Consider mini-split for home
How would you like a personalized comfort zone within your home? One where the temperature is customized to your liking and may be different than the temperature in the shared living areas or other rooms. This flexibility and customization are precisely why mini-split systems, also known as ductless air-source heat pumps, and their energy efficiency aspects are popular.
Let’s unpack some mini-split basics and explore whether this type of system is a good choice for your home heating and cooling needs.
A mini-split system is a type of HVAC equipment used for heating and cooling, allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms or spaces. Similar to central heating and cooling, mini-split systems have two main components — an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit(s). A narrow conduit links the indoor unit(s) to the outdoor compressor.
Although central heating and cooling systems feature an indoor unit connected by lengths of ductwork, mini-splits are typically ductless. Energy is not lost traveling through long stretches of ductwork. Installing the air-handling unit in a desired room or area enables you to control the temperature more precisely, reducing energy consumption. That’s because you’re adjusting the temperature to a single room or space rather than the whole home.
Options for use
Mini-split systems are a popular option in home additions or to supplement heating and cooling in a space that may be furthest away from the main living area, such as a finished attic or basement. In these instances, it may not be feasible to install or extend the ductwork required in traditional central cooling and heating systems. In contrast, mini-splits are relatively easy to install requiring a small hole for the conduit connecting the indoor and outdoor units. Most systems can handle up to four indoor rooms or zones connected to one outdoor unit. Each of the zones can be customized because each includes a thermostat that enables you to heat or cool the space as needed, saving energy and money over time.
Mini-splits benefits
Mini-split systems bring additional benefits. They are quiet, improve indoor air quality and are typically easy to install. Many come with remotes to make temperature control even easier, and, because of their smaller size, mini-split systems have many placement options for indoor and outdoor units. One of the greatest benefits of mini-splits is that they typically have a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating than traditional central heating and cooling. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient.
LIHEAP helps qualified with electric bills
The federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides help for qualifying members with their energy costs during the winter.
LIHEAP is administered by community action agencies. In NAEC’s service area, those are Ozark Opportunities and Northcentral Arkansas Development Council (NADC).
Winter assistance is expected to be available in January. We encourage members needing assistance to reach out to the agency serving their county for more information.
Ozark Opportunities serves residents in Baxter and Marion counties. Northcentral Arkansas Development Council serves residents in Fulton, Izard, Sharp and Stone counties. (Please see sidebar below for the websites and phone numbers.)
The amount of help available varies based on a member’s income, number of people in the home and other factors.
Northcentral Arkansas Development Council
nadcinc.org
• Fulton County — (870) 895-3628
• Izard County — (870) 368-4329
TIP OF THE MONTH
Taking steps to help your home heating system run more efficiently can reduce energy use and lower your winter bills. Check to see if any air vents around your home are blocked by furniture, curtains or other items. Obstructed vents force your heating system to work harder than necessary and can increase pressure in the ductwork, causing cracks and leaks to form. If necessary, consider purchasing a vent extender, which can be placed over a vent to redirect air flow from underneath furniture or other obstructions.
—energy.gov
• Sharp County — (870) 994-7353
• Stone County — (870) 269-4381
Ozark Opportunities ozarkopp.org
• Baxter County — (870) 425-5118
• Marion County — (870) 449-6250
EV BUYER’S GUIDE
Considering
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV):
Fully powered by an electric battery; no gas-powered components; 110-300 miles on full battery
Home Charging Options
Level 1:
• 110-volt service
• 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging
Level 2:
• 240-volt service
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV):
Contains an engine, electric motor and large battery; can operate in electric-only mode, engine-only mode or hybrid mode (battery and gas); 15-60 miles on full battery
• 10-30 miles of range per hour of charging
• May require electrical upgrades
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV):
Low-emission vehicles; electric motor assists gas-powered engine; fully powered by gasoline (no charging)
Considerations Before Buying
• Public charging options near you
• Best home charger for your needs/budget
• Federal, state and local financial incentives
• Battery warranties
• Potential changes to auto insurance
