So you want to go ductless, realizing a Mini-Split system will solve all your climate control needs – but now you have to figure out how to size your mini-split system.
Have no fear. Sizing the right unit is simple. This brief guide will help you find the right Mini-Split in no time, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The Basics On Sizing Your Mini-Split System
Ductless minis are known for their efficiency, but only if you size the suitable unit for the space required. Sizing the right mini is the most important part of installing one.
Bigger isn't always better. If your mini system is oversized, you'll be wasting money on an unnecessarily large unit and risk high utility bills. Overpowered units suffer from short cycling, quickly turning on and off, using more energy, and wearing faster over time.
If your system is undersized and can't effectively condition the space, that's a big issue. They'll work much longer and harder than they should, and like oversized units, they become incredibly inefficient and wear much quicker.
Let's start by understanding how units are measured in HVAC.
How to Measure Your Mini-Split
The size of a system refers to how much heating or cooling it can provide every hour. Conventionally used for heat, BTU (British Thermal Units) is the standard measurement of temperature in the industry. In technical terms, it's a measure of the energy required to change one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In layman's terms, it measures how much energy your air conditioner uses to add or remove heat from your home.
You'll need to figure out how many BTUs you need per hour – or BTU/hr.
How you get there is by figuring out the size of the space you need to control. This means measuring the area of all the rooms you want conditioning. Achieve this by multiplying the length of the individual room by the width.
This will give you the square foot area – or sqft, the standard measure used for ductless system sizing.
If you have uniquely sized rooms or desire to be as efficient as possible, calculating the square foot area with the room height (sqft x room height) can provide a more accurate estimate for your actual energy needs.
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Sizing Your Ductless Mini-Split
Essentially, the total area you want to condition (sqft) determines the required heat output (BTU/hr), which determines the unit size you need.
The total area is the square feet of all the rooms added together. You need the total because this is how much energy the outdoor condenser unit will need to sufficiently service all your areas.
Once you have your total square footage, the easiest way to do this is by using a sizing calculator. Licensed technicians have already done much of the math for you – why not take advantage!
There are simple charts that take just your square feet and tell you what BTU/hr you need, providing a quick and relatively accurate assessment (seen below). There are also more in-depth calculators that take into account region and other factors for an even closer estimate.
Here's a standard sizing chart with the area you want to condition on the left.
Mini-Split System Sizing
Though it may sound daunting, sizing a ductless HVAC system is much easier than you think. With fairly simple calculations, there is not much math involved, and there are plenty of useful charts and calculators designed by certified pros to help you along the way.
Follow this guide, and you'll have the perfect system for the perfect home!
Now that you know how to pick the perfect size for your mini-split system, let's figure out where you should put your ductless mini. Still new to mini-split? Learn how mini-splits work.
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Want More Mini-Split Knowledge?
Want to read more about Mini-Splits? We have all the information you need:
- Where Should I Install My Ductless Mini-Splits
- Best Mini-Split Air Conditioners 2023
- Do Mini-Splits Increase Your Home's Value? Yes, Here's Why
- Leaky Mini-Split - 5 Quick Reasons Why
- How Mini-Splits Work
- Are Mini-Splits Right For You?
- DIY: Mini-Split Installation
Need Help?
Have questions about how to size your mini-split system or need help deciding what mini-split is perfect for you? We would love to assist you. Please feel free to reach out to one of our real representatives by chatting with the chat button in the bottom right, calling us at +1 (256) 633-6553, or sending us an email at info@thetradetable.com.
