How Many Mini-Split Zones Do I Need in Denver?

Life is instantly more difficult when the heat of summer kicks in, and the oppressive heat has you stressed to the max. Heat is a homewrecker. It makes people irritable and prone to snapping at those they love most.

Adequate air conditioning has become a life-changer and home-saver. As you begin to look at your AC options, you will quickly discover the value of mini-split zones. You may need more than one split zone, though.

This raises the question: how many mini-split zones do I need? If one is good, are two even better? 

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about ductless AC and how a ductless mini-split AC system can help keep you cool. 

Why Size Matters

When you’ve sat in a warm house and endured the summer heat, you’re prone to make rash decisions. You begin to believe that if one AC is good, two will be even better. After all, can’t you turn one off if you get too warm? 

It would be wise to strike a balance between adequate AC and overcooling. 

Consequences Of an Undersized Ductless Mini Split System

If you invest in a mini-split, you want one that keeps your home adequately cooled.

Purchasing an undersized ductless mini-split will result in a warm home and a mini-split that works constantly. You will have inconsistent cooling with some warm and some cold spots. 

Furthermore, your ductless mini-split will have a shorter lifespan because it is working too hard. Your utility bills will skyrocket, and your mini-split will run constantly.

Thus, the mini-split system intended to save you money will end up costing you more. 

Consequences Of Overly Sized Ductless AC Units

Bigger does not always mean better. First, you will have to spend more to purchase a large mini-split. 

Second, when the mini-split is too big, it will short-cycle. This means your system will repeatedly turn on and off, increasing wear and tear.

You will ultimately need to call an AC repair service for a larger, more expensive unit. 

It will also not have a chance to dehumidify the air adequately, and you will ultimately have damp air in your home.

More moisture leads to an uncomfortable home and a breeding ground for mold and related health issues. In the end, you’ll end up in an unhealthy and uncomfortable environment.

How Many Mini Split-Zones Do I Need? 

The number of mini-split zones you need depends solely on the size of your home and the size of the rooms. The mini-split zones will cover more than one room or zone. 

The outdoor compressor can be an appropriate size for the indoor units. However, your individual rooms will vary in size, so the BTU rating of your indoor air handlers will vary accordingly. 

When you have a professional install the mini-split zone, you should also rely heavily on their expertise. They will know best what you need. Here’s how they determine the size and number of mini split-zones that you need: 

A professional will measure your room to determine its square footage. 

The pro will then multiply the square footage by 25 to know how many BTUs you need. 

If you have a room measuring 150 to 300 square feet, it requires 6,000 BTUs. If your room is as big as 850 to 3,100 square feet, you need 56,000 BTUs. 

Ultimately, a professional will determine the BTU requirement and recommend the number of mini-splits.

The good news is that you can add more zones in the future if needed. 

Factors to Consider

Size and BTU capacity are the primary factors determining the unit size you need. There are a few other factors that also play into the equation. 

For example, if you live in an area that frequently goes above 90 degrees, you will need a unit with a higher BTU rating. Also, if you live in an older home with poor insulation, you will need a higher-quality AC with higher BTU output. 

The ceiling height of your room will also make a difference. Higher ceilings make the room bigger and harder to cool. If you happen to have ceilings that are higher than eight feet, you need to increase the BTU capacity of your mini-split by at least 20 percent. 

The amount of sunlight the room receives and the number of occupants in your home both affect the BTU needs.

If your rooms have lots of people in them along with copious amounts of sunlight, you need a higher-quality AC. 

Finally, the type of floor in your rooms matters as well. Rooms with hardwood floors cool more quickly than carpeted rooms. 

Ask the Expert

In the end, only an expert can truly answer the question, “How many mini split-zones do I need?” Many factors play into the number of zones you have to cool. Furthermore, if you make a poor choice, you will end up with higher energy bills and a unit that needs avoidable extra service. 

Do you need air conditioning or plumbing advice? Contact us for all of your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. 

If you’re facing issues with your cooling system, consider using DIY AC troubleshooting tips for Denver.

These tips can help you identify common issues and avoid costly repairs. If the issue persists, our experts are always available to assist.

We are a small company that proudly serves homeowners in the Denver metro area.

Our plumbers are licensed and have a minimum of 15 years of experience. 

We pride ourselves on meeting our clients’ individual plumbing needs by using the latest technology and treating each job uniquely. We price our work by the job, so you do not have any surprises when you get your bill.

As a result, we have a solid reputation for our straightforward pricing.

Give us a call today, and let us take care of you. We want to help you stay cool today.