Boston homeowners are always looking for ways to cut down on their energy costs. With blistering summers and frigid winters, your home’s heating and cooling system gets put through the wringer throughout the year.
While mini-splits are hailed for their improved energy efficiency over their conventional, centralized counterparts, making the switch doesn’t mean you’re operating at maximum efficiency. Here, we’re going to take a look at some practical steps you can take to ensure you’re getting maximum savings from your ductless system.
How are mini-splits so energy efficient?
You’ve heard time and time again that mini-splits are superior to centralized ACs in terms of energy efficiency. But how? In short, ductless systems optimize their energy usage by transferring heat from the environment instead of producing it.
In addition, ductless systems are more efficient by design as traditional units can lose up to 20% to 30% of the air flowing through the ductwork due to inefficiencies such as holes, poor connections, and leaks.
Use your backup heat source if necessary.
Depending on the heating and cooling needs of your home, mini-split installers might leave your existing heating system behind. This gives you the ability to switch back and forth between your ductless and centralized system. Your mini-split will remain the more efficient choice the vast majority of the time.
However, there are certain circumstances when it’ll be cost-effective to switch on your backup heat source instead. There are some heat pumps that lose efficiency when the outside temperature dips below a certain degree. It’s important to consult with a ductless mini-split professional to determine if and when switching to your backup heat source would be beneficial.
Shift air circulation to match your heating or cooling needs.
Mini-splits allow you direct airflow based on your preferences. While it’s tempting to position the air to flow directly towards you, it’s not ideal for energy efficiency. Instead, directing the air up or down depending on your desired temperature will help your system work more efficiently.
Which direction should the airflow? When heating your home, direct the air downward. Alternatively, direct it upward when cooling. This optimized airflow circulates conditioned air around the zone quicker, keeping your mini-split from having to work harder than it has to.
Take advantage of temperature control.
Ductless mini-splits come with standard “auto” modes for heating, cooling, and fan settings. Although you can adjust these controls to meet your personal preferences, sticking to the default settings is the most efficient.
When in “cruise control” your mini-split only turns on when necessary, reducing energy expenditure and reducing your monthly bills. If you notice the “auto” buttons malfunctioning, you can hit the reset button normally located near the bottom of the mini-split to return everything to default settings.
Hire a professional for routine maintenance.
Like all major home appliances, your mini-splits require regular maintenance to continue operating optimally. While you can do minor upkeep on your own such as dusting off the units and cleaning filters, it’s advisable to call a professional to handle the rest.
The mini-split specialists at New England Ductless offer quick and comprehensive ductless maintenance for Boston homeowners. We’ll make sure everything’s in working order and make any necessary changes to keep your units running smoothly so you can take advantage of those energy savings.
If you’re looking to make the switch between conventional AC units and ductless mini-splits, you’re in the right place. New England Ductless has been helping satisfied customers improve their home’s indoor air quality while increasing its energy efficiency with these modernized heating and cooling systems. Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the advantages of mini-splits.