Mini split air conditioners, also known as ductless mini splits or ductless HVAC systems, are an energy-efficient way to get reliable cooling during the summer. But on very hot days, your AC has to work harder and your energy bills can increase.
Here’s how to get more out of your mini split in the summer with a few simple tips, and how New England Ductless can help you achieve ultimate home comfort no matter the season.
Don’t Worry About the Number On Your Thermostat
The number on your thermostat isn’t as important as how comfortable you are in your home. The thermostat on your indoor air handlers measure the temperature of the air directly surrounding the cassette, which is about 6 to 8 feet above the floor.
To compensate for the location of the temperature sensor, you may need to set your thermostat a little higher or lower than you typically would. That’s okay – your mini split is most efficient when you set it at the level you are most comfortable at versus a specific temperature. Find a setting you like and leave it there, even if it seems unconventional.
Use the Auto Fan Setting & a Programmable Thermostat
Ductless systems are designed to be extremely energy efficient and work best when they are running continuously rather than being turned on and off throughout the day. A programmable thermostat can help you save money on energy bills by raising or lowering the temperature in rooms you don’t use or when you aren’t home.
This keeps your system running all the time but doesn’t waste any energy on cooling your space when you don’t need it. The auto fan setting is also a good money-saver because it allows the fan to adjust as needed so it doesn’t use more power than necessary to cool and dehumidify your home.
Clean Your Mini Split
Dirty filters will make your mini split air conditioner run less efficiently. It’s important to have your ductless system professionally cleaned at least annually, if not seasonally. You can also take out the air filters and rinse them off frequently to keep dirt and debris from building up over time.
You should also clean off your outdoor condenser with a garden hose, especially if any lawn clippings, dirt, or vegetation has clogged the outside coils. Be sure to shut off master power to your system first to avoid electrical accidents.
Leave Doors Inside Your Home Open
Good airflow inside your home is key to getting the most out of any air conditioning system. Even window ACs cool a space better when the air can move around freely. Leaving your doors shut in the summer can reduce your mini split’s efficacy by as much as 5%, which partly negates the energy-savings benefits of having a ductless AC in the first place.
Don’t shut doors in your home all the way or leave them open if at all possible. Bedrooms may need to be shut during portions of the day, but if someone isn’t using the room it’s better to have the door open than closed. Even if you close the door to a room that has the mini split unit in it, that room may be cool but other parts of the home will not get the cooling it was designed to.
Close Your Blinds During the Day
One of the easiest ways to get the most out of your air conditioner in the summer is to close your blinds when the sun is high. The summer sun generates more heat in your home than it does in the winter, which causes the temperature in your space to rise. Then, your cooling system has to work harder to bring the temp back down.
By closing your curtains when it’s very sunny, you can reduce the strain on your AC system on hot days. You can also get more out of your mini split in the winter by opening your blinds during the day and allowing the sun to naturally heat small parts of your home.
Get Superior Ductless Mini Split Service From New England Ductless
At New England Ductless we are passionate about helping our customers stay comfortable during the summer, even when temperatures soar. We can help you find the right ductless cooling solutions for your individual needs at a reasonable price.
Contact us today to learn more about mini split air conditioning or to set up a time for our team to come to your home or office and provide you an accurate quote for services or installation. Call now by dialing (617) 915-2803.