Mini split heating and cooling systems provide a practical, affordable way to create comfortable, temperate spaces for both living and working. They are easy to install and do not require duct work like central HVAC systems. Mini splits are energy efficient, simple to operate, and very quiet when they run. Here are some of the most common and creative mini split applications we’ve encountered.
Mini Split Basics
Before we explore the many places mini split units are being used, let’s cover what makes up these systems. This will help explain why mini splits are becoming so popular.
Components
Mini split systems consist of an outdoor compressor and an indoor, wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler. They operate on 110 or 220 volts and can be connected to any breaker panel.
Line sets are available in varying lengths to run refrigerant and power from the outdoor compressor to the interior air handler. Easy-to-install line set covers protect and conceal for a cleaner appearance outside.
Are you living, playing, or working off-grid? No problem! There are solar-powered mini splits perfect for your needs.
Operation and Efficiency
With a mini split unit, the speed of the compressor continually adapts to the heating or cooling needs of the room. This eliminates the temperature swings so common with centralized on-off systems. You stay more comfortable while your mini split unit conserves energy.
Special DC inverter technology keeps mini splits functioning quietly and efficiently. Mini splits can use up to 49% less energy than standard heating and cooling systems. The unit’s reusable filters are easy to access (simply lift the cover) and simple to clean.
Functions
Mini split units are operated by remote controls, and most offer a wide range of convenient functions. The touch of a button adjusts the temperature, speed, and swing of your unit. Many mini splits offer timer, sleep, and dehumidifying options as well.
Mini Split Applications
People are using mini split systems in creative ways to make their daily lives more comfortable and efficient. These units are ideal for situations where central HVAC systems are impractical or unaffordable and where a space heater or window a/c unit just isn’t enough.
To follow are some of the most common mini split applications we’ve encountered, but this list is far from exhaustive. If you’ve got a space needing to be heated or cooled, a mini split system may very well be the perfect solution.
Tiny Homes
Living in a tiny house presents unique challenges, but maintaining a comfortable interior temperature doesn’t have to be one of them. Mini split systems are ideal for heating and cooling tiny houses!
Not only are mini split systems more energy-efficient than many other alternatives, they are also quieter. And the smaller your space, the more you will appreciate that you can barely hear a thing when your mini split is running.
Tiny Houses on Wheels
Believe it or not, mini split systems make a great option for tiny houses on wheels, too. There are a variety of brackets that allow you to mount and secure your outdoor compressor to your tiny home.
We’re also impressed by the ingenuity of one of our customers who built their mini split unit into the porch area of their tiny house on wheels:
This 24′ Urban Overlook (below)built by Tiny Building Experts in Colorado Springs, CO includes one of our ENSI 18000 BTU Mini Split Systems. * Click on the below Image for their Contact Information*
However it’s mounted, a mini split unit can keep your tiny house on wheels comfortable — quietly and efficiently — even when you’re on the move.
Shed to House Conversions
Our first experience with a mini split system was in our own shed to home conversion. We installed the unit in early fall and were amazed by the comfort it provided throughout the winter.
Our mini split kept us warm despite the fact that we hadn’t yet installed our ceiling panels over the insulation (so had plenty of gaps) or upgraded to double-pane windows.
And, when summer returned, we were able to keep our cool without enduring the loud clunking noises or expense we’d experienced using a window a/c unit the summer before.
It was our satisfaction with our own mini split unit that prompted the creation of this site, in fact. We wanted to spread the word about mini split systems and provide a safe, authorized-dealer purchase point that ensures you get a brand new unit with a valid factory warranty (because that’s not always what you get when purchasing through eBay or Craigslist).
Trailers
If you use a trailer for work or play, a mini split can keep you more comfortable in the process.
One creative customer installed an AUX system in the trailer he uses to haul his off-road vehicles. Using a generator or campground plug-in, he can now escape the elements and get warm or stay cool during his adventures.
Public Restrooms
Mini split systems make a great heating and cooling option for free-standing, public-use restroom facilities in state and local parks or community sports venues.
Pictured below is a solar-powered unit at Standing Stone State Park in Tennessee.
More Mini Split Applications
Mini split heating and cooling system are ideal for so many applications beyond those mentioned above. Here’s a list of other possible mini split uses:
- Garage
- Workshop
- Shed
- Room Addition
- Attic
- Basement
- Mud Room
- Laundry Room
- Pool House
- Guest House
- Sun Room
- Home Office
- Laundromat
- Dry Cleaners
- Florist
- Salon
- Dog Kennel
- Animal Shelter
- Pet Daycare Building
- Storage Building
- Office Building
- Construction Site Trailer
- Food Truck
- Coffee Shop
- Gift Shop
- Cafe
- Kiosk
- Mobile Home
- Shipping Container Home
- Vacation Cabin
- Camper
- Meeting Hall
- Recreation Center
- Community Center
- Historic Building
- Worship Center
- Preschool
- Portable Classroom
- Locker Room
- Field House
Larger Homes and Mini Splits
Although many large homes are constructed with central HVAC systems, multi-head mini split systems offer another option.
Utilizing a larger compressor and an indoor air-flow unit mounted in each room, multi-head mini split systems provide energy-efficient, personalized comfort for larger dwellings.
They also help you avoid the dirt and mold build-up that is so common in the duct work of centralized systems. Mini split filters are easy to access and quick to clean so you and your loved ones can breathe easy.
Mini Split Uses
As we’ve shown, there are a lot of practical and creative ways affordable mini split systems can be used. We’ve listed some of the most common possibilities, but our list is undoubtedly incomplete. If you know of any unique applications, we hope you’ll reach out to us to let us know so we can add them to our list.
And if you think a mini split system could make your life more comfortable, please feel free to contact us to learn more, get your questions answered, or request a price quote.
We look forward to hearing from you.