How Many Mini-Splits Do I Need for a 1500-Square-Foot House?
As long as you know how to size your heating and cooling system correctly, opting for mini-splits can be a great way to keep your home comfortable. These types of cheap air conditioners are known for being energy-efficient, and they’re relatively easy to install. Since they don’t require ductwork, you can get up and running quickly. Whether it’s a matter of “one and done,” or you need multiple cheap air conditioners to cool your home, our inventory at Surplus City HVAC & Supplies can help!
However, it’s important to note that if your home is poorly insulated, you might not get the full benefits of energy efficiency from your mini-split system. In such cases, addressing insulation issues can be just as critical as selecting the right unit.
What Size Mini-Split Is Best for a 1500-Square-Foot House?
If you’re trying to figure out the best mini-split size for a 1,500-square-foot house, it's important to consider the specific room usage. For example, your sizing guide for larger living areas would call for a higher BTU range compared to smaller spaces like bedrooms or offices. Knowing where you’d like to place your mini-split indoor units is key.
Typically, a 1,500-square-foot home might require a mini-split system with a BTU range of 24,000 to 36,000. This sizing guide can help ensure that each room or zone will get an appropriate amount of heating and cooling for 1500 square feet. The trick, though, is that your home’s layout may influence your mini-split size. In some cases, it’s actually better to go with multiple mini-splits to get the best results.
Are There Advantages to Using Multiple Mini-Splits?
Put simply, yes—there are plenty of advantages to using multiple mini-splits! For starters, they give you the flexibility to create zoned heating and cooling throughout your home. While central HVAC systems rely on ductwork, using mini-splits allows you to get personalized comfort without a major home renovation.
Mini-splits consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser and one or more indoor air-handling unit that are mounted on the walls. They can be placed just about anywhere in your home. Then you can get individual temperature control with multiple units in different areas or rooms, otherwise known as zones. But this level of personalized comfort is just one of the advantages.
With zoned heating and cooling, you can also increase your chances of potential cost savings. Instead of working with a heavy-duty system to cool your entire property, you can just adjust the temperature room by room. Having multiple units means you can turn some on while leaving others off. It’s the ultimate flexibility.
What Factors Determine the Number of Mini-Splits Needed?
Every home is different, so whether you’re just looking at the size of the property or its location, you’ll find differences in how much heating and cooling help it needs. Even homes that are 1500 square feet can vary widely in the number of units they need to install for a mini-splits setup.
Determining factors can include the climate and region of your home, the number of rooms, your home layout, and the insulation quality. Even the level of shade you get on your property can play a role in how many mini-splits you might need! If your home is poorly insulated, you may require a higher BTU capacity to maintain comfort.
How Do I Calculate the Number of Mini-Splits for My House?
Calculating ductless mini-splits is both an art and a science. Determining the number of units isn’t always easy, but there are some general HVAC calculations that you can follow. The first step in calculating mini splits is to determine the total BTU needed based on your home's size and layout. One common BTU calculation is to convert your square footage to the required BTU capacity, with an estimated 20 BTUs per square foot. Of course, this doesn’t take your layout and other determining factors into account, but it’s still a good place to start!
Other factors such as insulation, window size, and ceiling height can impact your HVAC calculations too. For a more precise methodology for calculating mini-splits, it can be helpful to use a dedicated HVAC software tool or consult with a local HVAC professional who has experience with heating and cooling solutions for your area.
If you’re looking to tackle the problem on your own, though, then our inventory at Surplus City can help you get the job done right! The determining factors for your ideal number of units can change over time, so keep in mind that with mini-splits, there’s always room to expand.
We carry all types of heating and cooling equipment, so it’s easy to customize the right HVAC setup for your home. We ship products all around the world, and we love helping DIY-ers get their projects done quickly and affordably! See how much you can save today!