Mini splits with hydronic radiant
patrick1010
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
I’m progressing through a complete remodel/rebuild and plan on using hydronic radiant heat. I’m in climate zone 5. I want to be able to install some form of air conditioning and mini splits seem to be the most efficient route. Can I size the mini-splits based on my cooling btu load only and have them operate properly?
Replies
You would be best served by a manual J calculation considering your building properties and weather at the location.
cooling loads include sensible and latent cooling loads. (you want to consider removal of humidity in addition to cooling the air.)
Most, if not all, mini-split companies make units that are for cooling-only, so yes. Here's one online company that carries many of the cooling-only mini-splits. https://www.ecomfort.com/cooling/cooling-only-mini-splits.html
If you size them for the cooling load only, then they will effectively cool your house. If you want to be able to heat your home at any point in the future, then size them for the heating load. The cooling load is often less than the heat load, so they will under preform in heat mode on during the winter. I doubt the cost difference will be significant between the two sizes, so you might as well get the larger system (all things being equal).
I am going to repeat myself.
Warm weather thermal loads are in two categories.
Sensible heat (temperature change)
Latent heat (heat from phase change as water is removed from the air.)
Proper sizing of cooling loads needs to account for both.
The impact of latent heat is bigger where weather tends to the damp side. Less in desert environments.
Calculation of heating loads is another question.
https://www.google.com/search?q=sensible+and+latent+heat+load+calculation