Historically, adding heating capacity to parts of your home that lack it hasn’t been easy. If your home has a ducted HVAC system, modifying your ductwork may be possible, but it may require a system upgrade. And standalone heating options almost always involved some kind of compromise. For example, electric space heaters are a common option, but they can cost a small fortune to use. However, there’s now a no-compromises heating option that’s well suited to spaces like garages or additions: a mini-split heat pump. They offer superior efficiency to electric space heaters and provide exceptional comfort, too. They even boast cooling capabilities as a bonus! Here’s everything you need to know about them and why you should consider one.
How Ductless Systems Work (and When They Shine)
If you’ve never seen a mini-split in action, it can be challenging to wrap your head around how they work. Mini-split heat pumps run on electricity but don’t consume electricity to make heat. Instead, they gather heat energy from the outdoor air and use it to heat indoor spaces. The secret lies in the clever application of some simple scientific principles.
Heat pumps use the refrigeration cycle to transfer heat from one place to another. It’s the same technology that powers air conditioners. However, heat pumps can run in reverse to provide heating. Both systems rely on the scientific fact that heat energy always flows from warmer to colder substances. That means, by manipulating the pressure, state, and temperature of a refrigerant, it’s possible to control its heat absorption and release.
The other thing you must know to understand how a mini-split heat pump works is that there’s always heat energy in the outdoor air. That’s true even on the coldest winter days and nights. When you feel cold, it’s only because your body’s temperature is higher than the surrounding air. That allows the colder air to steal heat from your body. There’s ample heat energy available in the air, and that’s always true, until you reach a temperature of −459.67 degrees Fahrenheit. A heat pump operates with a refrigerant colder than the outdoor temperature, allowing it to absorb that heat energy.
Of course, a heat pump’s efficiency does decline as the outside temperature does. That’s because the lower the temperature differential between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, the harder the system works to collect sufficient heat. The ideal outside temperature for heat pump heating efficiency is 40 degrees or higher. As it turns out, that’s right around what you’d expect in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, area on an average winter day. In those conditions, you can expect a mini-split heat pump to operate at efficiencies approaching 400%! That’s four times the efficiency of an electric space heater.
Sizing, Placement & Electrical Considerations
Mini-split heat pumps, like all HVAC systems, require proper sizing to achieve maximum efficiency. Mini-splits follow the same sizing principles you’d apply to any other HVAC solution. Generally, most homes need about 20 BTUs of heating capacity per square foot. So, to calculate your needs, you’d measure your garage or addition, and multiply by 20. However, insulation levels can push that figure up or down. Therefore, it’s wise to let one of our experts perform a heat load calculation on your space. That will inform a more precise heat pump size recommendation.
You should also know that most mini-splits rely on wall-mounted air handlers. To simplify installation, you’d typically locate yours along an exterior wall. That makes it easier to route the necessary refrigerant and power lines to the system’s outdoor unit. Ideally, you want your mini-split air handlers between 6 and 7 feet from the floor, but not right up against a ceiling. You also want yours kept out of direct sunlight to facilitate accurate room-temperature readings. Additionally, some mini-split air handlers have motorized vents that can redirect heated air as necessary. However, ideal horizontal air handler placement can vary from system to system.
A ductless mini-split will also require its own power circuit to function. Fortunately, all system power flows through the mini-split outdoor unit, which then powers the indoor air handlers. As a result, installing the necessary electrical infrastructure isn’t very difficult. Most single-room systems require a dedicated 15 or 20-amp, 220-volt circuit. Larger systems, however, may require a 50-amp circuit. In some cases, your home may need an electrical upgrade to accommodate a larger mini-split. However, if your home already has 200-amp electrical service, adding your new mini-split should be no problem.
Costs, Efficiency Ratings & Rebates
The cost of installing a ductless mini-split heat pump in the Dallas-Fort Worth area varies based on several factors. If you need a mini-split to heat a single small room, a garage, or an addition, you can expect installation costs between $3,000 and $8,000. The variance depends on the brand you choose and the complexity of the installation. For example, as the distance between your mini-split outdoor and indoor units grows, installation costs increase. If you need a higher-capacity system or one that supports multiple air handlers, prices rise accordingly.
The good news is that a mini-split heat pump may qualify for rebates and incentives that reduce its cost. Electrical grid operators often offer incentives because heat pumps help reduce electricity demand during the heating season. There’s also a federal tax credit worth up to $2,000 you can claim against a ductless heat pump installation. However, you’ll have to act fast if you want to take advantage of it. The tax credit initially had an expiration date in September of 2031, but recent changes shortened the deadline. You now have until December 31, 2025, to install a qualifying system.
Rebates aside, the average mini-split’s energy efficiency makes installing one a wise investment. Most systems have Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings between 8 and 13. An HSPF rating reflects a heat pump’s estimated seasonal heat output divided by its energy consumption. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the heat pump operates. Modern mini-split heat pumps can pay for themselves in a few years through energy savings compared to alternatives.
Get the Right System for Your Space
If you’ve heard enough about mini-split heat pumps and think one would work well for you, Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air can help. We’ve served the comfort needs of Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners since 1969. We sell and install mini-splits from today’s leading manufacturers. They include Carrier, Bryant, Daikin, Lennox, Rheem, and Trane. No matter your budget or needs, we’re sure to have the perfect system for you. Plus, our HVAC technicians have extensive training in ductless mini-split technology. That ensures you get a quality installation that avoids common pitfalls, such as improper refrigerant line flaring. We can even offer financing options on approved credit to help you afford the system you need. So, for quality mini-split heat pumps in Dallas-Fort Worth, contact Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air today!
