Winter in Denver and Aurora brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your home warm without breaking the bank. Harsh temperatures can make efficient heating a top priority for every homeowner. Since 1999, Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has been dedicated to providing reliable HVAC solutions across the Denver metro area, including Aurora, Morrison, Thornton, and beyond. Our commitment to excellence ensures your home stays cozy, and your heating system operates at peak efficiency throughout the cold season. Ductless mini splits have emerged as an excellent option for heating, offering flexibility and energy savings even during the chilliest months. In this article, we’ll delve into why these systems are among the most efficient ways to heat your home in winter. We’ll explore practical tips on optimizing your mini split’s performance—from ideal settings to essential maintenance—so you can enjoy consistent warmth while keeping energy costs under control.
Benefits of Ductless Mini Splits for Specific Spaces
Ductless mini splits are perfect for heating specific areas of your home without requiring an overhaul of your entire HVAC system. They work especially well for additions, remodels, attics, or upper floors—areas that can be challenging to keep warm with traditional forced-air systems. Their ability to direct heat to specific spaces allows you to avoid wasting energy on areas you’re not using.
For instance, if you’ve converted an attic into a bedroom or added a sunroom, a mini split offers an ideal heating solution. Unlike central heating systems that need extensive ductwork, ductless mini splits are installed directly in the room they serve. This means quicker installation, no expensive renovations, and heating customized to your exact needs. By focusing on specific zones, mini splits help reduce the inefficiencies that often come with heating an entire home when only a few rooms are occupied.
Using Ductless Mini Splits in Winter
A common concern among homeowners is whether mini splits can handle freezing temperatures, especially in places like Aurora with severe winters. Fortunately, ductless mini splits are built to perform efficiently even in extreme cold, with some models operating reliably at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re a great option for staying comfortable during Colorado’s tough winter months.
Their efficiency in winter comes from advanced inverter compressor technology. Unlike traditional systems that constantly turn on and off, mini splits adjust their speed to match the room’s heating needs. This not only saves energy but also maintains a steady, cozy temperature. By continuously adapting to changes in the environment, mini splits avoid the energy spikes and heat loss commonly seen in older systems, making them one of the most reliable ways to heat your home in the winter.
Can You Use a Ductless Mini Split All Winter?
Absolutely. Ductless mini splits are made for year-round use, and running them throughout winter is often the best approach. Continuous operation helps maintain a steady indoor temperature and reduces the energy needed to reheat a cold room.
When mini splits serve as the main heat source, they provide consistent warmth without frequent adjustments. This is especially helpful for homes where reliable heating is important, such as those with children or elderly residents, or for families working from home. Unlike older systems requiring constant attention, mini splits are designed to offer dependable heating without the hassle.
Optimize Your Mini Split Settings for Winter
Keep Units Clean and Clear
Regular upkeep is key to keeping your mini split running efficiently all winter. Check and clean the indoor unit’s filters monthly to remove dust and debris that could block airflow and reduce performance. Ignoring filter maintenance forces the system to work harder, which can increase energy usage and shorten its lifespan.
For outdoor units, clear away snow, ice, and leaves after storms to prevent clogs. Because outdoor units need proper airflow, maintaining a clean area around them is critical. In snowy areas like Aurora, raising the outdoor unit above snow level can protect it from damage and ensure better performance.
Set the Right Temperature
In colder months, setting the mini split’s temperature slightly higher than usual can help maintain comfort. Since the system’s sensors are generally located near the ceiling, where heat rises, a higher temperature setting ensures warmth is evenly distributed throughout the room.
Keeping a consistent temperature is also important for efficiency. Constantly adjusting the thermostat forces the system to use more energy. Instead, find a comfortable level and let the system run steadily to maintain even warmth.
Use the Best Modes and Fan Settings
The AUTO mode is a great way to efficiently operate a mini split during winter. This setting allows the system to automatically adjust temperature and fan speed to match the room’s needs, providing consistent warmth without wasting energy.
By letting the mini split make adjustments on its own, you avoid unnecessary manual tweaks and enjoy a more energy-efficient environment.
Focus on Zone Control
One of the standout features of mini splits is their zoning ability, which is especially useful for saving energy in winter. Heating only the rooms you’re using helps reduce energy waste and keeps the focus on spaces that matter most. For example, keep the mini split in your living room or bedroom at a comfortable level while lowering the settings or turning off units in unused areas.
Closing doors to unused rooms and using zoning settings ensures warmth is directed where you need it. This approach not only improves energy savings but also allows for customized comfort in different areas of your home.
Supplemental Heating for Extra-Cold Conditions
In extremely cold weather, having a backup heat source can be helpful. While ductless mini splits are efficient, prolonged subzero conditions might call for additional heating. Pairing the mini split with a forced-air system or space heater can provide extra warmth when needed.
Mini splits work well alongside other heating systems, offering flexibility in harsh winter climates. Using a mini split as the primary source of heat and relying on supplemental options only occasionally helps balance comfort and energy use.
Professional Installation & Maintenance
Proper Placement for Better Performance
The location of your mini split plays a big role in its efficiency. Outdoor units should be raised to avoid snow buildup and placed where airflow isn’t obstructed. Installing them under a shelter or overhang can offer added protection from snow and ice, which improves their performance.
When installed correctly, mini splits not only run more efficiently but also last longer, as their components experience less strain. Done’s expert technicians account for all these details during installation to ensure your system is set up for top performance.
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal checkups are the best way to keep your system running well throughout winter. At Done, our technicians provide thorough inspections, cleanings, and optimizations to prepare your mini split for heavy use. From clearing filters to identifying potential problems, we make sure your system can handle Colorado’s challenging winters.
Scheduling maintenance with Done helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns, extend the lifespan of your system, and enjoy reliable heating when you need it most.
Stay Cozy and Efficient with Done’s Mini Split Expertise
When the winter chill sets in, you need a reliable and efficient heating solution that keeps your home warm without skyrocketing energy bills. That’s where Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric comes in. Our expert team is here to help you optimize your ductless mini split system for peak performance during the coldest months.
From professional installation to regular maintenance and repairs, Done ensures your mini split operates at its best, providing consistent warmth and energy savings. Don’t let the harsh Denver and Aurora winters catch you off guard. Contact Done today at (833) 539-9153 or visit our website to schedule a service and experience the difference our expertise makes.
Join our 1st Service Club for exclusive benefits and discounts on all your home maintenance needs, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your mini split is in the hands of the best.
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