Self-care is a big buzzword right now, but contrary to popular perception, self-care isn’t just going to the spa or taking a decadent vacation. Turning your home into a nurturing space is also a form of self-care, and your HVAC equipment plays a significant role in that process. At N.E.T.R., Inc., we love the individualized comfort created by electric heat pumps, and we want to share the advantages of these systems with you.
Check out the eight ways that a mini-split can provide individualized comfort and self-care in your home.
1. Zones
The main feature of mini-splits is their zone controls. When you put in a mini split, each indoor air handling unit has its own thermostat. That means that you can sleep in a freezing cold bedroom, work in a toasty warm office, and watch TV in moderate temps. You get to pick the setting that is the most comfortable for you, and everyone else in the house can do so as well.
2. Multiple configuration options
The number and layout of zones in your home can vary. Homeowners can break up their homes in different ways based on their heating/cooling preferences and their budgets. When you work with a comfort consultant, they don’t give you a one-size-fits-all plan for your home. Instead, they talk with you about your budget and individualized comfort goals, and then, they help you set up the ideal setting for your home.
For instance, some people want the entire main floor on a single zone, which works great if you have a moderate-sized open-plan main floor. Others prefer to have their kitchen, living room, and office on separate units so that they can customize the settings in each space. There are multiple options for every home.
3. Comfort controls
All high-quality electric heat pumps give you energy-efficient heating and cooling, but different models offer different comfort settings. For instance, some Mitsubishi ductless units come with occupant sensors that find people in the room and adjust the fan settings to ensure everyone feels the temperature selected on the thermostat. You can also choose if you want the air to hit you directly or not.
4. Remote controls/apps
With a ductless mini-split, you don’t have to get up to change the temperature. If you aren’t quite comfortable, you can easily alter the temperature or fan settings using a remote control. Most units also integrate with apps so that you can just use your phone and don’t have to worry about keeping track of a remote control.
5. Consistent airflow
Regardless of the temps you select, your heat pump will provide consistent airflow. Mini-splits use inverter technology to gently adjust fan settings to keep your room at a consistent temperature. This feature means that you don’t have to worry about uncomfortable fluctuations in temperatures as you get with forced air HVAC systems. It also keeps the humidity in your home at stable levels.
6. Quiet
Although fans run constantly with these systems, they aren’t loud. In fact, high-quality mini splits are quieter than most household appliances. The manufacturers compare the operating noise of most indoor units to whispers in a library and the outdoor units to rustling leaves.
Although the exact decibel ratings vary, you often see about 20 decibels for indoor units and 30 for outdoor units. In comparison, a standard window AC runs at about 80 decibels (just slightly under the level considered to be bad for your hearing). This means that your heating and cooling system won’t be disturbing the peace. Now, you can choose what you want to listen to, whether that’s music or just quiet.
7. Reduced energy bills
In addition to making your home feel more comfortable, a mini-split can make your budget feel more comfortable. Ductless mini splits run much more efficiently than most other types of traditional heating and cooling systems.
According to Energy.gov, these units use up to 60% less energy than other HVAC equipment. Once you see your energy bills go down, you can use that extra money for self-care or countless other things that are more fun than paying the power bill.
8. Integration with back-up heating
Love your existing furnace? Then, you can have the best of both worlds with integrated controls. If you opt to keep your existing furnace, you can connect the two systems. Most of the time you will use the ductless heat pump, but when temps fall below a certain level, your home will automatically switch over to your fossil fuel furnace.
This setup ensures efficiency regardless of outdoor temps. At the time of writing, you can also get Mass Save rebates for integrated controls. You can also get rebates and tax incentives for replacing your existing furnace with a new whole-home ductless HVAC system.
Create Individualized Comfort Today
Ready to be more comfortable and more efficient? Then, it’s time to switch to a ductless mini-split. At N.E.T.R., Inc., we are committed to our clients’ comfort. When you contact us, we won’t sell you any old solution. Instead, we’ll send a comfort consultant to your home, and they’ll work with you to design, select, and install a ductless heating and cooling system that keeps you as comfortable as possible.
