2013-01-30

Ductless mini split systems offer a number of advantages over conventional furnaces and air conditioning units, but it's natural to assume a heat pump-based system wouldn't be efficient during Cleveland's cold winters. While that's true of older standard heat pumps, mini-split systems that incorporate recent design innovations remain efficient in all kinds of weather.

Benefits of these systems include:

Efficient air distribution - Ductwork can waste as much as 30 percent of the energy you use to condition your home. Ductless mini splits eliminate or minimize  the risk of duct heat loss.

Flexibility - Zoned heating and cooling options are easy with a ductless mini split because the indoor air handling units can be placed almost anywhere you need them. Many systems can accommodate up to four air handlers (or even more) for four temperature zones.

Reliable performance all year - Conventional heat pump systems are most efficient when outdoor temperatures are in the 50-degree range. Efficiency decreases as temperatures fall. Around 30 degrees, these heat pumps reach their balance point when they have to run constantly to keep you warm. Any colder and the system relies on inefficient electric resistance coils for supplemental heat. New mini-split systems can operate efficiently in lower temperatures, making them a cost-effective choice for the Cleveland area.

Mitsubishi Electric offers heating and cooling options engineered to perform well in cold weather, like the Mr. Slim M-Series ductless system. Mini-split models with Hyper-Heating inverter (H2i) technology can reach full heating capacity even when it's 5 degrees outdoors, and they still operate at around 70-percent capacity in temperatures down to -13 degrees. Some of these systems achieve up to SEER 26 and HSPF 10, making them more efficient than standard ducted heat pump systems.

Most Mitsubishi systems offer other benefits, too. The Hot Start feature prevents the system from blowing cold air, the i-see Sensor keeps the room's temperature even, and multi-stage filtration cleans your air of allergens and odors.

For more professional guidance on ductless mini split systems, contact us at P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling. Since 1936, we've been providing trustworthy HVAC services around the greater Cleveland area, including Cleveland Heights, Twinsburg and Independence.

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Paul Wadsworth is the President and Owner of P.K. Wadsworth Heating and Cooling. For 37 years, Paul has been providing heating and cooling services to the Greater Cleveland area. P.K. Wadsworth has been a trusted Cleveland HVAC service company for 75 years. The company understand the area's construction and local heating and air conditioning needs. Paul has an MBA from the University of Michigan and a B.S., Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. He's been President of the Cleveland Air Conditioning Contractors of America and a founding member of the local chapter. Paul was born and raised in Cleveland and has been active in the local community. He resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and two sons.

The opinions and statements contained in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not instructions. Only trained, licensed and experienced personnel should attempt installation/repair. The author assumes no liability for the opinions/statements made in this article. Any individual attempting a repair or installation based on this article does so at their own risk of loss.

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