Tiny homes are popping up everywhere from Florida to Oregon. Each climate presents its own unique heating and cooling challenges, but a high-efficiency mini-split system can easily meet any of your tiny home's climate control needs.
The Right Size
The first advantage to a mini-split system in a tiny home is, of course, the size. Unlike through-the-wall or window units, the space sacrifice is minimal and you have nothing hanging out of the side of your home. Since there is no room in a tiny home for ductwork, a ductless mini-split is a perfect solution.
Design Flexibility
If you don't have enough wall space in your tiny home, the air handler can be hung from or mounted into the ceiling. At around 7 inches deep, they don't take up a lot of overhead space either. Many units offer remote control so you can easily turn your ceiling mounted unit on or off.
Safety
Since mini-split systems only need a small hole for installation, they do not provide an entryway for intruders. With a through-the-wall or window-mounted unit, a thief can simply remove it to gain entrance to your home. In a tiny space, the mini-split system gives you peace of mind since there is much less risk of fire than with wood stoves, kerosene heaters or electric space heaters.
Energy Efficiency
You'd never think that a high-efficiency system could be so small, but a mini-split system uses much less energy than a comparable conventional HVAC system. There is no ductwork or leaky window unit seals where the air can escape. Most include features that give you more control over how and when the unit is in operation, such as sleep functions and timers that make it even more energy efficient.
Easy Installation
While installation of your mini-split system is much easier than a traditional duct system, placement is very important. It's probably best to have your local HVAC professional help you plan where your system will go before your home is built. In an existing structure, he can give you priceless guidance on where and how to install it for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Cost
The one disadvantage of a mini-split system is the initial cost. However, since the system is so efficient and you need far fewer BTUs to heat and cool a tiny home, the energy savings alone will help it pay for itself. Many municipalities and energy companies also offer generous tax credits and rebates that can also help offset the cost.
All things considered, a ductless high-efficiency mini-split HVAC unit is the best option for climate control in your tiny home. Contact your local HVAC company, like Home Comfort Systems, to get more information on how a mini-split system can lower your carbon footprint while keeping you comfortable and saving you money.
