1.5 Ton Mini Split

No more cranking the central AC to polar ice cap levels just to get your room comfortable. Mini-splits are quiet, unobtrusive, and can help lower those brutal summer electric bills. Keep reading to find out if a 1.5-ton mini split AC is right for you and how to choose a unit for maximum comfort and savings. The heat is on, but the cooling relief is here.

How Powerful Is a 1.5-Ton Mini Split Air Conditioner?

A 1.5-ton mini split is a compact yet powerful air conditioner perfect for cooling medium-sized areas like living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.

How much space can it cool?

• A 1.5-ton unit can typically cool 500 to 700 square feet. So if you have an open-concept living and dining area or a master bedroom and adjoining bathroom, a 1.5-ton mini split should do the trick.

How cold can it get?

• Most 1.5-ton mini splits can lower the temperature by around 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. That means if it’s 95 degrees outside, it can cool your space down to a comfortable 70 or 75 degrees. Some higher-end models may be able to cool even more.

Is it energy efficient?

• Yes, mini splits are very energy efficient since they only cool the rooms you want. They don’t waste energy cooling unused areas of your home. A 1.5-ton mini split typically has a seasonal energy efficiency rating or SEER of 15 to 25, which can save you hundreds per year in cooling costs versus an older central AC.

How much does it cost?

• You can expect to pay between $1,500 to $4,500 for a 1.5-ton mini split air conditioner including installation. The final cost will depend on the brand, efficiency, heating/cooling features, and labor charges in your area.

How Many Square Feet Will a 1.5-Ton Mini Split Cool?

A 1.5-ton mini split should cool around 600 to 800 square feet of living space. The exact number depends on factors like:

Ceiling height

• Higher ceilings, especially cathedral ceilings, mean more space for the cold air to fill so you’ll be on the lower end of the range. Standard 8-foot ceilings are pretty average.

Insulation

• Well-insulated rooms with energy-efficient windows will be easier to cool and fall in the middle of the range. Poorly insulated spaces are more challenging to cool and will max out a 1.5-ton unit.

Several windows

• More windows mean more heat entering the space, so you'll be on the lower end of the range. Fewer windows help the mini split work more efficiently.

Occupancy

• The more people occupying the space, the harder the mini-split has to work to keep everyone comfortable. For a frequently used living room, plan on 600-700 square feet. For a bedroom, 700-800 square feet should work well.

Local climate

• Colder climates require more BTUs to cool the same space. So if you live somewhere hot, a 1.5-ton mini split can handle closer to 800 square feet. Colder areas will be on the lower end around 600.

18,000 BTU Mini Split: The Perfect Size for Small to Mid-Size Homes

Perfect Size for Most Homes

• Whether you live in a condo, townhouse, or small single-family home, an 18,000 BTU mini split will likely meet all your needs. It works well for open-concept living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. You may need additional units for separate floors or wings of larger homes. This compact size allows for quick, low-cost installation since it only requires a small outdoor unit and minimal ductwork.

Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly

• Mini-splits are much more energy efficient than central AC systems. They waste virtually no energy since there are no ducts. An 18,000 BTU unit can significantly lower your utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Mini-splits use environmentally-friendly refrigerants and require little maintenance.

Heating and Cooling in One

• A major benefit of mini splits is that they provide both heating and cooling from the same system. An 18,000 BTU unit will keep you cozy and warm in the winter and chilled in the summer. With an easy-to-use remote, you can set the perfect temperature for your needs.

Quiet Operation

• Mini-splits are praised for being ultra-quiet. An 18,000 BTU unit produces little noise outside since the compressor and condenser are small in size. Indoor air handlers also operate very quietly at around 22 to 44 decibels, which is no louder than a whispered conversation. You’ll stay comfortable without the distraction of loud AC window units or central air systems.

Where to Install a 1.5 Ton Ductless Mini Split?

Size of the room

• Choose a room that is within the capacity of a 1.5-ton unit, typically 150 to 300 square feet. Installing in a room that is too large will reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit.

Access to exterior wall

• Ductless mini splits require access to an exterior wall for the condenser unit and lines that connect it to the evaporator unit inside. The exterior wall should be in an area that remains in the shade for much of the day.

Noise level

• Choose a location where the operational noise from the outdoor condenser unit will not disturb you or your neighbors. The condenser produces the most noise and should be placed away from patios, decks, walkways, and windows.

Electrical requirements

• The mini-split system will require a dedicated 240-volt circuit and circuit breaker. There must be an electrical outlet near both the indoor and outdoor units.

Condensate drain

• The evaporator unit produces condensate water that must be drained. Choose a location with access to a condensate pump or floor drain, or where a small drain line can be run to the exterior.

How big is a 1.5-ton mini split?

Size

• The outdoor compressor unit of a typical 1.5-ton mini split air conditioner measures around 30 inches high by 12 inches wide. The wall-mounted indoor air handler is usually no bigger than 25 inches wide and 8 inches deep. With such a small footprint, these units can fit comfortably on a wall, in a closet, or in other tight spaces where a central AC unit wouldn’t work.

Cooling Capacity

• Don't let the small size fool you. A 1.5-ton mini split can effectively cool spaces up to 600 square feet. The 1.5-ton rating refers to its cooling capacity and means it can remove around 18,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour. This makes it suitable for cooling a living room, bedroom, home office, or other similarly sized area in your home. For larger spaces, you may need a unit with a higher tonnage like a 2-ton or 3-ton mini split.

Energy Efficient

• In addition to their compact size, mini split air conditioners are also very energy efficient. A 1.5-ton mini split typically has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 19 or higher, which can help lower your utility bills compared to a central AC. Some of the most advanced units now exceed 23 SEER.

Why Choose a 1.5-Ton Mini Split Air Conditioner?

So there you have it, an in-depth overview of what a 1.5-ton mini split air conditioner is all about. As you've seen, mini splits offer an efficient, customizable cooling solution for spaces where traditional HVAC systems won't work. If you're looking for an affordable way to beat the heat in your home, a 1.5-ton mini split system is worth considering. Stay cool!