Thread: Mini Split COP?
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Old 08-13-13, 09:35 AM   #3
jeff5may
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If you are considering a heat pump solution, I would suggest doing a decent amount of research before installing a system. The performance is all over the place, depending mainly on the technology and engineering put into the unit.

Cheaper units are usually labeled "10 SEER" and have performance comparable to a window air conditioner at 40 degF. As the outdoor temps drop, so does the energy efficiency. They are mainly built with capillary tube metering devices, so their heating capacity falls off rather quickly at lower temps.

More robust units have a higher price tag, but their performance improvement over the "basic" models translates directly into energy savings. They have features built in such as: variable speed fans/compressors, electronic metering devices, heat transfer and defrost optimization software/firmware, domestic hot water preheat, hardwired thermostat connection, and more. They generally will produce generous heat down to around 5-10 degF before losing capacity. Depending on your current energy source and demand, these units can pay for themselves in energy savings rather quickly.

Regardless of price, most all of these mini-split units will provide 3X or more heat per watt than a ceramic heater above 30 degF.
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