Ductless Mini Split: Setting the Right Temperature

Ductless mini-split air conditioners are a popular option in Fort Collins because of the customized, high-level comfort they provide. They use the same technology as heat pumps, but you can install them in individual rooms. Because of this, ductless mini-split ACs can provide a high level of individualized comfort.

With dry air, sunny days, and cool nights, your thermostat settings may fluctuate significantly. When dealing with ductless mini-split air conditioners, you need to be mindful of weather changes throughout the day as well as each family member’s unique temperature preferences. 

To help you stay comfortable this year, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the best thermostat modes, energy-saving tips, and practical considerations.

Mini-Split Basics: How Temperature, Modes & Sensors Work 

With an inverter compressor, sensors are paired with the compressor to modulate heating and cooling. After the sensors relay the temperature inside your home, the compressor changes the voltage and frequency so that the level of cooling and heating changes. Rather than changing the temperature quickly and shutting off, the unit stays on for longer. As a result, your home uses less energy.

Thanks to how ductless mini-split AC units work, you can take advantage of remote thermostat readings instead of head unit sensors. Many traditional ACs use head unit sensors, so only one sensor is used to determine the temperature in your whole home. Ductless units can provide a more accurate level of comfort because different sensors report on the temperature in individual zones. 

Plus, mini-split humidity control settings can ensure different rooms have the right humidity level. You can change mini-split dry mode vs. cool mode on humid days to ensure a comfortable, cool home.

Summer Settings in Fort Collins: Day, Night, and Away 

When it comes to the ideal thermostat setting for ductless AC, it really depends on the time of year. During the daytime in the summer, most experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F so that you spend less on energy costs. 

Mini-split temperature settings for sleeping are usually lower, as sleep quality decreases at higher temperatures. In general,  temperatures between 65°F and 68°F are the best for rejuvenating sleep. If you’re away from home, the best energy-saving temperature for mini-splits is 88°F or higher.

To maximize your ductless mini-splits AC’s cooling efficacy, don’t forget to take advantage of dry mode. During monsoon-like days, the dry mode helps to reduce the stickiness in the air without over-cooling your home.

Winter Settings

When comparing summer vs. winter mini split settings, it’s important to keep individual preferences in mind. You don’t want to let the air get too cold because the system may struggle to modulate efficiently. Instead, keep your thermostat settings at 62°F when you’re away or asleep. During the day, around 68°F is a good temperature. 

With the mini-split heat pump temperature range, slight changes can save you a significant amount of money. By lowering your indoor temperature by just 7°F to 10°F for eight hours, you can save up to 10% on your energy bills. 

During winter, it’s generally more effective to use the auto fan setting than the fixed fan setting. Auto fan means your fan only turns on as needed, so it saves money on energy costs. 

Even though it gets quite cold during the winter in Fort Collins, your ductless mini-split heat pump can still function effectively if it is cold-climate rated. These units are designed with defrost cycles, which allow the unit to defrost and stay functional in cold weather.

Sleep Optimization: Quiet, Even, and Just-Right 

When it comes to the mini-split temperature settings for sleeping, anywhere between 62°F and 68°F is appropriate, depending on the season. You can also use the sleep mode for better energy efficiency and automatic temperature adjustments at night. With the quiet mode, your ductless mini-split air conditioner will function at a quieter noise level until morning. 

To avoid a draft, make sure the airflow isn’t pointed directly at you. You may also want to set your thermostat to a higher temperature.

Humidity & Mode Selection 

When it comes to mini-split humidity control settings, you should set your relative humidity to between 30% and 50% to ensure your family’s comfort. During humid, summertime storms, you can use dry mode to remove humidity from the air. Besides preventing mold growth, a lower humidity helps your home feel cool at a higher temperature.

Zoning Tips To Prevent Hot/Cold Spots 

For help preventing hot/cold spots with mini splits, it’s a good idea to set up multiple indoor heads. This is especially important in tricky rooms, such as sunrooms and basements. 

To ensure balance and avoid pressure-related issues, keep doors open and try to coordinate the same temperature setpoint in different zones. You may also need to experiment with different fan speeds and airflow directions to make sure every room reaches the same temperature.

Energy-Saving Playbook for Fort Collins Homes 

Besides finding the best mini-split heat pump temperature range, you can save energy by adopting a few other tips. 

• Set It and Leave It: With an inverter system, set it to the right temperature and leave it alone. This helps you avoid major swings.
• Seasonal Setpoint Ranges: For the best energy-saving temperature for mini-splits, pick a temperature range. This keeps your unit from turning on all the time and can save on energy costs.
• Smart Thermostats: Investing in smart thermostats can help you maximize savings. Over time, the thermostat will learn your family’s temperature preferences. 
• Clean Filters: For the maximum energy efficiency, make sure to clean and replace your filters every 30 to 90 days. 

When Your Settings Aren’t Working: Quick Checks 

If one of your ductless mini-split air conditioners isn’t working, there are a few quick checks you can do to troubleshoot the problem. 

• • Change or replace the filter.
  • Make sure it is set to the correct mode and temperature.

• See if the sensors are blocked.
• Face the fan’s louvers in the correct direction to avoid drafts and uneven cooling.

For capacity issues, low refrigerant levels, and advanced controls, you should reach out to one of our professional HVAC technicians for ductless mini-split inspections and repairs.

Choose Your Home’s Temperature With Care in Fort Collins

From discovering the best temperature for mini-split units to performing routine maintenance, a few simple steps can ensure your family stays comfortable this year. With the help of Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, you can get help maintaining ductless mini-split air conditioners.

Find out more about our ductless mini-split AC services by calling our HVAC experts today!