Choosing the Right Mitsubishi Mini Split System
Mitsubishi mini split systems have been growing in popularity among homeowners who seek efficient and effective cooling in zones or individual areas of their home. Since each indoor unit (called an air handler) works separately, ductless mini split units can offer better temperature control for your home whether you choose a single- or multi-zone system. Both zone designs let each room have a different temperature, so the family no longer needs to fight over the AC controls. Ductless systems also have the advantage of not requiring any ductwork, giving you flexibility all the while saving money and reducing installation time significantly.
By allowing you to set different temperatures for different areas of your home, and with super-efficient heat pump technology, Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling systems also help save on energy costs. This is a major factor that has led to their popularity.
In this guide, we've taken an in-depth look at what a ductless air conditioner unit is and how you can utilize its features. With this understanding of a mini split air conditioning unit, you'll know how to choose the right Mitsubishi heat pump for your home.
Mitsubishi Mini Split System Components
Mini split systems are made up of four different components. They include:
Condensing Unit
The condenser unit is located outside the home. It contains the condenser coil which is responsible for cooling refrigerant liquid and pumping it through the refrigerant lines which connect to the air handling unit(s) inside the home.
Refrigerant Lines
Refrigerant lines connect the exterior component of the ductless unit to the indoor unit(s). Also known as line sets, they're basically small tubes that contain cooling refrigerant. To connect both the external and internal units, a hole has to be bored through the wall.
Wall Monitor or Remote Control
Both these components are used to control the entire Mitsubishi mini split air conditioning system. You can change modes, temperature and other settings.
Indoor Unit
There are various ways that you can set this up in your home. The most popular way to mount Mitsubishi mini split air conditioner units is on the wall, but you can also use a floor mount, or the ceiling via a cassette or concealed ducted air handler. You can choose the location and height that provide the best air circulation and easiest access.
Mitsubishi Mini Split Benefits
There are many benefits of Mitsubishi mini split air conditioners and heat pumps for homeowners:
- No Ducts
On top of not having to retrofit your home and do ductwork, you don't need to be concerned about allergens and other particles spreading through dirty ducts. Furthermore, air conditioning systems that have ducts don't operate at 100% efficiency due to cracks, disconnections and leaks. By not having any ducts in your AC unit, you won't be losing out on performance.
- Quiet
Mini splits are generally very quiet because the compressor unit is installed outside the house. There'll be some noise from the indoor unit(s) fan, but this is negligible.
- No Windows Required
Most room AC systems require a window for installation and venting. Unlike window models and portable ACs, you don't need windows to use a Mitsubishi mini split system.
- Zone Cooling
Zone cooling is a feature that allows you to cool individual rooms separately. For example, by using this feature, you can choose to keep your bedroom's AC off until you're ready to go to bed. This is a huge contrast to central air conditioning systems which cool the entire home at once. With zone cooling, you'll save on energy costs by not cooling rooms you aren't using.
Mitsubishi Single vs. Multi-Zone Ductless Units
There are two types of mini split air conditioning systems:
- Single Zone
- Multi-Zone
Mitsubishi single zone ductless systems use one indoor and one outdoor unit. Single zone units are popular in rooms that don't have any ductwork for central air conditioning. If you're shopping for a single zone ductless unit, you should pay attention to the amount of power it produces and determine if it's enough to cover the zone's square footage. The Mitsubishi MZ-FH09NAH is an efficient single zone ductless unit with 9,000 BTUs that can cover between 350 and 400 square feet.
Multi-zone Mitsubishi mini splits work the same way as single zone units; the only difference is that they cool more rooms in your home. Each indoor unit is connected by refrigerant lines to a single shared outdoor unit, meaning you don't have to set up a separate condenser for each.
Generally, you can have up to four zones in your home. However, Mitsubishi mini split multi-zone units such as the Mitsubishi MXZ-5C42NA2 can cover up to five zones. If you're not in a position to install a central air conditioning unit, you should seriously consider the multi-zone Mitsubishi mini split system.
Power
All single zone units have an assigned number of BTUs. When making a purchase, you'll need to find out how many BTUs the indoor unit has and determine if it's sufficient to cover the square footage of your room.
Multi-zone Mitsubishi mini split systems have a BTU rating attached to both the indoor and outdoor unit. You'll need to look at the rating for each of the indoor units to ensure it's sufficient for the square footage you have in mind.
Energy Efficiency
A mini split system's efficiency is measured using Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). A more efficient unit has a higher SEER rating. The standard federal minimum SEER requirement is currently at 13 SEER. However, depending on where you're located in the U.S., it might be higher.
Every model comes with an estimate of how much it would cost to operate on a yearly basis. To get the best deal, you'll need to compare the estimates of various models.
Energy-star rated models are very efficient and significantly contribute to energy savings. By switching from an inefficient system to a mini split you could be cutting your energy costs by about 30%.
Compressor Types: Rotary vs. Inverter
There are two types of compressors: inverters and rotary compressors. An inverter compressor only uses enough power to reach the intended setting, then idles unless more power is required. A rotary compressor switches on and off while trying to maintain the set temperature.
Since inverter compressors use just enough energy to reduce temperature to the desired setting, many people prefer them to rotary compressors. Rotary compressors take up too much energy as they turn on with full power. Most current ductless mini splits such as the Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split MXZ Series Heat Pump and Air Conditioner Condenser use inverter compressors.
Additional Modes
Mini splits may come with an eclectic mix of modes that are engineered to keep you comfortable throughout the year. Depending on the model some of the notable features include:
- Washable Air Filter
When buying a ductless air conditioning unit, make sure it has an air filter that can be removed for washing. You should also choose a unit whose air filter can be replaced if it ever breaks, saving you money on replacement filters.
- Adjustable Airflow
Different models have various ways of directing air flow. Some units come with a remote which you can use to adjust the airflow. Others require you to manually move louvers. Still others have automatic louvers that swing automatically to direct airflow up and down. The Mitsubishi MZ-GL09NA comes with a remote control while the Mitsubishi MZ-FH09NAH has automatic air handlers.
- Programmable Timer
Look for a Mitsubishi mini split air conditioner that allows you to turn it on or off up to 24 hours in advance. This feature might come in handy when you get home from work all hot and exhausted.
- Automatic Restart
One huge potential benefit of a ductless air conditioning unit is that they automatically restart once power is restored after a power failure. By doing so, they prevent circuit breaker damage.
You can find more Mitsubishi ductless mini split ACs for sale here at wholesale prices.
Mitsubishi Mini Split Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Mitsubishi mini split?
Your Mitsubishi mini split cost could be anywhere from about $1,100 for basic single-zone split systems to more than $10,000 for a five-zone ceiling cassette heat pump. Installation costs average about $500, but can exceed $2,000 if you have multiple indoor units or a complex setup.
Is Mitsubishi the best mini split?
Mitsubishi Electric pioneered the first mini split air conditioning system back in 1954. They relaunched their ductless mini splits in 1990 and have continued to be a leader in this HVAC category ever since. One of their biggest innovations is Hyper-Heating Inverter technology, which extends the working temperature range of their heat pumps down to -13 degrees.
How much square footage does a mini split cover?
Mini splits come in capacities ranging from 6,000 to 24,000 BTUs (0.5 to two tons). Use the chart below as an approximate guide for your space. A professional installer can determine your exact needs.
Square footage = BTU Output
150 to 250 sq. ft. = 6,000 BTUs
250 to 300 sq. ft. = 7,000 BTUs
300 to 350 sq. ft. = 8,000 BTUs
350 to 400 sq. ft. = 9,000 BTUs
400 to 450 sq. ft. = 10,000 BTUs
450 to 550 sq. ft. = 12,000 BTUs
550 to 700 sq. ft. = 14,000 BTUs
700 to 1,000 sq. ft. = 18,000 BTUs
1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft. = 21,000 BTUs
1,200 to 1,400 sq. ft. = 23,000 BTUs
1,500 sq. ft. = 24,000 BTUs
(1) Department of Energy. CAC Brochure. Informational Brochure. PDF. Accessed 16 July 2020. https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/11/f27/CAC%20Brochure.pdf
