The ideal temperature depends on the season. In summer, setting your mini split between 75°F and 78°F (24°C to 26°C) balances comfort and energy savings. In winter, a setting between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C) is typically recommended for maintaining warmth without excessive energy use.
The temperature you set your air conditioner on can affect its performance and energy usage. We recommend that you set the air conditioner temperature to around 22-24 degrees (cooling) in summer and 19-21 degrees (heating) in winter.
Mid-level mini splits run at 100 percent efficiency down to 20°F and typically require a base pan heater. These work well for heating moderate to cold climates. Economy-level mini splits run at 100 percent efficiency down to 30°F and may shut off at temperatures below 20°F.
While there are a few dollars a month in savings to be had by turning the unit off and on for comfort purposes we advise leaving it on all the time.
According to Power Save AC, most mini splits can keep functioning even in freezing or extremely hot weather. Still, many operate efficiently only until the outdoor temperatures fall below -15°F (-20°C to -26°C) or rise above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46°C).
Generally, a supply air temperature of 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit is suitable for cooling while one between 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for heating. However, you must also ensure that the temperature rise or drop value doesn't exceed the manufacturer's recommended range.
Setting the thermostat between 70°F and 74°F (21°C to 23°C) often provides sufficient comfort without overworking the system. Using the "Auto" mode can be helpful, as it automatically switches between heating and cooling based on the current indoor temperature, maintaining a consistent climate.
Yes! A ductless mini split heat pump will use less energy when you let it run continuously. And, as a bonus, it will keep your temperatures more consistent. But, you can still make small changes to save energy.
A mini split heat pump can “ice up” or “ice over.” It's when water on the coil freezes. Then, it can't draw in heat and circulate it inside your home. The result is a system running in the winter but delivering cold air instead of warmth. The two main culprits here are a dirty coil or a refrigerant leak.
78°F is generally considered a comfortable temperature for most people in a house, especially in warmer months. It balances comfort and energy efficiency.
The key to efficiency and consistent comfort is to set it and leave it on automatic mode. Adjust the temperature for comfort, but leave the mini split on! This allows the mini split to bring the room or rooms to the right temperature.
The ideal thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.
However, it's best to have a 16 to 22°F difference between your supply air and return air temperature when you set your thermostat. HVAC professionals call this the “evaporator Delta T.” When a temperature difference is within the Delta T, your AC is working properly.
On average though, a mini split typically works at temperatures as cold as five degrees Fahrenheit (which is -15 degrees Celsius) and up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (which is 46 degrees Celsius).
Don't turn your mini-split systems off during cold weather. Cold Climate Heat Pumps are meant to run almost continuously and many systems work below zero degrees. While it may seem like they cost more because they run more, it's actually the opposite!
Direct warm air towards the floor so your mini-split variable-speed fan automatically adjusts to maintain a consistent temperature. Unlike traditional heating where you make adjustments when you leave the house or go to sleep, your mini-split is far better at using its AUTO fan setting to get better energy efficiency.
The short answer is yes; you can always leave your mini-split system running. Mini-split systems are designed to run non-stop throughout the day, making them the perfect “set-and-forget” option.
78.8° F (26°C) when at home; 85° F (29.4°C) when away; 82° F (27.8°C) when sleeping. A 10% increase in electricity use is attributed to every 1 degree shift that you ask your air conditioner to make in order to cool your home.
The suction line will feel cold to the touch because it carries cooled refrigerant that leaves the condenser. This line is the one to insulate.
Defrost Mode
Turn the condenser controls to its defrost setting. When your mini-split is heating your home, frost tends to accumulate on the condenser coil. Making sure that your system is in defrost mode will melt the ice. The water will then drip into the drain pan, where it will be removed from the unit properly.
During summer, the ideal temperature to set your AC is 22 – 24 degrees. While during winter, it's more ideal to set it on 20 – 22 degrees.
Yes, many mini-split AC units and mini-split heating and cooling systems shut off when they reach the set room temperature.