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If you’ve decided on a ductless AC installation in Bozeman, MT, you’re undoubtedly excited about the precise zone control you’ll achieve throughout your home. However, that ability to customize the temperature of every room in your home is dependent on the system being properly sized for your home.
One of the most common questions we get about ductless mini splits is, “How many mini splits will I need for my new system?” The answer depends on certain factors such as how many rooms your home has, the square footage, and your home’s insulation. For a deeper understanding of this system type, explore the pros and cons of ductless mini splits to decide if it’s the right choice for your home. Let’s break it down even further and look at the factors influencing the answer to this question.
Factors Influencing the Number of Mini Splits Needed
Home Size and Layout
The first thing we’ll need to do to determine how many air handlers are needed is to assess the size and layout of your home. We’ll start by calculating the total square footage of the area you want to heat or cool. Homes with open floor plans may require fewer units, as air can circulate more freely, while homes with many individual rooms may need more units to ensure adequate coverage. We’ll also take into consideration if your home has other sources of heating such as a fireplace.
Climate
In Montana, where the winters are extreme and you rely on your heating system throughout much of the year, you need an adequate number of air handlers to make sure the rooms you spend the most time in receive enough heating power. For homeowners unfamiliar with different types of heat pumps, it’s helpful to learn the differences between ducted and ductless heat pumps to better plan your installation.
For example, a large, combined living and dining space that is more than 500 square feet and has no other source of heating (like a fireplace) might require a more powerful mini split for that room.
Insulation
One of the biggest benefits of mini splits is that they don’t require air ducts which means you won’t be losing conditioned air to ductwork. However, your home must still be well insulated. The quality of your home’s insulation plays a crucial role in determining the number of mini splits your home will need. Well-insulated homes retain temperature better, reducing the load on your new system.
British Thermal Units
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a measure of heat energy. The capacity of a mini split is measured in BTUs per hour, indicating how much heat the unit can add or remove from a space. If you ever notice performance issues, it’s important to know when your mini split might need repair to maintain optimal efficiency.
Here is a general estimate of how many BTUs are needed for specific rooms, taking into consideration average square footage. Large rooms or spaces with high ceilings may require more powerful units, while smaller rooms can use units with lower BTU ratings. Here are some general examples.
- Living Room (500 sq ft): 12,000 BTU
- Kitchen (300 sq ft): 9,000 BTU
- Bedroom 1 (250 sq ft): 9,000 BTU
- Bedroom 2 (250 sq ft): 9,000 BTU
- Bedroom 3 (250 sq ft): 9,000 BTU
- Bathroom and Hallways (450 sq ft combined): 12,000 BTU
Still not sure how many mini splits you’ll need? Leave it to the NATE-certified technicians at Ambient Air Solutions!
Contact Ambient Air Solutions today for professional ductless HVAC installation in Bozeman, MT. Simplifying Heating & Cooling!