What Size Mini-Split Do I Need for My Home?

Let’s say you want to convert your attic, basement, or back porch into livable space. How will you heat and cool it? Sure, you could rely on window AC units and space heaters. Or significantly increase your renovation budget to extend your home’s existing HVAC system. Or you could look into a better, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solution: a ductless mini-split system.

Ductless mini-split systems have become an increasingly popular cooling and heating solution for homeowners in Fort Worth and surrounding communities. But proper sizing is crucial. Here’s how to choose the right size for your home comfort needs.

Happy woman sitting on sofa in living-room and switching on ductless mini-split system with remote control

How Does a Mini-Split System Work?

Before we get into system sizing, it’s important to know how a ductless mini-split works.

A ductless mini-split consists of two main components: an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor condenser unit. These two components are connected by a small refrigerant line that carries the refrigerant between them, allowing the system to cool or heat specific areas of the home.

The indoor unit is typically mounted on the wall or ceiling of a room and is responsible for distributing cool or warm air. The outdoor unit, located outside, houses the compressor, which powers the system. Refrigerant circulates between the two units, and as it passes through the indoor unit, it absorbs heat from the air and cools the room. Conversely, it can reverse the process in heating mode to warm the room.

What Size System Do I Need for My Home?

Choosing the right size mini-split is critical for ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. If the unit is too small, it will struggle to cool or heat the space effectively. If it’s too large, it will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and leading to uneven temperatures.

The size of the mini-split unit you need is determined by cooling or heating load – the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable temperature in a room. Several factors affect this load, including the room’s square footage, insulation, ceiling height, windows, and exposure to sunlight. The goal is to match the system’s capacity to the room’s cooling and heating needs.

Steps to Determine the Right Size Mini-Split

  1. Calculate the Room Size: Measure the square footage of the room or area you want to cool or heat. A typical rule of thumb is that a mini-split unit requires about 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot for cooling.

  2. Account for Room Characteristics: Rooms with higher ceilings, large windows, or poor insulation may require a larger unit. Likewise, rooms exposed to more sunlight will have a higher cooling load.

  3. Consult with a Professional: While a basic sizing chart or online calculator can help estimate the size of the unit, it’s always best to have a professional HVAC technician perform a thorough calculation. Your technician will take all the room’s characteristics into account and ensure that the mini-split system is perfectly sized for your needs.

And that’s where we come in. At Optimum, we’ll ensure you choose the right size unit for your space so you can enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home all year round. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and system proposal.