The mini-split is a highly popular choice for homes, garages, and add-on units in today’s homes. With so many brands and styles on the market, knowing which best suits your home’s needs takes time. In our experience installing hundreds of mini splits in Bend, Oregon, over the years, some features are more important than others. Let’s cover the basics together, including zoning options, energy efficiency score, noise score, warranty, and smart home capabilities.
Shopping for a Mini-Split in Bend, Oregon? Consider Zoning as Part of the Design Process
If you’d like the freedom to adjust the temperature in multiple locations throughout your home, a mini split with a multi-zone capacity is the perfect solution. Many of our customers at Bend Heating purchase mini split outdoor units with multiple zoning options—with plans to add more head units. Factoring in the location of each wall unit and where you need to send hot versus cool air is part of our installation consultation. Typically, you will need two to three zones for a single-story home and three to five zones for a two-story home.
Take Note of Your Preferred Unit’s SEER2 Score
If you want to manage your energy use more efficiently for the environment and your wallet, consider upgrading your heating and cooling source. EnergyStar issues energy efficiency ratings in the form of a SEER2 score as a bright yellow sticker on new units.
This indicates how energy efficient your unit is based on measurement standards used across the HVAC industry. Generally speaking, the higher the SEER2 score, the more energy-efficient your unit is. Federal regulations have increased the requirements for new mini-splits to have a SEER2 score of 14 or higher. Ideally, the higher the score, the more money you’ll save on your energy bill.
A Hyper Heat Mini-Split System is the Way to Go
Considering cold climate performance is an important aspect before choosing a mini-split system in Bend, Oregon. Most mini-split brands perform well in moderate climates. However, if you live in an area where it regularly snows or drops below freezing in winter, you’ll want a system with Hyper Heat.
Hyper Heat indicates that your mini-split system has a specific type of inverter technology that performs at maximum efficiency under extremely cold conditions. The amazing part is, with some of the newer systems, the mini-split actually gets more efficient the colder the outside temperature is!
Purchasing a unit with multiple zone capacity like the Carrier Performance™ Multi-Zone Heat Pump with Basepan Heater is ideal for this instance. Other models with similar functionality are the Mitsubishi GS Hyper-Heating Outdoor Unit for extreme weather conditions. This unit operates in conditions as low as negative 13 degrees Fahrenheit. The Daikin AURORA Inverter Heat Pump is yet another great option.
Choose a Quiet Operating Mini-Split
Every type of HVAC unit generates operating noise, but some more than others. If you’re in the market for ductless mini-splits in Bend, Oregon, you already get a unit with a high SEER2 rating and quiet operation.
Mini-split units have an average noise level of 32 decibels, while in-window air conditioning units can generate up to 60 decibels of noise. The outside condenser can be loud depending on the climate and how it is installed on the house. Installing this unit away from the bedroom walls of the house is one way to keep noise from coming from the outdoor unit.
Look for Manufacturer Warranties on Mini-Split Systems
One of the most important things to consider when you purchase a new HVAC system is protecting your investment with a manufacturer’s warranty. If problems arise with your system under a certain time window, you are entitled to repairs or complete product replacements.
Reputable companies like Carrier offer product warranties under certain HVAC installation companies. Bend Heating is a certified factory-authorized dealer of Carrier Air products. This means Carrier honors any installation of a branded product purchased and installed by Bend Heating. This warranty includes the first year of operation of your new Carrier HVAC product but can extend beyond that, depending on the system you buy.
Manage Energy Use From Wi-Fi Enabled Apps
When leaving your home for an extended period for a trip, a Wi-Fi-enabled mini-split system is ideal for managing the temperature while you’re away. This is a way of using your mini-split to host Airbnb guests or make add-ons to the garage or an additional dwelling unit (ADU).
Monitor temperature settings like heating, cooling, and humidity to optimize your home’s energy performance from your phone. Most newer mini-split units have this capability, but it’s important if you want to keep an eye on those energy bills.
Get Warranty-Backed Mini-Splits in Bend, Oregon
Bend Heating has safely and competently installed hundreds of mini-split units. If you are shopping for the right one, contact us for a complimentary estimate of what it would cost to replace or install a mini-split system in your home. We offer fair, transparent pricing and no-obligation quotes to ensure you have the heating or cooling solution to best suit your space.