Mini-Splits
Q. On the Multi-Zone do you have to connect all of your air handlers to your condenser?
A. Some bundles have fewer air handlers than available ports on the condenser, so it is based on the capacity of the air handler. You only need to have a minimum of ⅔ load – i.e. if it’s a 3 zone and you buy 3 9K air handlers for it – you can connect it with just 2 to start.
Q. What size DIY mini-split do I need?
A. The important factors to consider are:
- The Size of the Area to Heat / Cool (Square Feet)
- Your Local Climate (is it extremely hot or cold for extended periods of time?)
- Insulation (an uninsulated area with drafts will have vastly different requirements than a well insulated area)
Basic Sizing based on Square Footage alone:
- 12k BTU = up to 500 square feet
- 18k BTU = 450 to 750 square feet
- 24k BTU = 700 to 1000 square feet
- 27k BTU = 900 to 1150 square feet
- 36k BTU = 1100 to 1500 square feet
- 48k BTU = 1450 to 2000 square feet
- 60k BTU = 1950 to 2500 square feet
Q. Is the Advantage series DIY®?
A. No, it is not. The Advantage must be installed by a certified HVAC technician.
Q. What is the max line set length that can be run on your units?
A. The max length depends on the unit that is being installed.
- DIY Single Zone: 75ft
- DIY 18k-48k Multi Zone Condensers w/ One Air Handler: 75ft
- DIY Multi Zone Combined Total:
- 2-Zone: 123ft
- 3-Zone: 172ft
- 4-Zone: 221ft
- 5-Zone: 221ft
Q. Do your mini-splits have HEPA filters?
A. Because of the extra filter density required to meet the HEPA specification, HEPA filters only work well at low airflow levels. It is not practical to fit a HEPA filter to a residential split-system air conditioner, as they deliver much greater airflow volumes than dedicated air purifiers. Air flow restriction from a HEPA filter, could cause under-performance or failure in a mini-split or other residential split-system air conditioner.
Q. What does the SEER rating mean?
A. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measurement used to indicate the efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump in cooling mode. The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of the unit (measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs) by the amount of electricity consumed (measured in watt-hours) during a typical cooling season.
A higher SEER rating indicates a more energy-efficient unit. It means that the air conditioner or heat pump can provide a greater amount of cooling output for each unit of electricity consumed. This translates to lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs over the long term.
In the United States, the minimum SEER rating for new air conditioners and heat pumps varies based on regional energy efficiency standards and climate zones. Higher efficiency units typically have SEER ratings ranging from 14 to 25 or more. It's important to note that the SEER rating represents the unit's efficiency under specific standardized conditions and may vary depending on factors such as climate, usage patterns, and installation conditions.
When considering an air conditioner or heat pump, a higher SEER rating is generally desirable, as it signifies improved energy efficiency and potential cost savings. However, it's important to balance the SEER rating with other factors such as upfront costs, climate conditions, and your specific cooling needs to make an informed decision.
Q. What does HSPF4/HSPF5 rating mean?
A. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor- HSPF can range from 6.8 to 13.5. The lowest HSPF rating for a heat pump to be considered ENERGY STAR rated is 8.2 for single package units and 8.5 for split systems. The 4/5 represents the HSPF for either a zone 4 or 5 climate. You can check the zone you live in on the following map.
Q: How are COP and ASHP used in determining Heating efficiency of a Heat Pump?
A: COP stands for Coefficient of Performance, and ASHP stands for Air-Source Heat Pump. Here's what each term means:
Coefficient of Performance (COP): COP is a measure of the efficiency of a heat pump or refrigeration system. It represents the ratio of the heat output to the amount of energy input required to produce that heat output. In the context of heat pumps, COP is typically used to measure the heating efficiency. It is calculated by dividing the heating capacity (in BTUs or kilowatts) by the power input (in watt-hours or kilowatts).
A higher COP indicates a more efficient heat pump, as it produces more heat output for each unit of energy input. For example, a heat pump with a COP of 4 means that it provides four units of heat for every unit of energy consumed.
Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP): An air-source heat pump is a type of heat pump that extracts heat from the outdoor air to heat a space during colder months and can reverse the process to provide cooling during warmer months. It transfers heat from the outside air to the inside of a building or vice versa, depending on the heating or cooling mode.
ASHPs are popular for their energy efficiency, as they can provide heating and cooling using a fraction of the energy required by other heating and cooling systems. They are commonly used in residential and commercial applications and offer a viable alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems.
The COP of an ASHP represents its efficiency in heating mode, indicating how much heat it can produce per unit of energy consumed. Higher COP values indicate better efficiency and lower energy consumption. It's important to note that the COP of an ASHP can vary depending on factors such as outdoor temperature, operating conditions, and the specific model of the heat pump.