There is no doubt the massive impact of climate change is upon us. Numerous weather-related disasters and rising heat year-on-year have given us a clear indication that global warming is now hitting us hard.
The biggest impact we can observe at home is the rising air conditioning bill for both heating in winter and cooling in summer. Heating costs increased by 17% year over year for the FY2022-2023 season. If this trend continues, you might end up paying hundreds more on your winter utility bills.
Switching to an energy-efficient heating or cooling system can reduce energy consumption, saving you significantly over the long term. The market offers a wide range of options, but MRCOOL mini split systems stand out for their effectiveness, energy efficiency and ease of installation.
MRCOOL Mini Split: What Is It and Why Choose It?
The MRCOOL DIY mini split is a ductless heating and cooling system designed to bring targeted comfort to individual rooms or zones within your home. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that circulate air through a complex network of ducts, MRCOOL mini splits consist of an indoor and outdoor unit connected by a simple electrical cable and refrigerant line. This design avoids the energy loss associated with ductwork, increasing the system’s efficiency by up to 30%. Choosing a MRCOOL mini split system offers several advantages:
- Energy efficiency: Its energy-efficient operation significantly reduces utility bills and minimizes environmental impact.
- Ease of installation:The MRCOOL DIY series simplifies the installation process with pre-loaded refrigerant lines, allowing homeowners to set up the system. This ease of installation cuts down on professional service costs.
- Zonal heating: The system is well-suited for zonal heating, allowing you to selectively heat rooms in use while avoiding wasteful heating of unoccupied spaces.
- Quiet operation: These units operate more quietly than traditional HVAC systems for a more comfortable living space.
Single Zone Mini Split vs. Multi-Zone Systems
Single-zone and multi-zone systems are mini split systems but differ in the space size they can heat and cool. A single-zone mini split is a straightforward configuration consisting of one indoor and one outdoor unit. This setup is ideal for heating or cooling a specific area in your home, such as a living room, bedroom or studio apartment.
A multi-zone system consists of multiple indoor units all connected to a single outdoor unit. This allows you to control the temperature in different rooms or zones independently. A multi-zone system is beneficial for larger homes, multi-level residences or spaces with varied heating or cooling needs. For instance, you might want your living room to be warm and cozy while keeping the bedroom cooler for a comfortable night’s sleep. A multi-zone system offers the flexibility to customize temperatures in each area according to personal preferences, making it a more versatile option. However, multi-zone systems are generally more complex to install and may require a higher initial investment.
MRCOOL DIY: Installing Your Mini Split
MRCOOL mini split systems are ideal for homeowners who enjoy DIY home improvements. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that often require specialized tools and professional installation, these systems come with a user-friendly design that most homeowners can install themselves. The following step-by-step guide can help you easily set up your new MRCOOL mini split:
● Select the Location
The indoor unit should be placed where it can effectively distribute air throughout the room, while the outdoor unit needs a space free from obstructions like fences, tree branches and walls.
● Mount the Bracket
The next step is to mount the bracket for the indoor unit. This usually involves drilling holes into the wall and securing the bracket with screws. Use a spirit level to ensure the mount is perfectly horizontal to prevent the unit from falling.
● Install the Indoor Unit
Drill holes through the walls for the refrigerant lines and electrical cables. You may need to drill holes at an angle to ensure proper drainage. Then, ensure the indoor unit is securely attached to the bracket to prevent accidental falls.
● Make the Connections
You’ll need to connect the indoor and outdoor units using the provided electrical and refrigerant lines. They are pre-charged and designed for easy plug-and-play, reducing the chance of errors.
● Install the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit should be installed on a flat surface, free from any obstructions like plants or debris. Once in place, connect it to the lines coming from the indoor unit.
● Power Up and Test
Once all the components are installed and connected, power up the system and run some tests to ensure it’s working as expected. Ensure that the drain isn’t leaking and check the unit’s display panel on the remote control to see if there are any error messages.
Alternative Heating Solutions
While MRCOOL mini split systems are highly efficient and effective at heating most spaces, there may be times when you need supplemental heating. Extreme weather conditions or exceptionally large spaces may require additional heating solutions, such as:
- Electric baseboard heaters: These heaters are energy-efficient and are ideal for adding extra heat to individual rooms and can be controlled independently. These heaters work well in tandem with mini split systems, filling in any heating gaps.
- Portable heaters: Portable heaters are an excellent temporary solution for extra warmth. Modern units are efficient and have safety features like automatic shut-off and tip-over protection. They’re versatile and can be moved to wherever needed the most.
- Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats can be integrated with many heating systems, including MRCOOL mini splits. These devices help monitor and control your heating more efficiently. You can set schedules, control temperatures remotely, and even get energy usage reports, helping you make data-driven decisions about your heating needs.
- Insulation and weatherproofing: Ensuring your home is properly insulated and weatherproofed can significantly improve the effectiveness of your heating system.
- Radiant floor heating: This is a more luxurious option, offering consistent, efficient heat from the ground up. While installation can be complex and expensive, radiant floor heating can be a valuable addition to homes in consistently cold climates.