selecting a Quick Connect Mini-Split
#1: Measure Room size
The size of the room plays a large part in how powerful your mini-split must be to effectively control the climate of your space. Please see the BTU sizing chart below for help on determining square footage and sizing. Typically, the larger the room, the larger the capacity of the unit must be. But bigger is not always better! For instance, if a mini-split is too big for a space, the room will be cooled quickly, but moisture may not be removed properly. On the other hand, if the mini-split is too small, the desired room temperature may not easily be reached, causing the unit to run too often — shortening the life of the unit and increasing energy usage and cost.
#2: Consider the Landscape of the Room
The makeup of the room will help determine how powerful of a mini-split you will need to effectively condition a space. Factors such as how close the mini-split will be to the kitchen, high/vaulted ceilings, the number of large appliances in use and how much sunlight exposure the space gets should be taken into consideration, as all of these can reduce the overall effectiveness of your mini-split, requiring larger BTU capacity (see "Additional Factors" below). Use this chart to help match the correct BTU to the square footage of your space.#3: Confirm Required Electrical Power
Depending on your system’s capacity, the voltage required to support the unit will be either 110/115 to 208/230-volt. Check your home’s control panel to make sure the system can be supported. If you’re unsure about your home’s electrical capabilities, call a certified electrician.
#4: Distance From Desired Room Installation Location to the Planned Outdoor Unit Site
Mini-splits use two main components: the outdoor (condensing) unit and indoor air-handling (evaporator) unit. The two units must be installed close enough to have the connecting line set reach both the indoor air handling unit and outdoor condenser — no more than 25 feet apart. If the indoor unit is too far from an exterior wall, the mini-split system will not be able to be installed properly.#5: Drilling an Exterior Wall Hole
As mentioned above, mini-split air handlers and condensers are connected by a line set. To make a connection, a 2½” hole must be drilled through the exterior wall leading to the outdoor unit. Before installation, make sure that the area where the hole is being drilled is free from electrical wiring, piping or other materials that may obstruct drilling, or cause damage.
#6: Positioning of the Indoor Unit
The indoor air handler needs to be in a location on an exterior wall, where studs can be directly drilled into to support the unit, and be 6 inches from the ceiling and 4.75 inches from an adjacent wall.#7: Positioning of the Outdoor Unit
The condenser needs to be installed on a smooth, flat surface like a condenser pad, or mounted on a mounting bracket. The condenser will need to sit at least 12 inches from the side of your home. Both locations need to provide good air circulation.
additional factors
Here are some other factors you may want to consider
when choosing a Quick Connect Mini-Split:
when choosing a Quick Connect Mini-Split:
If your space is extra sunny or has a lot of windows, increase BTU by 10%
If the room is typically occupied by multiple people or large pets, add 600 BTU per occupant
If you’re installing the unit in your the kitchen or in an area with large appliances, increase BTU by 2,000
If you have vaulted ceilings, or tall ceilings over 8 feet, increase BTU by 20%
selecting an window air conditioner
#1: Measure the space of your room
It is important to measure the size of your room before starting your buying process as your room’s square footage will help you choose the correct BTU for your air conditioner. To find square footage, measure the length and width of your room, then multiple the two measurements together.
#2: Determine BTU Capacity
Match the square footage of your room to the corresponding BTU capacity#3: Confirm Window Opening Size
The window air conditioner will be placed within the opening of your chosen window. Before purchasing a window AC for your space, make sure that your window opening is big enough to accommodate your unit. To do this, open your window all the way and measure the height and width of the opening.
#4: Check electrical Requirements
Double-check to make sure that your outlet can support your ideal unit.additional factors
Here are some other factors you may want to consider
when choosing a window air conditioner:
when choosing a window air conditioner:
If your space is extra sunny or has a lot of windows, increase BTU by 10%
If the room is typically occupied by multiple people or large pets, add 600 BTU per occupant
If you’re installing the unit in your the kitchen or in an area with large appliances, increase BTU by 2,000
If you have tall ceilings over 8 feet, increase BTU by 10%