Residents of Hudson, OH are always looking for ways to improve their home comfort. In the HVAC industry, innovations are constantly emerging. Ductless mini-splits are some of the best modern HVAC models currently available. These systems rank highly for energy efficiency, ease of use, and helpful features. They offer flexible zoned comfort control room by room, so you don’t have to set a central thermostat.
Many homeowners considering an HVAC upgrade to mini-splits wonder how much electricity they will consume. Like most systems, mini-splits range in size, efficiency ratings, and power consumption. However, the market widely recognizes these air conditioners as among the most energy-efficient available today. Without ducts, they can feed into and cool individual rooms, using less energy than central air systems.
The Importance of SEER2 and HSPF Ratings
The first way to determine how much electricity a mini-split uses is by looking at its efficiency rating. The SEER2 (updated seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating measures cooling efficiency. If your mini-split has a high rating, it requires less electricity to provide cool air.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) officially transitioned from SEER to SEER2 on Jan. 1, 2023. This update introduced a new testing procedure called M1. This procedure increased static pressure in testing fivefold to simulate the resistance of home ductwork. This rigorous testing resulted in SEER2 ratings that are around 4.5% lower than SEER values. This caused federal minimum efficiency standards to rise nationwide. Manufacturers and installers have thus switched to higher-performance equipment that’s more energy efficient.
The most current mini-splits now feature SEER2 ratings that range from 16-18 for standard systems to over 30 for premium models. The minimum allowable rating for mini-splits in the North region, which includes Ohio, is 14.3. By comparison, a typical central air system ranges from about 13 to 16. A mini-split system typically doubles the efficiency of central air models. If you invest in a model with a SEER2 rating in the 20s, you’ll have higher efficiency from the start and can save more over time. Hypothetically, your bills will be lower every month.
System Size and BTU Capacity
The overall capacity of your mini-split has a huge impact on its power consumption. We measure AC capacity by British Thermal Units (BTUs). Air conditioners with higher BTU ratings cool larger spaces. For instance, you might want a 20,000 BTU AC if you have a very large living room. For a bedroom, a lower BTU range is likely ideal. This also matters because you want the capacity to match the space. An AC that’s too powerful will kick on and off a lot. This causes wear and tear. A unit that’s too weak will run continuously, again causing wear and tear.
It’s important to understand that higher BTU machines require more electricity. To figure out precisely the size you need for your space, a trustworthy air conditioning company like Bernard Heating & Cooling can help. We will perform a proper load calculation and advise you on the recommended size for your space.
Inverter Technology and Variable Speeds
Inverter technology is a big part of what makes mini-splits beneficial for homes. Traditional HVAC systems operate much like a light switch. They are either fully on and wide open or fully off and closed completely. Each time the motor starts, the system draws the maximum electrical load. It continues to do so throughout its operational life. With an inverter, this isn’t the case.
Mini-splits use variable-speed compressors that adjust their output. Depending on the room’s needs, your AC may only need to run at half power to cool the room. This depends on your thermostat settings and the current temperature. If the room is hot, the compressor fully engages. If it’s already cool, it will gradually adjust to the temperature. This lower operational intensity consumes significantly less electricity. It also prevents the mini-split from operating at full power and consuming too much energy.
The Impact of Zoned Cooling and Heating
One of the more effective ways mini-splits save electricity is with zoned cooling. When central air is in use, the entire duct network fills with air. Even rooms you want closed off still receive air. This is why the units must operate at 100% capacity at all times. Using the cooling power for six rooms when you only need it for two, for instance, is a huge waste. Mini-splits resolve this issue with their zone control.
With a mini-split, you only condition the rooms that people occupy. This is a targeted approach that may save you significant money. If you leave your bedroom in the morning, shut the air off for that zone. You won’t need it until you return to sleep. You also don’t have to pay to cool a guest room that isn’t in use.
Local Climate and Environmental Factors
Your specific climate plays a role in how hard your AC unit works. During a Hudson summer, the heat and humidity can be quite rough. Generally speaking, air conditioners in the area work quite hard to keep a room cool. Traditional HVAC systems consume more energy to overcome this. Manufacturers design mini-splits to operate evenly and efficiently. So even when the temperatures spike, your unit runs consistently.
To keep consumption low, you can take several steps as a homeowner. You don’t need expert knowledge to improve your mini-split’s performance. Here are some tips to help limit your unit’s energy usage:
- Ensure you have proper insulation
- Seal any door or window gaps
- Keep your thermostat at a reasonable setting
- Avoid cooling unnecessary zones
- Plan for professional installation and maintenance
Maintenance and Optimal Performance
A dirty or neglected system will always use more electricity than a well-maintained one. Your air conditioner has to draw in a large volume of air to condition your home. With clogged filters, the machine struggles to move air. Your blower motor works much harder and longer when the equipment is dirty. Maintenance ensures that your filters are fresh and that the system is free of dust and debris.
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your system. Our team will check for leaks and check your refrigerant levels. We will clean the coils and maintain the compressor. This process helps to keep the heat exchanger efficient. Taking care of your equipment helps ensure it operates at peak performance, minimizing breakdowns on hot summer days when you need your AC most.
At Bernard Heating & Cooling, we are proud to be a leading HVAC contractor in the area. We are a full-service company, locally owned and operated. After 35 years in business, we have developed a reputation for quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Our team can provide solutions for residential and commercial issues. Mini-splits are popular, and our certified technicians are trained to service them.
Contact our team at Bernard Heating & Cooling today to learn a lot more about our range of mini-split AC models.
