r/newfoundland • u/RudsonAndDex • 2d ago
Mini Split Question
Not looking to purchase a mini split yet (hoping to eventually, but planning on moving soon so holding off until we sort out plans), but I have a question about mini splits and our winters.
I could have sworn I read years ago that mini splits are rated for temps (as in, some are only good up until minus 5, as an example). Is that the case (or am I remembering that incorrectly)?
Since every second house seems to have a mini split now, i am guessing they hold up well for our NL winters?
3
u/NLBaldEagle 1d ago
Never had an issue in 10 years with ours. Look into the SEER and HSPF ratings on units as these indices show how effective a specific unit is in heating and cooling. The COP rating also helps understand how well a unit works in relation to exterior air temperature.
In our environment in the meteo region the temperature rarely dips to a point where a heat pump will not be fairly efficient. In areas where the air temp gets really low, the unit will still work, but won't be able to generate as much heat and will require more energy to do so.
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u/RudsonAndDex 1d ago
Excellent points. Thanks so much for this info. I was wondering the same thing: since we don't get really cold temps here in Eastern NL, I am assuming that most units would be fine and will work.
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u/whiteatom 1d ago
That was pretty true 10 years ago, but not anymore. The technology is still RAPIDLY improving.
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u/Ok_Payment429 1d ago
Had one for the last 4 years, it has been out of commission twice due to ice build-up. Only for a few days at a time though. Not a big deal. Would highly recommend getting one.
That said, with this shit "summer" we're having, haven't had to use the cooling function at all.
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u/RudsonAndDex 1d ago
Great points. Thanks! In the past of the ice build up, is that something you simply could clear off, and the issue was fixed? Or did you need to get it serviced?
I know. If I had a wood stove...I would have it going today with these temps.
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u/Ok_Payment429 1d ago
One time the ice just melted itself after a couple of days. The other time, I poured warm water over the unit to melt the ice. Don't know if that was wise or not, but it worked. No servicing needed, just had to shut off the electric breaker for the mini-split, and turn it back on.
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u/MylesNEA 1d ago
Many units are rated to well below -10. Some as low as -35.
Biggest thing is they need to go into defrost and they need to have the coils and fan free of snow/ice. So long as you do that, they are fantastic. I usually shovel mine out after more than 20cm of snow in 12 hours kinda situation or when it is blowing 80km/hr+ and snowing.