ADU Heat Pump: Energy-Efficient Way of Heating and Cooling Your Unit

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) do not cease to amaze the homeowners who have decided to install them on their property. While being a popular choice for its convenience and multifaceted way of use, more and more customers plan to order such projects soon. However, such units are not just walls under one roof; they contain numerous essential elements that make life more comfortable.

One such thing is a heat pump, or, in other words, a mini-split system that is a perfect solution to the issue of heating and cooling your garage conversion, junior ADU, or attached ADU. However, in order to work like a charm, you need to have an understanding of how it works and what benefits it can bring. So, let’s start by dismantling this mystery!

True Value of a Heat Pump

This new system can take its rightful place in any ADU and instantly alleviate the quality of life of the dwellers. Now, we will take a closer look at the benefits that mini splits can provide you with.

A mini-split system can really shine in the following:

1. Consisting of an outdoor unit and indoor handling units mounted on walls or ceilings, they can maximize your free space with ease. It will not be cluttered, and you can take advantage of every extra inch of the area.
2. A typical mini-split system includes separate fan coils that can be installed in different zones of your ADU, resulting in individual adjustments of heating and cooling intensity and temperature. Your family will undoubtedly be thankful!
3. Instead of receiving endless energy bills at the end of the month, you could opt for a heat pump. Nowadays, when technology is becoming more and more developed with every hour, mini-split systems can boast saving the maximum of your energy and money.
4. Last but not least, the work modes. All heat pumps can cool the area around as well as heat it. Therefore, you will receive year-round comfort inside your unit by mitigating the weather conditions.

This is just a small list of heat pump benefits, but we find it understandable enough to make mini-split systems shine in their glory.

Heat Pumps Key Elements

In order to properly work, mini splits take advantage of multiple small components that we are bound to know about. Because, let’s face it, at the end of the day, it is we who will fix it.

The key components of heat pumps are:

• Blower motor
• Fan blade
• Diameter Coiled Pipes (same as a radiator)
• Refrigerant

To get an idea of how the system works, let us discuss the procedures that happen inside the pump. The refrigerant finds its way through coiled pipes placed in the box with the motor and fan blade. These elements join each other with an exterior condensing unit via a small pipe. The unit adjusts the pressure of the liquid according to the settings and then it returns to the fan coil. There the blower pushes warm or cold air into the room.

As you can see, the system is relatively simple, but it should not raise your hopes too high. To keep your mini split system in a functioning form, it is highly advisable to provide timely maintenance. Moreover, proper insulation can easily help your ADU lose less heat. These elements will undoubtedly cut some of your costs and aid with the creation of an energy-efficient environment.

Choosing a Heat Pump

Air conditioning sounds easy on paper, but in reality, it is an intricate process and at the same time an inalienable part of all accessory dwelling units. Hence when working with heating and cooling systems, it is important to know how to pick the right one.

ADU Size

Before the installation, you should measure the square footage of an ADU to decide what cooling and heating capacity of your mini split system you need. Talk to a certified specialist who provides HVAC options to get an idea of a heat pump model and the possible cost.

Zones

Even though a mini-split system is a perfect solution for garage conversions or junior ADUs, you should understand the scale of it. Instead of expanding the system after the installation, calculate beforehand whether you require a single-zone system to please your dwellers or for better renting opportunities in the future it is better to install a multi-zone one.

Noise

A ductless mini-split system is a witty solution to the air conditioning problem, however it can turn into a disaster if you do not consider the noise that such a mini split system may produce. It is better to decide early on where you want to install it, perhaps you can find an outdoor unit or use the attic space.

All in all, a ductless mini split system remains one of the best HVAC options on the market, but no matter how flexible it is, you should never forget about its possible downsides before installing it.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

What are the benefits of a multi-zone mini-split system?

Such systems are best for larger ADUs with a lot of space, i.e., the ones that have several rooms and separate living areas. This system is more flexible, allowing for independent temperature control in different zones of the dwelling unit. But some of the downsides include the higher cost; hence, not all homeowners can have such mini split systems installed.

What climate is the best for heat pumps?

Nowadays such systems have advanced so far that HVAC options work perfectly in any climate, but, perhaps, you will use them differently depending on weather conditions. In warmer climates, it will serve as a cooling tool for your space, while in a more moderate climate sometimes they can be switched to heating. No matter how you use them, such projects always satisfy the customers.

How to decide on a room for a heat pump?

It is not against the law to install the pump in any room you want, so you should take advantage of it. We recommend installing the split system in a room where you spend most of the time and use the attic as the placement of the outer unit so it would not produce much noise. Remember that the cost will also depend on the size of the pump and its capacity, so choose the placement wisely.