Mini-split air conditioners are the perfect solution for your home. They’re inexpensive to run, easy to install, and require only a small amount of space, making them ideal for homes of any size.
While mini split air conditioners are much more energy-efficient than a traditional system, they still need power to run. The amount of energy can vary quite a bit between different brands and models.
Understanding how much power your mini split AC uses will help you determine if it’s worth making the switch or not.
If you’ve ever wondered about the power consumption of a mini-split air conditioner, you’ve come to the right place.
How Many Watts Does a Mini Split System Use?
If you find yourself wondering how much your new AC may cost to run, check out our handy table below.
| Mini Split BTU | Wattage | US Average per kWh | Cost Per Hour |
| 6,000 | 1,758 W | 13.19c | Costs $0.23 per hour |
| 8,000 | 2,344 W | 13.19c | Costs$0.30 per hour |
| 10,000 | 2,930 W | 13.19c | Costs $0.31 per hour |
| 12,000 | 3,516 W | 13.19c | Costs $0.46 per hour |
| 14,000 | 4,102 W | 13.19c | Costs $0.53 per hour |
| 18,000 | 5,725 W | 13.19c | Costs $0.74 per hour |
| 21,000 | 6,154 W | 13.19c | Costs $0.80 per hour |
| 23,000 | 6,740 W | 13.19c | Costs $0.88 per hour |
| 24,000 | 7,033 W | 13.19c | Costs $0.91 per hour |
*Data above does not take SEER or EER into account and is based on averages
Factors Determining Energy Usage in Mini-Split Systems
Heating & Cooling Load
The amount of energy needed by a mini split system to heat or cool a space is called its heating or cooling load. The heating and cooling load of a mini-split system is affected by the size of a house – the bigger the house, the higher the load.
The Outdoor Temperature
The temperature outside your home will affect mini split AC efficiency. As the outdoor temperature increases, the compressor in your AC unit has to work harder to cool the air inside your home.
The Number Of Mini Split Units
As you may expect, the more mini split systems you have, the more energy you’ll use. In larger homes, more mini split units may be required to maintain a stable temperature.
BTU Of The Systems
BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a measure of energy. One BTU refers to the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of a pound of water by 1° F. It is most frequently used when talking about heating and air conditioning units.
Related Article – How Much Does An AC Cost To Run?
How To Calculate The Power Your Mini Split Is Using
There are two common ways to calculate the power your mini split is consuming
- Check the manual. Before chucking your manual in the kitchen drawer, never to be seen again, take a look at the wattage. This will tell you exactly how much power your unit is consuming.
- Alternatively, if you know the BTU of your mini split, simply divide the BTU by the EER.
Eg. BTU of 6,000 / EER 10 = 600W
How To Save Money When Using Mini-Splits
Use the following tips to ensure you are keeping those costs down when running your AC.
Focus on Efficiency: Understand SEER
SEER is the standard measurement of cooling efficiency for air conditioners. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
Naturally, the more efficient the mini-split is at cooling your home, the lower the cost.
Focus on Efficiency: Understand EER
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio, another measurement of cooling efficiency. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner. When it comes to comparing different air conditioners in terms of energy efficiency, the EER is crucial.
So what’s the difference between EER and SEER? SEER considers the efficiency across an entire season, while the EER is a conventional efficiency measure of an AC unit.
Related Article – Learn To Convert SEER To EER
Check the Energy Star Rating
The Energy Star is a joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.
The Energy Star label is on products that have been independently certified to use at least 15% less energy than standard products. Selecting a mini split with an Energy Star rating will ensure your AC is more energy-efficient, helping save you money.
Related Article – See Some Of The Most Energy Saving Air Conditioner Brands
Maintain Your Unit
Keeping your unit regularly maintained will save you money in the long run. Regular maintenance will keep your unit running longer, keeping it working as efficiently as possible.
Related Article – How Do You Clean A Mini Split AC Unit?
Be Patient
Don’t touch the dial! Don’t forget cooling a room takes time, and constantly fiddling with the temperature dial substantially reduces the efficiency of your unit.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
How many watts does a Mitsubishi mini split use?
A Mitsubishi mini split air conditioner uses anywhere from 300 to 600 watts of electricity. This is significantly less than a window unit.
If you want to know how many watts a specific Mitsubishi mini split air conditioner uses, you should look at the BTU rating of the unit. This unit is used to measure how much cooling power an air conditioner has.
Will a 10,000-watt generator run a mini split heat pump?
A 10,000 watt generator is enough to run the typical mini split heat pump. In fact, a 10,000-watt generator is more than enough to run several mini split heat pumps.
Related Article – The Best Mini Split Heat Pumps For Cold Weather
How many amps does a ductless mini split use?
The number of amps a mini split uses depends on the size of the unit. In general, the larger the unit, the more amps it will use.
What type of controls do most mini split systems use?
Most models come with small, handheld remote controls. These controls can be set to turn the air conditioner off and on and adjust the temperature of the air based on the needs of the room.
Advanced models often come with their own apps, allowing you to control your unit from your smartphone.
Conclusion
Mini split air conditioner units are an excellent investment for most homes. Understanding a little about your unit’s energy consumption, especially how you can make them run more efficiently, will allow you to enjoy a cool home without breaking the bank.
Related Article – Complete Mini Split Sizing Guide
