- 1). Size your heat pump correctly. According to the Salt River Power Company, homeowners need roughly one ton of heating or cooling capacity for every 400 to 500 square feet of living space. Determine the size of the room you're trying to heat, and choose a heat pump that's sized right for that space.
- 2). Compare the number of zones offered by each pump to the number of areas you plan to condition. The most basic mini-split system can heat or cool a single room while dual or quad zone units can condition two or four rooms, respectively. If you need to heat multiple rooms with a single unit, choose one with the appropriate number of fans or blowers to meet your needs.
- 3). Check the installation requirements for each unit. Most mini-splits contain both an indoor and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit may be roof or ground-mounted, depending on the model. Compare your available space and desired installation location with the requirements listed in the manufacturer's installation instructions. Most will also specify a maximum distance to place the indoor and outdoor units from one another, so keep this distance in mind when making your selection.
- 4). Review the appearance of each unit to find one that complements your decor. You can wall mount or ceiling mount the indoor fan unit on some mini-split heat pumps, or conceal it behind drywall or ceiling tiles; others are more visible. Check the appearance of each unit to find one that will blend in without detracting from the look of your rooms.
- 5). Look for the seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) on each heat pump. The higher the SEER value, the more efficiently the unit operates, which could result in lower utility bills. The Salt River Power Company recommends choosing a heat pump with a SEER of 13 or higher.
- 6). Call or go online to see if your state offers tax credits or rebates for homeowners who purchase energy efficient technologies. These potential tax credits or rebates can help offset the cost of a mini-split heat pump and may impact your purchase decision. For example, a unit with a very high SEER rating may qualify the homeowner for a specific tax credit, which could offer substantial savings. Check the Resources section for a list of energy incentives by state.
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