Okay, so I’ve been getting a ton of questions about mini-splits lately, specifically about how well they actually heat. I decided to put it to the test myself, and let me tell you, the process was… interesting.
The Setup
First, I got myself a decent mini-split unit. I’m not gonna name brands or anything, but I made sure to get one that was appropriately sized for my space. I’m dealing with a roughly 400 square foot room that I use as my office/workshop. It’s got okay insulation, but definitely some drafty windows.
The Install
Next up was the installation. Now, I’m pretty handy, but I’m no HVAC expert. I watched a bunch of videos and read the instructions like five times. It was way more involved than I expected. There’s the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, the refrigerant lines… a whole bunch of stuff. I managed to get it all set up, but it probably took me a full weekend. If you’re not super comfortable with this kind of thing, I’d definitely recommend hiring a pro.
The Test
Once everything was hooked up, it was time for the real test. It was a chilly fall day, probably around 45 degrees Fahrenheit outside. I cranked up the mini-split to 72 and waited.
- First 30 minutes: I could feel a definite difference. The room was starting to warm up, but it was still a bit cool near the windows.
- One hour: The temperature was getting much closer to 72. I checked with a separate thermometer to be sure.
- Two hours: The room was toasty! Seriously, it was comfortable and evenly heated. Even near the windows, it wasn’t drafty anymore.
Real use phase
Winter is the most challenging time for heating, and the outdoor temperature in my area reaches a minimum of -10 degrees Fahrenheit, I set the heating temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- First day of use:I was pleasantly surprised to find that it took only an hour and a half to reach the set temperature, and the heating effect was not much different from usual.
- One month of use:The average daily usage time is 9 hours, and there is no significant change in the heating effect.
- Three months of use: Checked the usage status of the machine. The refrigerant and filters were very clean.
The Verdict
So, do mini-splits heat well? Based on my totally unscientific experiment, I’d say absolutely. I was actually surprised by how well it maintained the temperature, even in a room that’s not perfectly sealed. I’ve been using it all fall, and it’s been a game-changer. I’m saving money by not heating the whole house, and my office is way more comfortable. Also during the winter months, it performed very well, beyond my expectations.
Now, keep in mind, my experience is just one example. Your results might vary depending on your specific unit, the size of your space, insulation, and all that jazz. But for me, the mini-split has been a winner.
