1. What is a Ductless Heat Pump?

A ductless heat pump (mini-split system) provides both heating and cooling without ductwork. Proper sizing is crucial for efficiency and comfort. Oversizing leads to short cycling, while undersizing results in inadequate temperature control.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic heat pump sizing formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units (cooling/heating capacity)
• \( Area \) — Square footage of the space
• \( Factor \) — BTU per square foot (typically 20-40 depending on climate and insulation)

Explanation: The calculation accounts for the size of the space and climate conditions to determine the appropriate capacity.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correct sizing ensures energy efficiency, proper dehumidification, longer equipment life, and optimal comfort. A professional Manual J calculation may be needed for precise sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your space accurately. Consider insulation quality, ceiling height, window area, and sun exposure which may require adjustments to the factor.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical BTU range for residential units?
A: Common sizes are 9,000 BTU (300 sq ft), 12,000 BTU (400-500 sq ft), 18,000 BTU (600-800 sq ft), and 24,000 BTU (800-1,000 sq ft).

Q2: How does climate affect sizing?
A: Colder climates need higher BTU factors (30-40) for heating, while milder climates can use lower factors (20-30).

Q3: What if my room has high ceilings?
A: Increase the factor by 10-20% for ceilings over 8 feet, or calculate based on cubic footage instead of square footage.

Q4: Should I size for heating or cooling?
A: In most climates, size for cooling needs as heating capacity is typically adequate if cooling is properly sized.

Q5: Is this calculator suitable for whole-house systems?
A: For whole-house systems, a professional load calculation (Manual J) is strongly recommended.