La tua guida all-in-one alle pompe di calore mini-split senza condotto per il 2022

L'inverno è alle porte e potresti avere difficoltà a decidere come preparare la tua casa per le festività natalizie calde e accoglienti. Durante la lettura di varie idee, devi esserti imbattuto più volte in una pompa di calore mini-split.

Sai qual è la parte migliore? Le pompe di calore mini-split sono la migliore opzione disponibile anche per l'estate. Quindi, una volta installato, che sia inverno o estate, la sua funzione reversibile rende la tua casa ben climatizzata.

Ora ti starai chiedendo cos'è una pompa di calore mini-split e come puoi trarne vantaggio in entrambe le stagioni.

Non preoccuparti!

Abbiamo creato una guida completa per farti imparare tutto ciò che c'è da sapere su una pompa di calore canalizzata mini splittata.

Cos'è una pompa di calore mini-split?

Una pompa di calore mini-split è un sistema di riscaldamento e raffrescamento senza condotto in grado di regolare le temperature di singole stanze o spazi al contrario del tradizionale sistema di aria centrale.

Sono un'opzione di riscaldamento e raffreddamento compatta e flessibile rispetto alle normali strutture HVAC che dipendono dai condotti per diffondere l'aria condizionata negli spazi abitativi. Le pompe di calore mini-split sono anche conosciute come condizionatori d'aria mini-split senza condotto, condizionatori d'aria senza condotto o un sistema di condizionamento d'aria mini-split e non si basano sui condotti per il trasferimento del calore.

I sistemi di riscaldamento mini-split hanno due unità primarie costituite da un compressore esterno e un evaporatore interno. L'unità interna mantiene la temperatura ambiente ventilando aria calda/fredda mentre l'unità esterna espelle il calore indesiderato generato durante il processo.

La flessibilità delle pompe di calore mini-split per funzionare in ogni stagione è il motivo per cui stanno diventando sempre più popolari e di solito non aumenta i costi di un enorme vantaggio. Per la maggior parte, il riscaldamento a pompa di calore senza condotto è più adatto per l'inizio della primavera, il tardo autunno e le condizioni invernali miti, mentre sono un ottimo aiuto per il raffreddamento durante l'estate. In alcuni casi, possono essere utilizzati anche durante il picco invernale, ma ne parleremo più avanti.

Tipi di pompe di calore mini-split

Una delle migliori caratteristiche delle pompe di calore mini-split senza condotto è la loro flessibilità di installazione. Le varie scelte che offre lo rendono uno dei preferiti dai consumatori perché puoi averlo posizionato in base alla struttura della tua casa. Questa possibilità di regolazione viene fornita con una varietà di pompe di calore disponibili. Ecco i tipi che devi considerare prima di effettuare il tuo prossimo acquisto:

1. Pompe di calore mini-split monozona

I mini-split monozona sono progettati per controllare la temperatura di una singola stanza e avere un'unica unità interna ed esterna.

Le pompe di calore mini-split monozona sono migliori se hai solo una grande area da riscaldare o raffreddare. Può essere la tua camera da letto, il soggiorno o qualsiasi area in cui trascorri la maggior parte del tuo tempo. Queste sono anche opzioni perfette per aree come il tuo garage.

2. Unità mini-split multizona

Il sistema mini-split multizona è composto da due o quattro unità interne collegate a un'unica unità esterna. Ogni componente interno può funzionare indipendentemente a temperature diverse pur essendo collegato a una singola unità esterna.

Questa è un'opzione ideale ed economica per te se hai un certo numero di stanze in casa da riscaldare o raffreddare. Con un'unica attrezzatura, puoi facilmente mantenere tutte le tue stanze che devono essere condizionate.

3. Mini-split da parete

Come suggerisce il nome, i sistemi mini-split a parete sono posizionati vicino alla sommità di una parete. Sono la scelta più economica per i consumatori e quindi l'opzione mini-split più popolare.

I sistemi mini-split a parete sono i migliori per stanze con soffitti alti almeno 7′-8′ in quanto devono essere montati a circa 6 piedi di altezza. Sono disponibili pompe di calore mini-split canalizzabili monozona e multizona montate a parete.

4. Mini-split a pavimento

Proprio come i mini-split a parete, anche i mini-split a pavimento sono installati su una parete, tranne per il fatto che sono posizionati vicino al basso, invece che verso l'alto.

Le fessure a pavimento sono l'opzione ideale se hai soffitti corti e rialzati, pareti inclinate o grandi finestre. Se hai una camera da letto mansardata, sai che questo è quello che ottieni!

5. Mini-split a cassetta da soffitto

Questi mini-split sono installati sul soffitto. I mini-split per cassette da soffitto non rovinano l'estetica della tua stanza, lasciano le pareti vuote per l'arredamento e forniscono un ampio flusso d'aria rispetto alla maggior parte degli altri tipi di sistemi.

Se hai stanze considerevolmente grandi, allora i mini-split per cassette da soffitto sono quelli che fa per te. Hanno quattro aperture che soffiano aria su ciascun lato che distribuiscono l'aria equamente nella tua stanza.

6. Mini-split nascosto senza condotto

Le pompe di calore mini-split a canale nascosto sono montate a soffitto e possono essere collegate a più di un condotto. Questo tipo di unità offre la climatizzazione di più ambienti o di una singola grande area tramite condotti collegati ad una singola unità interna.

These are also great if you don’t like the look of mini-split units as these are practically invisible or ‘concealed’ and can be installed in multiple areas providing even coverage for large rooms. They are a blessing for those who want to make the most out of a single indoor unit. Transition ducts can be used to transfer air to small adjoining rooms, saving you the expense of installing a separate unit.

7. Smart Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Smart mini-split units are an excellent option allowing you to control your heating or cooling from your phone. Many manufacturers for wall-mounted, floor-mounted and other mini-split heat pumps are now also offering ‘smart’ options that come with intelligent features. Using these you can schedule the timing for your mini-split heat pump’s operation or set automation and more.

These may be slightly pricey but using intelligent features you can save on your monthly electric bills. You can also make any standard mini-split heat pump smart, that comes with an IR remote, using a smart AC controller or also known as a mini-split thermostat. These are budget-friendly devices and equip your heat pump with all the features of a smart unit!

How Does a Mini-Split Heat Pump Work?

A ductless heat pump system transfers heat through a pattern of evaporation and condensation as a refrigerant substance runs through the system.

All ductless heat pumps contain two heat exchanger coils, one used to condense the refrigerant and another to evaporate it. The refrigerant sucks up heat from the encompassing area throughout the process of evaporation. On the other hand, the condensing process diffuses heat absorbed previously. Ductless heat pumps then regulate the room’s desired temperature as a result of the movement of refrigerant between these coils.

How does a mini-split heat pump cool?

In spring and summer, the heat pump absorbs heat from within your home utilizing the indoor unit’s evaporator and then delivers it outside using the outdoor unit.

The cool liquid coolant moves to the evaporator, absorbs the indoor heat, and transforms into a gas. The already hot gas is passed through a compressor and further heated up and pressurized.

The hot coolant at that point moves through the condenser coils while a high-powered fan kicks on. The air flows over all of the condenser coils to help the release of heat energy. After the refrigerant’s warmth is dispersed outdoors, the refrigerant cools down and becomes a liquid. It is then passed through an expansion valve, getting further cooled before getting sent back to the evaporator to begin the cycle again.

How does a mini-split heat pump heat?

The closed-loop coolant system works much the same way in the fall and winter, only that the process is reversed. Rather than the refrigerant getting heat from indoors, the refrigerant now collects heat from the outdoors.

At the point when the refrigerant loses pressure and transforms into a vapor, it gets a lot colder than the temperature outside. Since heat energy streams from hot to cold, the refrigerant gets heat from the outdoors. After the refrigerant takes in all the heat, the outdoor compressor pressurizes the gas turning it into a hot fluid. The incredibly hot refrigerant then goes to the indoor coils, and the blower helps discharge the warmth from the refrigerant into the duct system.

How Does a Heat Pump Work When It’s Freezing Cold Outside?

Since a heat pump works by absorbing heat from the outside, you must be questioning that when it’s cold outside, where is the heat absorbed from? Luckily, there is still plenty of heat to be gathered, even when temperatures are as low as 5° F! Also, heat naturally travels from a warmer object to a colder object. Hence during extreme weather conditions, refrigerant drops to a level below the temperature outside and can absorb the available heat.

But sadly, when temperatures plunge beneath the freezing point, the heat pump’s effectiveness decreases significantly. This is why many people prefer other heating systems in extreme climate conditions. Since heat pumps move heat rather than produce it, they are considerably more efficient in temperate climate zones.

However, some companies offer Freeze Protection mode in their latest models that allows you to control the temperature inside your homes located in extremely cold areas. In this mode, your AC will be running at minimum power while still blowing warm air indoors. This feature is best for vacation homes or a garage etc. that need climate regulation in severe weather conditions to avoid the bursting of pipes. Tip:If you have a smart AC controller you can enable or disable this mode using your phone from anywhere.

Ductless Hyper Heat Units

With every problem comes an opportunity, and hence hyper-heat pumps are the latest innovation in heat pump technology. These are ductless and ordinarily have a more enhanced, powerful, and efficient compressor. Hyper-Heat units work with a hyper-warming technology that permits the heat pump to deliver both cooling and heating even during extraordinarily cold climate conditions.

The efficiency of a standard heat pump becomes questionable as soon as the temperature drops below 25 F. However, ductless hyper heat units work effectively even when it’s as cold as negative 13 F.

This brings us to the point that when making your choice, you must not ignore the climate conditions of the area you live in.

HVAC Zoning With Mini-Split Heat Pumps

As mentioned above, mini-split heat pumps allow you to create multiple heating, ventilation, and air conditioning zones in your homes. And all of it is done using a single piece of equipment with more than one indoor unit.

When you have multiple air handling units, every unit is allocated to a particular area, zone, or room of your home with the assistance of a certified HVAC technician. Your HVAC contractor will help plan the zones to make the most energy-efficient and convenient zones for your family.

Usually, you can have as many as four indoor air handling units, which means you can create four rooms or zones for one outdoor unit. The number of your indoor units is subjected to your home’s size and how much cooling or heating your home and family requires.

As per your needs, you can install one indoor air handling unit in your garage, another on the main floor, and a third one for the upstairs level. If most of your day is spent on the first floor, you can save energy by keeping the other zones at a more energy-efficient temperature.

A typical duct system loses around 20-30% of the conditioned air through cracks and holes in the ductwork. And since mini-splits don’t need any ducts, you won’t have to worry about losing any conditioned air through the ductwork.

With smart air conditioning it’s not necessary to purchase multi-zone units. Cielo Breez app allows you to create zones conveniently in just a few taps. All you’ve to do is just group together multiple devices in your home as per your needs. Read our step-by-step guide to create HVAC zones using Cielo’s smart AC controls.

Choosing the Right Mini-Split Heat Pump

There are several essential things to keep in mind when choosing the best ductless heat pump for your home’s needs.

To begin with, you’ll want to ensure the unit has the capacity necessary for your home. This is impacted by window size, ceiling height, and the number of people living in the house. You’ll have to choose a number for the indoor units you’ll need after deciding if you’ll be heating/cooling single or multiple areas. You’ll need to choose suitable installation spots and ensure adequate space for drainage of the condensing tube.

Besides cost and size, the unit’s energy effectiveness is another significant thing to look at. All residential heat pumps in the United States accompany an Energy Guide label detailing the unit’s efficiency rating compared to other models.

If you live in a cold climate, choosing a model with the best heating season performance factor (HSPF) should be your main priority. On the contrary, in hotter climates, select a unit with the best seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Even though it might cost more upfront for a model with a higher rating, you’ll save on long term operating costs.

How to Install a Mini-Split Heat Pump?

Installing a ductless mini-split system is a comprehensive process, requiring the right tools and proper instructions. Before you install this system, you should choose what sort of ductless mini-split unit you want.

Once you know which mini-split unit suits you best, you will have to start thinking of the indoor unit’s position. Then begin installing the indoor wall unit. You should also ensure beforehand that the wall leads to space outdoors as the refrigerant lines will be linked to the outdoor unit. Furthermore, you will need to create a hole in the wall (preferably 2 to 3 inches) to mount your indoor unit. After this, you will have to decide the location of the outdoor unit and install it there.

This in no way explains the nitty-gritty because we believe it is ideal to consult an expert before installing anything. Like many other massive appliances, mini-split heat pumps are challenging to install. In fact, for those with little or no experience at all, they can be risky. Companies also provide different instructions on installing these heating and cooling systems, so it’s essential to pay attention to information and guidelines. If you’re not confident and are wondering how you can install a mini-split heat pump on your own, be sure to contact a local HVAC professional to get the assistance you need.

DIY Mini-Split Heat Pumps

While most mini-splits require professional installation, a few models are available in the market designed for DIY installation.

A Do-It-Yourself mini-split is a ductless system that you can install all alone. This type of equipment is designed to be easier to install, thus allowing anyone with basic handyman skills. Despite their potential for significant savings, installing a mini-split on your own can be challenging.

Typically, they come with all the necessary installation guidelines and materials but keep in mind that DIY installation may require professional help, such as electrical wiring. Hence, it is always best to consult someone, or otherwise, you could end up bearing a huge loss.

Mini-Split Heat Pumps Need Regular Maintenance

Mini-split heat pumps, like any other home appliance, need proper and scheduled maintenance for efficient functioning. Here’s how you can keep a regular check on your units:

1. Clean your filter every month

This one is straightforward but super effective as dirt particles are common culprits when a system starts causing trouble. Most frameworks require filter cleanings once a month, but you should also check your manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.

When the air filter gets dirty, the accumulation will obstruct airflow through the system. Decreased airflow can make it difficult for the system to heat or cool the environment. Ultimately, you could end up with a coil covered in ice. That’s a grim problem prompting other, more costly, mechanical failures.

2. Protect your outdoor unit

Maintaining the condenser is as important as keeping your indoor unit in top shape. Prevent dirt and debris from reaching the outdoor unit and if placed on the ground, you must remove any shrubs that are likely to grow around it.

Placing it under a shade with a fence around it can help protect it from pets and varying weather conditions throughout the year.

3. Conduct a detailed inspection twice each year

As most mini-split systems are used for both cooling and heating, it’s optimal to conduct an inspection twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. That way, you can feel confident that the system is prepared to give its best for the upcoming season.

You can also carry out a DIY maintenance if you’re up for it!

4. Evaluate the installation

In case you’re having issues with your mini-split heat pump, there’s a possibility it wasn’t installed properly. Call a technician who shall check if the system has an appropriately leveled indoor fan coil that channels water completely, oil leaks because of a sloppy flare connection, and other such things that you may not have the knowledge to sort out all alone.

Misconceptions About Mini-Split Heat Pumps That You Shouldn’t Worry About

There are many misconceptions about mini-splits that might be why you don’t have one as of yet. Well, let us bust these so you can enjoy and fully benefit from these ductless systems.

1. People believe that they are expensive alternates to oil or gas heaters, which is entirely wrong. They may have a high installation cost, but they have very low operational costs as opposed to its substitutes.
2. You might’ve heard that mini-split heat pumps are home for bacteria. In reality, they are much cleaner than ducted systems. They have ionizers and filters that clean air. But as with everything, filters do require maintenance and cleaning.
3. If you hear ductless systems are best suited for new homes – A mini-split heat pump installation has nothing to do with a house being new or old. They can be installed anywhere!
4. Since heat pumps work round the year both for cooling and heating, people doubt their efficiency. However, this doesn’t affect their functionality. Your heat pump will only loose efficiency if you delay your maintenance checks.
5. There is also a misconception that mini-splits take too long to condition the room. This is absolutely incorrect, they just work at different speeds to maintain a consistent temperature. With smart features such as scheduling and geofencing, that mini-split thermostats bring, this is even more efficient.

Advantages &Disadvantages of Mini-split Heat Pumps

Are mini-split heat pumps right for your needs? Everything has its pros and cons, and its your requirements that let you decide the best available option for your home. Let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of mini-split reversible air conditioners, so you have enough knowledge when making a decision.

Advantages

• The operating cost for mini-splits is significantly low.
• They can be made smart to compliment your smart home.
• More efficient than other available options in the market with Energy Star certifications and high SEER and EER values.
• Can be installed in considerably less time and effort than ducted air conditioners.
• Ductless systems have comprehensive filtration options that wipe out dirt and pollutants, improving indoor air quality.
• Ductless mini-split heat pumps need minimal maintenance and save you lots of money.
• The reversible system allows you to benefit in every season.
• Due to ductless systems’ higher efficiencies, many utility companies now offer rebates to homeowners and businesses to install ductless air conditioners.

Disadvantages

• While mini-splits usually offer cost and energy savings over the long run, the initial installation can be 30% more costly.
• Improper positioning of multi-zoned mini-splits can lead to short-cycling resulting in the waste of energy and incorrect temperature controls.
• Many homeowners find the appearance of the indoor air handlers unfitting for an otherwise aesthetically pleasing room setting.

Make Your Ductless Heat Pumps Smart

If you want an automated heating system using mini-splits, all you have to do is buy a smart thermostat device like Cielo Breez Eco or Cielo Breez Plus to make your unit smart. You’ll have control over your heat pump from anywhere using your phone.

By connecting your mini-split with Wi-Fi and making it smart, you’d also be able to utilize intelligent features such as scheduling, geofencing, Comfy Mode and so much more.

Ductless mini-splits are great for any kind of spaces with minimal installation hassle while maximizing the energy savings as well as overall comfort.