5 Things You Should Know About Mini Splits

What are Mini Splits Used For?

Many homes will use a Mini split for a section of the home that does not have central HVAC attached. This could be an addition added on after the central system was installed, or perhaps a porch area or separate building where ducting isn’t possible. As Mini splits grow in popularity, more homes have started using them to heat and cool the entire house.

There are other uses that are a little more unconventional. People install them on boats, mobile homes, RVs, and even shipping containers.

What Kinds of Mini Splits are There?

Mini splits come in quite a few different shapes and sizes. First you should know that there are two main parts to a Mini split—the air handler (which goes inside) and the condenser (which sits outside). Here is a list of the different types of air handlers:

• Wall Mounted
• Floor Mounted
• Ceiling Cassette
• Concealed Duct
• Ceiling Suspended
• Multi-positional

The outdoor condenser has three main types: the cooling-only version, the heat pump version, and a “super heat” version (also known as hyper heat, hypertek, or extra low temp) designed to work in outdoor temperatures as low as 15° below 0. Sizes range from 6000 Btu to 48000 Btu.

What Size Do I Need?

To accurately determine the size you need, measure the square footage of the room—or each room, if you plan to condition your whole house. Your location is also important; for example, Texas and Tennessee may require different sizing.

An online calculator like this one can help you determine the required BTU for your space. Keep in mind that a heat pump mini split uses both heating and cooling Btu (roughly 12000 Btu per ton of cooling).

Can I Install It Myself?

You can get a mini split system that you install yourself—but it must be a DIY System. Currently, DIY systems are only available in single zone applications. It’s not recommended to install a system without a pre-charged line set since special tools are required, unlike the simple tools used for a DIY system.

While the up-front cost may seem intimidating, you’ll appreciate the energy savings down the road.

How to Get Started

Below is an example setup for a mini split system using different air handlers for various spaces.

House Details: A 2000-square-foot house in Ohio with:

• 3 bedrooms (150, 150, and 200 square feet)
• 2 bathrooms (50 square feet each)
• Laundry room (50 square feet)
• Living room (500 square feet)
• Kitchen (300 square feet)
• Garage (650 square feet)

Due to Ohio’s colder climate, heating is a priority. A single condenser won’t suffice for a house this size, so we’ll use three 36,000 Btu condensers (MXZ-4C36NA2-U1).

The Layout

Bedroom 1 (150 sq ft): Install a 9000 Btu ceiling cassette (SLZ-KA09NAR1). These models disperse air evenly, come with a condensate pump, and offer an option to add a 6” fresh air pipe. They require a wall thermostat (PAR-40MAAU).

Bedroom 2 (150 sq ft): Due to closely spaced ceiling supports and many windows, use a 9000 Btu floor-mounted unit (MFZ-KJ09NA). This unit is similar to a wall-mounted unit but positioned lower. It typically comes with a remote control.

Bedroom 3 (200 sq ft): Since this room gets cold easily, install a 12000 Btu ceiling cassette (SLZ-KF12NA).

Bathrooms and Laundry Room: Use a 9000 Btu concealed duct unit (SEZ-KD09NA4R1.TH). These units allow one air handler to condition multiple small spaces, although they require their own wall thermostat (PAR-40MAAU).

Living Room and Garage: Both spaces can be served by a 24000 Btu wall-mounted air handler (MSZ-GL24NA-U1).

Kitchen: Install an 18000 Btu wall-mounted air handler (MSZ-FH18NA2) that can sense human presence and split airflow in two directions.

Necessary Connections

The beauty of these systems is in their simplicity. Simply connect power to the condenser and run a control wire from the condenser to each air handler. You’ll also need to run a refrigerant line set from each air handler to the condenser and attach a drain line to remove condensation (condensate pump may be needed for inclined draining). Each air handler may require a specific adapter piece to fit the condenser’s connection port (adapter piece).

Conclusion

Mini splits offer a versatile HVAC solution that doesn’t require ductwork while zoning your home for precise temperature control. We hope the example above helps you understand the various uses and configurations, so you can apply these concepts to your own project.

Just to recap the main points:

• Mini splits are great for all sorts of homes.
• They offer many flexible options.
• Decide whether you need a professional or can install it yourself.
• Ensure you have all the necessary hookup parts.
• If you need help, call a professional like us at hvacdirect.com or 1-800-397-1392.