Here are the combinations you can use:
- zone mini split with two 36,000 BTU air handlers. Total output: 72,000 BTU.
- zone mini split with two 24,000 BTU units and one 18,000 BTU unit. Total output: 66,000 BTU.
- zone mini split with two 12,000 BTU units and two 18,000 BTU units. ...
- zone mini split with five 12,000 BTU units. ...
How big is a ductless mini split?
This slightly varies depending on the unit you buy but, it is generally 2-3/4" to 3" in diameter. If you are keen on DIY projects you can probably do this step yourself before your HVAC installer comes to install your system. Do I need to purchase tubing? Yes, you do need to purchase tubing to install your ductless mini split air conditioner.
How much does a mini split system actually cost?
You can cool one room, heat another, and leave others off if you have a multi-head system. Cost of a Mini-Split The total cost can vary significantly depending on the factors above, but you should expect to pay between $5,000 to $8,000 per zone. If you have more than two zones, you can expect to pay $11,000 and up.

How do I know what size mini split I need?
Convert the square footage into BTUs: To calculate the estimated BTUs needed to heat or cool the room, multiply the room's square footage by 25. Using the example from above, to find the BUTs needed for a 144 square foot room, 144 x 25 = 3600 BTUs.
How many square feet will a 12000 BTU Mini Split cool?
450–550 square feetOne of the most often installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool approximately 450–550 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment.
How many sq ft does a mini split cover?
Size and PowerMini Split AC Sizing ChartSquare Footage of Your SpaceBTUs Needed (per hour)550 to 700 sq. ft.14,000 BTUs700 to 1,000 sq. ft.18,000 BTUs1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft.6 more rows
Is it better to oversize or undersize a mini split?
In short, a slight oversized mini split is a safe choice. That's why the HVAC saying is “if in doubt, always go for a bigger unit”. If you are wondering if it is better to oversize or undersize a mini split, the answer is clear: Always oversize.
How many BTU do I need for a 20x20 room?
As a general rule, a 20×20 feet or 400 square feet room should use a 12,000 BTU or 1 Ton air conditioner. If your room is heavily shaded, you can save cost by using a 9,000 BTU or 0.75 Ton air conditioner.
How big of a mini split do I need for 1500 square feet?
Usually, we use a 20 BTU per sq ft rule of thumb. Example: For a 1,500 sq ft home, you would need 1,500×20 = 30,000 BTU output. You can use one 30,000 BTU mini splits, two 15,000 BTU mini splits, or three 10,000 BTU mini splits.
How many BTU do I need for a 12x12 room?
Usually, a 12 x 12 room needs 5,000 BTU of cooling capacity when used by two people. If the space is not getting direct sunlight, you only need 4,500 BTU. However, depending on how many people use the room, it can take upwards of 6,000 BTU to cool a 12 x 12 space.
How many rooms can you cool with a mini split?
4 roomsBoth can be used to cool a single room without ductwork. But a mini-split can add more evaporator units (up to 4) to one condenser unit. So technically it can cool up to 4 rooms. Mini-splits are also much more energy efficient than window units and last longer, too.
Are mini splits cheaper than central air?
The upfront cost of central air is 30% less than mini-split systems minus the ductwork installation. If you already have ductwork in your home, then it is an affordable heating/cooling option.
Can you have too big of a mini split?
So, yes, you absolutely can oversize a mini-split. And when you do, you end up with some of the same problems you get from oversizing conventional systems: poor humidity control, short cycling, and wasted money.
How many square feet will a 36000 BTU Mini Split cool?
A large ductless system with a BTU of 36,000 can effectively cool a room measuring up to 1,500 total square feet, while smaller units usually start at around 9,000 BTUs and can cool approximately 350 square feet of space (the size of approximately 2-3 bedrooms).
What is the difference between Split and mini split?
The central heating and cooling systems that are traditionally used in homes are called split systems because they typically have indoor and outdoor components. A mini split air conditioner also has indoor and outdoor components, but it takes up a lot less space than traditional heating and cooling systems.
How big of a mini split do I need for 1200 square feet?
BTU Sizing Chart for Mini Split SystemsArea To Be CooledCapacity Needed (BTUs Per Hour)450 to 550 square feet12,000 BTUs550 to 700 square feet14,000 BTUs700 to 1,000 square feet18,000 BTUs1,000 to 1,200 square feet21,000 BTUs7 more rows•Jul 18, 2016
How many BTU do I need for a 12x12 room?
Usually, a 12 x 12 room needs 5,000 BTU of cooling capacity when used by two people. If the space is not getting direct sunlight, you only need 4,500 BTU. However, depending on how many people use the room, it can take upwards of 6,000 BTU to cool a 12 x 12 space.
Are mini splits cheaper than central air?
The upfront cost of central air is 30% less than mini-split systems minus the ductwork installation. If you already have ductwork in your home, then it is an affordable heating/cooling option.
How many sq ft will a 18000 BTU Mini Split cool?
Mini Split BTU to Room Size ChartMini Split Cooling CapacityRoom Size12,000 BTU550 - 650 sq ft15,000 BTU680 - 835 sq ft18,000 BTU820 - 1,000 sq ft24,000 BTU1,100 - 1,350 sq ft6 more rows•Jul 22, 2022
What is a mini split heat pump?
Like any standard Mini Split Air conditioner heat pumps, mini splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain links the outdoor and indoor units together.
How many sq feet is a 12000 BTU split air conditioner?
300-500 Sq Feet a 12000 Btu 1 Ton Mini Ductless Split Air Conditioner would be best for you.
Where are split heat pumps used?
Split Seer (seasonal efficiency ratio) originated in Asia, and quickly spread around the world! Used in many places like Europe, China, Japan, South America, North America, Canada, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Russia, Korea, and Australia - virtually every country in the world uses these systems. Because of this they are becoming more and more popular here in the USA. We look forward to helping you choose the best Split air conditioner system for your project!
Is a mini split AC more expensive than a wall AC?
Ductless Mini split air conditioners are a cost effective choice over central air conditioning. They are typically more expensive than wall or window air conditioners and you will need an HVAC professional to install the unit. Since the compressor sits outside the mini split air conditioners are very quiet and efficient.
Do mini AC units have to be installed?
Architects and engineers have realized this for years and they have struggled to adapt technology to modern living and working demands. Mini Air Conditioning Systems now make the job much easier. HVAC Split Units are not normally sold directly to consumers. They must be installed by licensed contractors. Pricing is a package deal, which includes the labor, permits and whatever else is needed for your installation. Prices vary radically, depending on both the quality (or efficiency) of the and how much labor is needed. Installation and related costs are usually going to cost more than the system itself.
Do mini splits make noise?
Some of the best features of mini splits are that they don’t have any of the typical problems you see with central systems, they don’t produce a lot of noise, they require less space to operate or install, and you don’t need to make huge holes in the walls or open windows in order to install them.
Do mini splits have remotes?
Keep in mind that you must have electronic (digital) controls to use a remote control. Most mini split units come with a remote control to control the temperature in the room. This eliminates the need to get up and adjust the temperature on a thermostat as most central units would.
What happens if your mini split is too small?
If your mini split is too small, then it won’t be able to heat or cool your home properly. It will run a lot, but you won’t have an even coverage of hot or cold air leading to specific hot or cold spots in your home.
How many rooms can you have in a mini split?
A single mini split is generally used in a single room or zone, but you can add extra evaporator units, and it will comfortably be able to deal with 4 rooms at once. The effectiveness of the mini split will be impacted by the exact size of each room, though.
How many BTUs does a 1 ton mini split have?
A 1-ton mini split is equivalent to about 12000 BTUs and can cool around 600-650 square feet.
Why do people use mini split AC?
Homeowners favor them over most other AC systems because they work so effectively and are pretty easy to maintain.
What are the downsides of mini splits?
Of course, the biggest downside to an oversized mini split is that you’ll waste money buying a bigger unit that you just don’t need.
How to figure out square footage of a room?
You’ll need to work out the square footage of each room. Do this by measuring the length and the width of each room and multiplying them together.
Is a mini split air conditioner good?
Mini split air conditioners are excellent additions to any home. They can be expensive, but when set up correctly, they offer a great deal of value, so it’s essential to get the right size.
Sizing Guide for a Mini Split Air Conditioner
To size your mini split air conditioner, the most important thing you need to know is the square footage of the room you’re looking to cool and/or heat. Each indoor unit will be capable of providing a set number of BTU’s of cooling and heating power.
BTU Sizing Chart for Mini Split Systems
Check out our square footage and BTU comparison chart below. The following table is for individual zones, for a multi-zone, combine the total BTU’s needed to establish the overall BTU values of the system.
Why is it important to buy the correct size of mini split?
It is required to buy the correct size of mini split which is important for its high efficiency performance and its great cooling ability. In case you install the wrong size, it might not work as efficiently as you want it to.
Why do people use mini splits?
One of the major reasons for the popularity of such a system is that it does not use any kind of duct, which is required by a central air conditioning system. An additional benefit of using mini splits is that these are easy to install.
Do you need to know the BTUs for a mini split?
Just as in the case of all conditioners, users have to know the BTUs needed to heat or cool an area which they are looking at when installing the mini split. It is also necessary to think about the handles that one will need for the application.
How to determine the right mini split?
Sizing is a critical consideration in choosing the best mini-split system for your home. You can determine the right rating using a process known as load calculation. This allows you to determine the correct amount of cool or warm air required to keep a comfortable and constant temperature in a specific area.
How to know if mini split is right for my home?
The simplest way to ensure that the sizing of a mini-split system is perfect for your home is to find one that is neither too big nor too small for the space you want to be cooled or heated. If you have a system installed that is over- or undersized, you will experience issues with comfort and with the overall functionality of your mini-split system.
How does climate affect mini split?
Your local climate can and will affect your indoor temperatures. The sizing of your mini-split system will depend on the type of weather conditions you experience in any given season. For example, if your area experiences temperatures higher than 90° Fahrenheit, you need a system with a BTU rating that should be able to increase to a temperature by a minimum of 30% that figure.
What is a mini split system?
Mini-split systems are high-efficiency HVAC equipment due to the use of inverter technology that allows the units to generate accurate levels of cooling and heating to ensure that temperature specifications are met and maintained.
Why is my mini split so small?
If the sizing of your ductless mini-split is too small, it will have problems with inefficiency. The unit will run continuously but it will fail to condition the air indoors effectively. As a result, the system will simply consume more energy without performing at its best.
How to calculate square feet of a room?
Calculate the area of the room in square feet. To do this, your HVAC technician will determine the length and width of the room/area and multiply them. So, let’s say you have a room that is 30′ long and 40′ wide. The product of these figures (30′ x 40′) is equal to 1,200 square feet.
Why is my mini split so undersized?
Because the unit has to make up for the inadequacy of its sizing, it will be more susceptible to premature wear-and-tear.
How to size a mini split?
Sizing a minisplit system begins with a very basic calculation of Btu needs for the home based on square footage. It's important to note, however, that this is merely a place to start. An installation professional who uses only the square footage figure to suggest a size for your minisplit system is taking the easy route. There should be a number of adjustments the contractor considers.
How to know if mini split is right for my house?
If your minisplit contractor takes careful measurements of your spaces and asks about all these variables (and perhaps even more), it's a good sign that he is correctly sizing your minisplit system. Some manufacturers offer their installers complicated software that factors in values for dozens of different variables to compute the BTU needs for spaces served by a minisplit system. It is entirely possible — for example, if you have an older house with 10-foot ceilings and many large windows — that the contractor may correctly suggest a minisplit size that is as much as twice the basic Btu rating that was calculated based on the area of the space.
How to calculate BTU for mini split?
For some manufacturers, the basic load calculation method begins by finding the square footage of the area served (length x width) and then multiplying by 25. With this method, for example, an open-plan room with 600 square feet has a base Btu need of 15,000 (600 x 25) Btu.
How does ductless mini split work?
Ductless minisplit systems are a form of air-source heat pump that works by absorbing heat from one space and releasing it to another through the natural physics that occurs when a refrigerant gas is alternately compressed and expanded. These systems feature a single outdoor condenser/compressor unit along with one or more interior air handlers.
How does a mini split work?
Like any air conditioner, these systems work by means of coils and tubes filled with refrigerant. The constantly flowing refrigerant expands into a cool gas as it passes through the evaporator coils in the indoor air handlers, where they absorb room heat. The refrigerant then flows through a 2- to 3-inch tube through the wall to the outdoor condenser, where it is compressed into a hot liquid that surrenders its heat to the outdoors.
What is a single zone air conditioner?
A single-zone system has an outdoor condenser/compressor unit combined with a single indoor air handler managed by a single thermostat and control. A multizone system also has a single outdoor unit, but it supplies two or more indoor air handlers, each with its own thermostat that operates a separate zone. Today's largest minisplit systems can ...
What is a mini split system?
Minisplit heating/cooling systems, also known as ductless heat pumps, are an increasingly popular way to add air conditioning in places where a traditional central air-conditioning system is not practical. For example, a minisplit system can easily be installed in a home that is heated by a boiler and radiators and where there is no existing ductwork that can be utilized by a central air-conditioning system.
