What Size Mini Split Do You Need?

If you are thinking about purchasing a mini-split, one of the main concerns is the size you will need. The size of the mini-split depends on various factors such as the square footage of the room and the BTU output required for the room. As it involves some meticulous calculations, it is recommended to get in touch with experts for determining the size of a mini-split for any home. In this article, we will discuss the correct size estimates, selecting the right size, and more about Mini Splits.

How Mini Split Units Are Sized?

Mini Split units are sized according to how much heat they can remove from a room in an hour. This amount of heat is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). One BTU is roughly equivalent to the amount of heat produced by burning through one match.

So, you’ll often see ductless units referred to by their BTU output. Mini Split BTU outputs can range anywhere from 9,000 to 60,000 BTU.

How Many Square Feet Can A Mini Split Air Conditioner Cool?

To determine the capacity needed for your mini-split system to cool your home effectively, you will first need to know the total number of square feet of each room that you are looking to cool. The capacity of a ductless air conditioning system is measured in BTUs. Mini-split AC systems work very efficiently at delivering air throughout a home, which is why you may notice that their BTU rating is typically lower than that of window AC units.

Below are common calculations for estimating BTU capacity based on a room’s square footage:

350-500 square feet = 9,000-12,000 BTUs 750-1,000 square feet = 18,000-24,000 BTUs 1,250-1500 square feet = 30,000-3600 BTUs

While the above estimates are fairly standard in the HVAC industry, it’s best to have an experienced HVAC technician perform a walkthrough inside your home to take a look at other factors. The technician can then determine the ideal capacity for your ductless air conditioner system.

How a Load Calculation Works?

To determine the mini split size you need, a professional should always perform a load calculation instead of only looking at the square footage of your room.

During this load calculation, a professional will measure the amount of heat that enters a room based on factors like:

• How many windows does the room have?
• How many doors does the room have?
• Is the room a kitchen space or close to the kitchen?
• What’s the climate of the area?
• What’s the square footage of the room, not including closets?
• Does the room get direct sunlight? If so, how much and for how long?
• How well insulated is the room?
• What height are the ceilings?
• Are there any additional heat sources in the room?
• How many lightbulbs are in the room? What kind of lightbulbs are they?
• What is the usual number of occupants in this room?
• What kind of flooring does the room have: carpet, tile, or hardwood?