Before the cooler weather approaches, it’s wise to install a dependable, affordable heating system to make your chilly winter days warmer. A mini-split heat pump has some significant advantages over a traditional heating system, including a more flexible location, less expensive heating, and easier installation. Wondering which is the best mini-split heat pump for cold weather in the Pacific Northwest? Read on to find out!
Mini-Split Heat Pump Performance In Cold Weather
Mini-split heat pumps work best at moderate temperatures and are perfect for Washington state homes as the winter weather is generally mild. That said, a mini-split can surprisingly heat well, even when the outdoor temperature gets down to -5 degrees. Mini-splits can provide enough heat on their own to warm your entire home, or can be paired with a supplemental heat source on extremely cold days for a boost. Although running only your ductless system will be the most efficient, adding a backup heating system on the coldest of days is okay, too. It ultimately depends on your comfort preference.
Do Ductless Systems Freeze Up?
It’s natural for a ductless heat pump to ice up every now and then in cold winter months. You may notice times when the entire coil is covered in frost and even a bit of ice during very cold weather. When it happens occasionally (typical on those rare frigid days we get up here in the Pacific Northwest), your system will automatically move into a defrost cycle. During the defrost process, you might hear whistling sounds and the system may produce steam. The cycle typically takes around 5-15 minutes, and then the system will return to providing heat.
Are Mitsubishi Mini-Splits Good in Cold Weather?
A Mitsubishi mini-split is a great choice for the Pacific Northwest, which only occasionally has extreme cold fronts. This brand is known for its hyper-heating technology and can perform effectively up to -13°F!
Mitsubishi uses a patented process called “flash injection,” which allows the heat pump to produce superior heating. This process uses a bypass circuit to reroute a portion of the refrigeration in two places, which allows the hot refrigeration to flow back inside the coil to enhance heat and run at faster speeds. The result? A high-performance heat exchange that’s energy efficient.
Are Daikin Mini-Splits Made for Cold Weather?
Daikin also has a good reputation for providing constant indoor comfort in both winters and summers, and is well-designed for the Pacific Northwest winters! With the higher efficiency models, such as the ATMOSPHERA, it is easy to match up the right mini-split heat pump for use in your home in cold weather. Just as with Mitsubishi models, Daikin uses an inverted heat pump technology to reduce energy consumption and indoor temperature fluctuations. Its best models can also provide up to 100% heating capacity at 5°F (-15°C) and operate efficiently as low as -13°F.
Which is the Best Mini-Split Heat Pump for Cold Weather?
When it comes to choosing which ductless mini-split heat pump is best for cold weather, you can’t go wrong with a Mitsubishi or a Daikin! It comes down to choosing which features best fit your situation. If you’re ready to get a ductless system installed in your home, give us a call or contact us to get a free estimate. Our professional mini-split installation team will meet with you to determine the best system and location in your home or business.
We proudly serve the Thurston, Pierce, Mason, Lewis and South King county areas. Our goal is to help you determine the best system for heating and cooling your office.
Want to learn more about ductless mini-splits? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Ductless Heating and Cooling.