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Ductless mini splits are an incredible piece of heating and cooling technology. They are energy efficient, whisper quiet, and require no invasive ductwork. One of the questions people have about them is how they operate.

Ductless mini splits operate a bit differently than traditional HVAC systems, and the amount of time they run is one of the interesting differences between the two.

Mini splits have the ability to run all the time, but there are instances where they don’t have to.

Check Out Our Work: Adding A Bryant Ductless To A Pocono Home

Are Mini Splits Designed To Run All The Time?

Ductless mini splits are designed to run all the time, even if they don’t have to. Central air systems usually kick on and off, as the temperature fluctuates. The cool or heat the air to the desired temperature, and then power down. Once the temperature starts to creep up or down, it powers back up to make the space comfortable again.

Instead, ductless mini splits are designed to run all the time, and maintain the desired temperature once you achieve it.

Inverter Technology

Through the use of inverter technology, a ductless mini split system is able to run for long periods of time and provide precise heating and air conditioning. Inverter technology allows you to heat and cool on a broader spectrum. Traditional heating and cooling systems have a single speed. It kicks on and off, and there is no in between on how much power it uses. This can lead to hot and cold spells, and inefficient energy use. With the inverter technology, your system can raise and lower how much output your air handler provides. This way instead of shutting off completely, like the traditional system, it stays on, just at a lower power mode, maintaining the right temperature.

Read More: How Ductless Works

More Precise Heating And Cooling

Through the use of this inverter technology, ductless mini splits are able to provide more precise heating and cooling than a traditional HVAC system.

Like we mentioned previously, the traditional system is going to turn off and on as the temperature goes up and down. This usually leads to certain spaces in the home not feeling as comfortable as the rest of the house.

With the ductless mini split, you are able to hone in on the EXACT temperature you want, and instead of the up and down, it maintains the proper temperature.

Energy Efficiency

Some people may think that running your mini split all the time would use more energy, but it’s actually more energy efficient than systems that cycle on and off more frequently.

It takes more energy to constantly turn the system off and on, and regulate the temperature, rather than running at a low power mode and never having to compensate for a big change in temperature. Just like driving a car at a steady pace uses less gas than constantly stopping and going for the same distance. The same premise applies here to your HVAC system.

Ductless mini splits also use heat pump technology, which can be used to heat and cool. Heat pumps are EXTREMELY energy efficient. They use electricity to power the mini splits, and not gas or oil like a traditional heating system. This heating and air conditioning is clean, and will save you money on your energy bills.

How Long Do Mini Splits Last?

Ductless mini splits usually last between 10-20 years. It depends on how well you maintain them. You will want to make sure you clean your filters regularly, and have a professional cleaning every 1-2 years.

Ductless mini splits last a long time, so keeping them running in tip-top shape is essential to getting the most for your money!

Read More: How To Heat A Finished Basement

Four Tips For Great Mini Split Performance And Efficiency

1. Regular Maintenance
2. Set The Fan To Auto
3. Keep Inside Doors Open
4. Use Your Curtains

Regular Maintenance

Just like we mentioned, make sure your mini splits are maintained by a professional regularly. These systems can build mold and mildew inside if they aren’t cleaned properly every so often. This not only keeps the system running efficiently but it also keeps the air cleaner that it is pumping into your home.

Set The Fan To Auto

Setting the fan to auto allows you to kind of “set it and forget it”. This will allow your system to run properly as it sees fit. If the system is going to run continuously, you will want the fan to be able to run as it needs to.

Keep Inside Doors Open

If you have a ductless mini split system, keeping the doors open for the zones you want to comfort is important to airflow and circulation. If you close the doors around the house, the air won’t be able to get from space to space.

With a central air system, the air travels through ducts in the home to each room, so the doors don’t matter as much. With a ductless system, the air comes through each air handler. Keeping the doors open will let the air circulate around your home!

Use Your Curtains

This is something simple, but a lot of people don’t think about. Use your curtains to help comfort your home. In the winter, open the curtains and let the sunlight in. This helps warm the room a bit naturally. Then at nighttime, close the curtains to help insulate the windows.

In the summer, close the curtains during the day. This will keep the sun from heating the home unnecessarily. This simple method helps save energy, and also improve comfort!

Mini Split Installation In Chalfont, PA

Synergy3 is an expert when it comes to ductless mini split installations in Chalfont, PA, and the surrounding areas. We have repaired, serviced, and installed ductless mini split systems for years, and would be happy to help you out! Give us a call at (267) 686-6004 or click here to schedule an appointment online!

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During the winter, it’s not uncommon for the upstairs to be warmer than the downstairs. Sometimes it’s mild, and won’t really make much of a noticeable difference. Other times, it can be uncomfortable, and even starts costing you money.

Luckily, it’s not something we are unfamiliar with, and a problem we solve for lots of homes in the area. We want to walk you through a few reasons why your home is experiencing uneven temperatures, and what you can do to even them out!

Read More: Adding A Ductless Mini Split To A Pocono Home

Four Reasons Why Your Home Is Cold Downstairs And Upstairs In Winter

Before you can figure out how to make your home more comfortable, it’s important to figure out why your downstairs is a lot colder than your upstairs. If you don’t know the source of the issue, you may try to fix it and find that your solutions aren’t working. Here are four reasons your downstairs may be colder than your upstairs.

1. Static Pressure
2. Ductwork Problems
3. Airflow Problems
4. One-Size-Fits-All HVAC

Static Pressure

Static pressure is the resistance to airflow in your ductwork. It’s important to have some static pressure, but not too much. If you have too much static pressure, it will push the air back and create improper airflow.

When the air in your home isn’t flowing properly, it can lead to hot and cold spots around the house. If your air supply is too low, or your static pressure is too high, you aren’t going to have even heating or cooling around the home.

Ductwork Problems

If you have improperly designed, or leaky ductwork, it doesn’t matter how well your HVAC system is performing. The ductwork carries the conditioned air around the home, and if there’s a problem with it, there are going to be uncomfortable spaces in your home.

In some instances, the ductwork wasn’t designed properly in the first place. You’d be surprised how many homes we go into and find shotty ductwork that leads to issues around the home.

Secondly, ductwork can get old and spring leaks. After years, you never know if a duct has been getting knocked into, or if it’s expanded and contracted enough to crack. Ductwork can have leaks, that then cause you to waste energy and lose air in the desired space.

Read More: 5 Best Ways To Heat A Finished Basement

Airflow Problems

If your system has either of the first 2 issues, airflow problems are going to be an issue. You also will want to make sure that all your vents are clear. Furniture sometimes blocks a vent, causing a backup of air, and a space to stay untreated.

You may also want to have your ductwork cleaned. Buildup of dirt and debris can cause blockages, and dirty air, in your home. A professional cleaning will help, and a technician will be able to check your airflow and make sure that everything is working properly.

How To Balance Heat In A Two-Story House In Winter

Now that you know a few reasons why your home may be uncomfortable in certain spaces, we want to tell you what you can do to fix the situation. The first thing we would suggest is to call a professional. It’s not always easy to assess this problem, especially to the untrained eye.

• Fixing Ductwork
• Two Thermostats
• Dual Furnaces And ACs
• Ductless Mini Split

Fixing Ductwork

As we mentioned, ductwork can be an issue. You can fix ductwork yourself if you feel capable, or you can have a professional help you out. If the design of your ductwork is the problem, you will likely need a contractor to help you out with that one.

If there are simple leaks though, you could fix this yourself. There is tape designed to patch up ductwork, and it is graded for heat. If you are going to do this yourself, make sure you have the appropriate materials that can deal with hot conditions and won’t become a fire hazard.

Two Thermostats

If your home only has one thermostat, it’s only going to have one reading. If you install a second thermostat, you will be able to control two zones of your home independently. The second thermostat will be reading the second zone, likely upstairs, and account for the difference in temperature.

This not only will allow you to even the temperature out, but it will also allow you to save energy, Both zones won’t be used at all times, and you will have the freedom to put one of the zones in a lower power mode when you aren’t using it.

Dual Furnaces And ACs

Dual furnaces and ACs are hybrid systems that combine electric and usually gas to cover every aspect of comfort you need. These systems are great because they can offer very minimal comfort when you simply need a little heating or AC, but they also have higher performance capabilities in harsher temperatures.

Ductless Mini Split

Ductless mini splits are heat pumps that connect an outside condenser to different air handlers around the house. You control each of these zones independently.

Ductless heating and cooling allows you to customize your comfort. With the help of a professional, you can design a system that breaks your home into different zones, and allows you to heat and cool each one perfectly.

Our Recommendation

We love ductless mini splits to evenly heat and cool a home. Ductless mini splits are energy efficient, whisper quiet, and have the ability to both heat and cool, all while needing no ductwork installed at all.

Read More: What Is The Best Way To Heat And Cool Your Garage?

More Benefits

Ductless mini splits aren’t just a great way to even out the heating and cooling of your home, but they also provide other layers of convenience. Ductless systems are designed with optimum comfort and efficiency in mind.

Better Comfort

Ductless mini splits use inverter technology to reach your desired temperature and then maintain it. So many traditional HVAC systems will get your home to the right temperature, then simply shut off. While they aren’t working, the temperature starts to dip or rise, until the system kicks back on.

This process leads to uneven heating and cooling, and can create uncomfortable conditions. Ductless systems maintain the temperature you are looking for, keeping the space from having any fluctuations.

Energy Efficient

Ductless mini splits are extremely energy efficient. Because of the heat pump technology they use, they typically use 30% less energy than a traditional HVAC system. Many programs even offer rebates when purchasing a ductless mini split system, to incentivize using less energy to heat and cool homes and businesses.

Ductless mini splits can be a bit expensive to install, but they are then less expensive to operate than almost any other HVAC solution.

Mini Split Installation In Jenkintown, PA

Synergy3 is an expert when it comes to ductless mini split installation in Jenkintown, PA, and the surrounding area. We have repaired, serviced, and installed ductless mini splits into homes and businesses throughout the region, and can help you assess and fix your heating and cooling situation. Give us a call at (267) 686-6004, or click here to contact us online!

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Should You Heat Your Garage In The Winter?

Your garage is a large open space that many people use, not just for cars, but as extra workspace, especially for big projects. Some people even opt to convert this space into a “Man Cave” or “She Shed”- at least part of the time. If you’re thinking about getting more use out of your garage in any of these ways- one of the first things you may want to consider is how to heat the space so you can use it all winter long.

Start with some insulation

One thing to consider even before considering the best way to heat the space is adding additional insulation in the walls of the garage and garage doors, to help retain any heating or cooling you might add to the space. You can get insulation and put it behind panels on the walls and get insulation for your garage doors. This will help retain heat, and if your garage is attached to your home, it can even help prevent drafts and keep your home warmer as well. That will make any heating option you choose work better and cost less to keep the space warm.

Space Considerations

When thinking about heating options, one of the first things you’ll need to do is consider how large the space is and how cold it gets in your area of the Country. Here in the Philadelphia area, Winters will see temperatures in the 20’s regularly, or colder- so you’ll have to consider how much heat you’ll need to bring the space up to a temperature at least in the 60’s to be comfortable.

Options for Heating Your Garage

After insulation, what are the next best ways to make your garage more than a garage, but a flexible space for your home?

Five Options: How To Heat A Garage (Pros & Cons)

1. Space Heater
2. Convection Heater
3. Wood Or Pellet Stove
4. In-Floor Radiant Heating
5. Ductless Mini Split

Space Heater

Space heaters are usually operated by electricity, although some can have other fuels. Given the enclosed nature of the space, the safest space heaters are those that look like portable radiators, filled usually with water or oil. These heaters usually range from between 600- 1500 watts per hour, with a higher number of watts creating more heat. Using more watts means using more electricity, and you can quickly calculate how much these heaters will affect your electric bill by multiplying the rate you are paying by the wattage. In this example, if you are paying $0.10 per kw, a 1500-watt heater will cost about $0.15 an hour to run.

Propane and kerosene heaters would need to be properly vented, and are not great options in a closed environment like a garage. Forced air portable space heaters are cheap and convenient, but they also can be easily tipped over, which can make them a potential hazard if you have small children or pets in the space.

Pros: Inexpensive, portable

Cons: Inefficient, power-hungry, can be a serious fire hazard

Convection Heater

A Convection heater is another great option for heating garages. These units can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane and work by air convection currents, that circulate through the unit and across its heating element, thus heating the air around you. The size of the unit will determine how fast it will heat the space, so consider how cold it gets and how long you are willing to wait for it to warm up when choosing this type of system.

Pros: Uniform heating, low noise

Cons: heat dissipates quickly, no air filters, so prone to dust accumulation

Wood Or Pellet Stove

A wood or pellet stove is another good option people use for heating spaces like garages. These systems often look like small fireplaces and have to be properly vented to the outside to be safe. They require feeding of wood or pellets to work, so you will have to consider where to store the fuel for when it\\\’s in use. The systems also require some insulation on the floor and can get quite hot, which may be an issue with small children or pets. They can also take up a good amount of space in the room, which may make this less attractive if you are going to use the garage for many purposes, including your cars.

Pros: Good for warming a space, heat lasts a long time

Cons: Takes up space, requires professional installation, can be a fire hazard, requires proper venting

In-Floor Radiant Heating

Radiant floor heating puts a heating element in the floor, and is usually best done when you are initially laying the concrete for the floor of a garage. It provides a consistent warm heat from the ground up and is very comfortable. It’s quiet and doesn’t involve moving air currents, so it is essentially dust free, which can be important, especially of you are using your garage for projects like finishing furniture and keeping the area dust-free is important. You’ll want to make sure it’s installed correctly and will take the weight of vehicles or other equipment you might be using.

Pros: warm heat, lasts a long time, low energy costs, no allergens circulating in the air

Cons: fairly expensive. Difficult to repair, as elements are embedded in concrete or another solid flooring.

Ductless Mini Split

Ductless mini-split units are great options for a garage space. The units consist of two main parts- an outdoor condenser unit attached to an indoor, usually wall-mounted head or cassette. These units can provide both heating and cooling, and distribute the air evenly throughout a space, eliminating hot and cold spots. Ductless is highly efficient, up to 70% more efficient than electric baseboard heating. Because ductless systems can be wall-mounted, they allow you to maximize your use of the space, and can be turned on and off as needed. This can be a great option if you plan on using your garage as a flex space for projects throughout the year, and will help you beat the heat in the summer as well as winter.

Pros: Permanent solution that can provide both heating and cooling to the garage; rapidly brings the room to a comfort level and keeps it there; very efficient and inexpensive to run, mounts on the wall out of the way. Controls temp and humidity. Has a filtration system. Very safe.

Cons: Needs professional installation, more expensive than portable space heaters.

Read More: How To Heat A Large Room With High Ceilings

Our Recommendation

As you can see, there are many options to heat your garage, to turn “just the garage” into a space where you can work on hobbies, and projects, or even use it as a retreat from the rest of your home. In order to choose the best option, you will need to consider how you are going to use the space, the expense involved in both installation and in operating the system, and whether there are any maintenance or storage issues involved.

The best overall system that will give you maximum use of your garage space while providing the comfort you need to make this space usable year-round is a ductless mini-split system. Unlike the other systems, ductless mini splits can provide you with both heating and cooling, making your garage space a haven no matter what the weather is.

How Mini Splits Work

As we stated above, mini splits have 2 main components- an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor cassette or head, usually mounted on the wall. The head contains sensors that monitor the area for both temperature and humidity and can adjust and hold the comfort level for a long time. The high-efficiency inverter systems take heat from the outside air- even in temperatures as low as -13F- and reverse this process in the summer, to provide cool air as well.

Read More: How Ductless Works

More Benefits

Heating And Cooling

Mini-split heat pump systems can provide both heating and cooling in the same system, and deliver heated or cooled air evenly throughout a space, eliminating hot and cool spots. Some systems even come with motion sensors and will adjust into active vs. standby mode, to help save additional energy.

Easy Installation

Installation of mini split systems can be done quickly, and less invasively than other systems. With no ductwork being required, there is less wear and tear of your home, with an easier installation! 

Mini Split Installation In Abington, PA

If you have hard-to-heat areas like a garage, three-season room, attics, basements, or other spaces where you need additional comfort, the experts here at Synergy 3 are here to help. Here in Abington and surrounding communities, we often install Bryant ductless mini split systems to help homeowners get the most out of their homes. 

If you’d like to start using your garage space more often and are thinking about how to make it a great place to get your projects done this winter, give us a call here at Synergy 3 and we’ll help you design the perfect system for your needs!

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So Cold During The Winter? How Can I Fix It?

Do you have that one room in the house that you never want to be in during the winter because it’s too cold? This is a problem we hear about a lot from homeowners. It’s usually a bedroom, or a home office. Some sort of room that is off to the sides of the house, further away from the source of heat.

We want to tell you why you may have these rooms in your home, how you can fix these cold rooms, and how to avoid them in the future.

Four Reasons Why One Room In The House Is So Cold

There are more than four reasons you have a cold room in your home, but we want to go over four of the most common reasons. Some of these you may be able to assess on your home, and others you’ll need a professional to come take a look at.

1. Poor Insulation
2. Blocked Heating Vents
3. Temperature Imbalance
4. Weak Airflow

Poor Insulation

Your insulation is a key factor in your home comfort, and your energy use. Insulation is designed to keep the warm air inside your home in the winter and keep the cold air outside. It prevents your home from air leaks and wasting energy. If you have a room in your house with poor insulation, it could result in drafts, air leaks, and it always feeling cooler in this room. This poor insulation could be in the walls, which is tougher for you to figure out, or it could be your windows.

Sealing your windows is important. A bit of weather stripping for windows and doors in your home helps prevent small amounts of warm air from leaking out, and creating drafts.

A professional can perform an energy assessment and tell you if you have spaces in your home that are poorly insulated, and how you can fix these rooms.

Blocked Heating Vents

Blocked heating vents will prevent warm air from flowing through the system and properly into your rooms. This is an easy problem to assess, but sometimes can be trickier to fix.

If you have a cold room, locate all the vents in the room. First of all, make sure no furniture is blocking them. Couches, dressers, and larger furniture of this kind can get in the way of a vent if you don’t place it properly.

If all your vents are clear of furniture, hold your hand up to the vent. Is there warm air coming out of it? How does it compare to the airflow coming from the vents of the other, warmer rooms?

If you can’t feel any warm air coming out of the vents, it could be a blockage somewhere within your system. You may need a pro to come clean your vents, and see if anything is preventing the air from moving.

Temperature Imbalance

There are lots of homes where one floor may be warmer than the other, and this temperature imbalance is normal, but something that shouldn’t be overwhelming or too vast. This can be due to thermostat readings, poor insulation like we mentioned above, or being in a room that has an outdoor facing wall.

Weak Airflow

Weak airflow is a common problem in older heating systems. Over the years the system could be losing efficiency, and simply having trouble blowing the air with as much power as it did before. You could also have a few other issues, which may be easier to solve.

First off, check your air filter. If it’s dirty and clogged it could be preventing the air from your heating system from properly flowing. Next thing to check if that doesn’t fix your problem is the ducts. You may have air leaking from the ducts, preventing it from reaching every space in your home.

Once those 2 issues are resolved, if your system is still not blowing enough air, call a professional. It could be an issue with your heating system.

How To Make A Room Warmer In The Winter

Now that you know a little more about why the room may be cold, here are some tips to fixing it, and avoiding the problem down the road.

• Temporary Solutions
• HVAC Maintenance
• Zoned Heating And Cooling

Temporary Solutions

You could always use a space heater to heat a problem area. If it’s going to take a while for a contractor to come check out your situation, a small space heater is inexpensive, and will help you in that room for the time being. The problem with those is that they are a fire hazard, they use too much energy, and they don’t heat very evenly. It’s not a bad temporary solution, but not what you want for the long run.

You could also rent a portable heater. Once again, not something we consider a permanent fix, but this is a way to keep the space warm until you have it fixed for good!

HVAC Maintenance

HVAC maintenance is essential to getting the most out of your heating system. When you have your system serviced by a professional every year, you are making sure it stays energy efficient, lasts as long as it should, and also heats properly! If you leave your system uncared for, it’s going to run into more breakdowns, and repairs needed, and eventually will die early.

HVAC maintenance is a great way to avoid uncomfortable rooms with cold spots.

Zoned Heating And Cooling

Zoning the heating and cooling in your home means that you have your home broken down into different spaces independently. You can heat and cool each one to a different temperature, depending on how warm and cool you want that zone to be.

This helps in larger homes, especially ones with one thermostat. The thermostat reads the temperature around it, and doesn\’t always account for the temperature in every room.

If you zone your HVAC system, you can warm up the zone that never seems to stay warm, without putting any strain on the HVAC system and the other zones.

Using A Mini Split For Zoned Heating And Cooling

Installing a ductless mini split is a perfect way to zone your heating and cooling, and fix that cold room in your home. A ductless mini split uses heat pump technology to heat your home in the winter, and cool it in the summer. This is a perfect solution to use as a supplement to your current system. A mini split requires no ductwork, and doesn’t have to replace your current heating system.

Mini splits are extremely energy efficient, whisper quiet, and can be used year-round. This is one of the best solutions if you don’t have an easy fix available for heating that problem room.

Mini Split Installation In Chalfont, PA

Synergy3 is an expert when it comes to mini split installation in Chalfont, PA. We specialize in repairing mini splits, servicing them, and installing them. We can help you assess your home comfort situation, and make the right decision on how to heat and cool your home! 

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Heating a room above the garage can be a challenge. The garage typically isn’t insulated, because it’s not a spot that people spend time in, and doesn’t have the same comfort concerns. The only problem is when it affects the rooms it is directly connected to. One of the trickier places is a room over the garage, typically a bedroom. Because the cold air is present under the room, it can be difficult to keep it comfortable!

Read More: Adding A Ductless Mini Split To A Pocono Home

Why The Bonus Room Above The Garage Gets So Cold In The Winter

There are a few main reasons why a finished bonus room over the garage has a hard time staying warm in the wintertime. I have listed a few below and many can be addressed with very little effort or expense. Let’s take a look:

• Lack of Insulation vs. Other Rooms
• Unheated Area Below the Rooms
• Weak Airflow From Ducts

Lack Of Insulation Vs Other Rooms

Most bonus rooms or rooms over a garage are above a non-insulated or temperature-controlled space. These rooms frequently are the victims of an insulation layer that is inadequate for these conditions. And if these are “accessory” rooms – or rooms that are not expected to be occupied or used on a regular basis, then the builder just may view this area as a way to cut some expenses. Until recent years, home offices were not a regular feature in new construction. Now they seem to be a part of everyday life. So making certain that your bonus room or “home office” is adequately insulated is a must.

Unheated Area Below The Room

If your bonus room is above a non-insulated garage or other non-insulated space, then the opportunity for cold air to seep in is pretty high. And that means that your bonus room is probably not doing a very good job of holding in heat in the winter or cool air in the summertime.

Weak Airflow From Ducts

Many bonus rooms are quite a distance away from the heat source. In this case, two things can happen. As heat or cool air travel along the ducts to the call location, the warm air will cool and the cool air warms slightly. If you add to that an inadequate duct layout, then even if the temperature-controlled air makes it to its final destination, there is not enough of it to cool or heat to the desired setting. So the thermostat is always calling for more air. Compounding the problem may be high ceiling heights – well above the 9ft standard making it difficult to reach the desired temperature.

Read More: The Best Ways To Heat A Finished Basement

Heating Options: Pros and Cons

Luckily there are a few available options to address the problem of a “cold” bonus room. Let’s take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of these options.

Space Heaters

Space heaters come in a variety of types and styles. There are a few different types to choose from, and each is designed to heat up your space through a different method. There are three main types of space heaters: radiant, convection, and combination. Each comes with benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

Space heaters do a fairly good job of heating a small area in a reasonably economic way. The ability to turn them on and off whenever you need them can save you money as you do not need to heat large unoccupied areas for extended periods.

Cons

Space heaters need to be constantly attended to when in operation. Plus they can be a burn hazard to small children and pets, as they can get very hot while in operation.

Depending on the type of space heater, they can pose a fire and carbon monoxide hazard. Kerosene heaters are known for this.

Rooms with poor insulation, drafts, or high ceilings are very difficult to heat with a convection space heater. The warmth they generate seeps out into the surrounding environment or gets spread out over an area so large that it either can’t be felt or becomes wasteful. Air is a poor heat conductor.

Radiant heaters provide pinpoint warmth making it hard to move about a room in comfort.

Read More: Mini Splits VS. Baseboard Heating

Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant heating systems supply heat directly to the floor or to panels in the wall or ceiling of a house. The systems depend largely on radiant heat transfer — the delivery of heat directly from the hot surface to the people and objects in the room via infrared radiation.

Pros

Radiant heating has a number of advantages. It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because it eliminates duct losses. People with allergies often prefer radiant heat because it doesn’t distribute allergens like forced air systems can.

Cons

Air cannot hold large amounts of heat, so radiant air floors are not cost-effective in residential applications.

Mini Split

A mini split is a wall-mounted heat pump unit that can provide targeted heating and cooling as needed as a stand-alone heating and cooling source or as a supplement to an existing HVAC system.

Pros

The main advantages of mini-splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have as many as four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much cooling is required for the building or each zone.

They also don’t require any ductwork. This makes it much easier to install without needing to interfere with your current system. They work as a perfect supplement.

The operating cost of a mini split is economical and can help to offset some of the upfront costs. Plus as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, rebates and incentives are available in 2023.

The mini split operates with a room indoor wall-mounted unit. They hang conveniently out of the way and come in different colors and styles to fit your room. More recent models can even be recessed into the wall to virtually disappear.

Cons

We hinted a little about the upfront cost of a mini split. But with generous rebates and reduced operating costs, the mini split proves to be a cost saver over time.

Bonus Room Heating And Cooling Units: Best Recommendation

When it is all said and done, the most efficient, safest, and cost-effective way of heating or cooling in a bonus room is a ductless mini split.

More Benefits Of A Mini Split

Energy Efficiency

Because your ductless mini split operates without major ducts or forced air there is less air leakage and all of your conditioned air gets to where you want it to go.

Easy Installation

Your ductless system can be installed in as little as a day. And because the mini split does not require expensive ductwork installation, there is very little cleanup or disruption in your home.

Heating and Cooling

Your ductless mini split is a two-for-one deal providing both heating AND cooling to your bonus room. Not only will you be cozy in the winter, but cool and comfortable in the summer months too.

Read More: Benefits Of Ductless HVAC In Third-Floor Bedrooms And Attics

Mini Split Installation In Jenkintown, PA

If you are lucky enough to live in the Jenkintown, PA area you have access to some of the best HVAC experts available. At Synergy3 we can help you to assess your situation, and make the best recommendation for your home comfort. Reach out to us today. We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation to help you find the best solution for your bonus room and every room in your home.

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High ceilings are usually a very appealing part of any home, but they can also come with a few challenges, in particular keeping the room warm in the winter. There are two main reasons that a room with high ceilings is hard to heat.

For one, there is more air in the room, meaning that there is more space to keep warm. Secondly, warm air rises, so all of the warmer air is going to the top of the room, where no one is. The bottom of the room tends to be cooler.

This is why we want to tell you a little more about how to heat a large room with high ceilings. There are a few easy tips and tricks, as well as some equipment that may help you out.

Read More: Installing A Ductless Mini Split Into A Pocono Home

In this article, we’ll explore:

• Why You Shouldn’t Use A Space Heater To Heat A High Ceiling Room
• Five Ways To Heat A Large Room With High Ceilings
• Our Recommendation
• Mini Split Installation In Abington, PA

Why You Shouldn’t Use A Space Heater To Heat A High Ceiling Room

A space heater is a common solution to a cold spot in the house. They are to purchase and provide immediate heating. We understand why people use them, but it’s not a permanent solution, and not what we would recommend for heating the house. There are a few reasons they are less than ideal to heat your home.

Expensive to run – These systems suck up energy, and even though they are not too expensive to buy, they are pretty expensive to run.

Dangerous if it tips over – Space heaters are one of the most common causes of house fires in the winter. They can tip over, and start a fire when it touches a curtain or some other flammable material. Some newer models have been designed with safety features, but these still aren’t always the safest.

Not the most effective – Space heaters tend to heat whatever is RIGHT around it, and the rest of the room stays pretty cool. This usually leaves a small portion of the room that is ACTUALLY heated the way you want it to be.

Five Ways To Heat A Large Room With High Ceilings

1. Large Ceiling Fans
2. Let Sunlight In
3. Use A Fireplace
4. Radiant Floor Heating
5. Ductless Mini Split

Large Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are usually only thought about in the summer and being used to cool, but they can also help you circulate the heat in your home too. The trick is to make sure you have the right ceiling fan direction for rooms with high ceilings.

Ceiling Fan Direction For High Ceilings

You should have your ceiling fans spinning clockwise, and running at the lowest speed. This will help push the warm air down into the room. If you run the fan at too high a speed, you will start a cool draft. You want it to be running just enough to circulate the warm air, and not let it build up at the top of the ceiling.

Read More: The Benefits Of Heating With Ductless On The Third Floor

Let Sunlight In

Sunlight helps warm any space, so you should open the blinds and let a little natural warmth into your room. This bit of light may not seem like a lot, but it’s enough to bring the temperature up a few degrees, without using any energy at all.

Use A Fireplace

This is an obvious answer, but sometimes rooms like this are designed with a fireplace. You can look into installing an electric fireplace, something that has become more and more popular. Not only does a fireplace provide heat, but it also gives the room a great aesthetic.

Of course, this can be a pretty large task, and also one that takes up space in your room that you may not want to sacrifice. Though the fireplace is a fun option, it’s not always the easiest or most practical option.

Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is common in a lot of homes in our area, and is also an effective way to make sure the lower part of your high-ceilinged room is warm. Baseboard heating is installed around the room, at the baseboards, and emits heat.

This option can be a little annoying, seeing as now you are going to have metal installed all around the base of the room to heat. It’s also tougher in larger rooms, because all the heating equipment is spread around the outside of the room. This leaves the middle of the room sometimes cooler than you’d like. Baseboard heating is also not the most energy efficient.

Ductless Mini Split

Ductless mini splits are extremely common today when it comes to a heating solution, especially one for a unique space. Ductless mini splits are electric heating pumps that use a condenser outside, which leads to a mini split inside. They are whisper-quiet, energy efficient, and very flexible when it comes to system design.

Ductless mini splits are often used as a supplement, which would likely be the case in this situation. You don’t necessarily need to replace your old system, but instead install a ductless mini split in the room where you are having a problem. You can use a remote control to set your temps, or even go through an app on your phone or tablet with certain systems.

Ductless mini splits will hang on your wall, and push the warm air down, ensuring that the top half of the room isn’t the only warm space.

Read More: Save Money And Energy With Zoned HVAC

Our Recommendation

We would recommend using a ductless mini split to heat a room with high ceilings. These systems are a great, energy-efficient source of heat, and can also be used to cool in the summertime. They are extremely quiet, making them perfect for a bedroom, living room, office, etc. The biggest drawback of mini splits is the cost. They are expensive to install but are the cheapest to run and last for 15+ years.

Mini Split Installation In Abington, PA

Synergy3 is an expert when it comes to mini split installation in Abington, PA, and the surrounding areas. We can come and assess your situation, and make a recommendation for whatever your situation is. Give us a call at (267) 686-6001 or visit us on our website!

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Keeping your whole home comfortable in the winter can be a challenge. In lots of homes, there may be a floor or a room that never seems to get warm in the winter. We are going to tell you a little bit about why your upstairs is colder than your downstairs in the winter.

Why Is My Upstairs Cold In The Winter? Four Common Reasons

When we are talking about the upstairs versus the downstairs in this article, we are primarily referring to the bedrooms or top floor as the upstairs, and the living room area as the downstairs. We often hear about uneven temperatures being a problem in the winter, and cold bedrooms are a big issue. Here are a few reasons why your upstairs may be colder than your downstairs, and how to fix the problem!

1. Static Pressure In Your Ductwork
2. Only One Thermostat For the Whole House
3. Heat Rises (And Escapes The House)
4. Lack Of Insulation Or Old Insulation

Static Pressure In Your Ductwork

Static pressure is the resistance the air in your system faces when it is trying to deliver air throughout the ducts in your home. There are a number of factors that go into the amount of static pressure your system is dealing with, and if they become too much, your HVAC system won’t deliver the air to every space in your home properly.

This is especially a problem when you are talking about large amounts of static pressure and third floor rooms. These spaces are usually the furthest from your HVAC system, and are last in line for the heated air. By the time the warm air is getting to the third floor, the airflow is weak, and you aren’t getting enough warm air to make the space comfortable.

Read More: The 5 Best Ways To Heat A Finished Basement

Only One Thermostat For the Whole House

Most homes only have one thermostat, which is usually in the center of the home somewhere. Your thermostat takes readings of the air, and sends signals to the HVAC system of whether it needs to provide warm air or not. The problem in homes with one thermostat is that it may read perfectly in the living room, but upstairs you may have a room temperature different from the thermostat reading.

There are certain HVAC systems that have multiple thermostats, and even some that provide sensors you can place around the home, so every room is accounted for. Still, most homes in our area have one thermostat and can run into this issue of misrepresentation of the whole home\\’s temperature.

Heat Rises (And Escapes The House)

Most people think to themselves, ‘heat rises, so why is my upstairs cold in the winter?’There are certainly homes that have warm rooms upstairs, but in lots of situations, the third floor can become the place that heat escapes.

There are many edges on the top floor of your home, from the walls leading up to the ceilings and roof. These are all points where energy and heat escape. Roofs in the winter are also very exposed to the elements, and if you have a wall of cold directly above you, this can suck up the heat.

Most importantly, and we’ll talk about this in the next point, is heat escaping because of poor insulation.

Read More: The Benefits Of Ductless Heating In Third Floors And Attics

Lack Of Insulation Or Old Insulation

If your insulation is old, falling apart, or was never properly installed, it can be a MAJOR issue for keeping your top floor warm. Your insulation is what retains that warm air, and battles the outside elements in the winter. Proper insulation not only keeps your home warm, but it also saves you money.

If your home’s insulation is allowing leaks and air to pour out of your home, it’s not going to stop your heating system from trying to keep the place warm. This ends up wasting lots of energy, and running up your bills.

How To Balance Heat In A Two-Story House In The winter

Our best solution for balancing the heating in your home is a zoned heating system. When you “zone” your heating, it means you are able to control and heat different spaces in your home independently. This can be done with certain thermostats, or by installing a ductless mini split system.

Read More: The Cost Of Ductless Vs. A Traditional System

Ductless Mini Splits For Zoned Heating

Ductless mini splits are a perfect solution to zone your heating and cooling. Ductless mini splits are attached to a heat pump outside by a small bit of tubing. They can be placed throughout your home, allowing you to operate each mini split independently. This means one zone can be 72 degrees, while another is at 75 degrees.

This zoning allows for additional energy savings, while also customizing and increasing the comfort in your home. You can control the temperature from zone to zone, which also helps you stop arguments over the thermostat as well!

Even if you didn’t want to replace your current heating system, you could add a supplemental ductless mini split to your third floor to ease the job on your HVAC, while improving comfort.

How It Works

Ductless mini splits are connected to a condenser outside. They use heat pump technology to transfer heat from the outdoor unit, through a bit of small tubing, to the indoor mini split. This process is energy efficient, and whisper quiet.

Traditional heating systems have to generate heat from nothing, using ducts to deliver the air around your home. This process is more energy-consuming than ductless heat pump technology. A traditional system uses more energy because it creates heat from scratch, and can lose air in the process of pushing it through the ducts.

This is another reason why we love ductless mini splits. Not only are they better for treating each zone, but they also save energy in their operation.

Read More: How Ductless Works

Mini Split Installation In Chalfont, PA

Synergy3 is an expert when it comes to ductless mini split installation in Chalfont, PA, and the surrounding areas. We are able to assess your situation and make the proper recommendations for what kind of system design you may be looking at for your home. Then we are able to install your system, and provide regular maintenance for years to come. Give us a call at (267) 686-6001, or click here to visit us online!

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At Synergy3, we usually deal with homes in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. When one of our customers asked if we could help them with the heating and cooling problems at their vacation home in Albrightsville in the Poconos, we were glad to take on the challenge.

Taking on a Challenge

When we spoke with our customer, they loved their vacation home, but it just wasn’t built for air conditioning. Summers have gradually gotten warmer, and there’s more to do in the summer than ever, so what used to be a Fall & Winter retreat now can be used year-long. And with more and more people discovering the area during the pandemic, there’s a greater demand than ever for short-term rentals that can make a weekend getaway like this one profitable for owners to rent. However, renters expect comfort, and this getaway needed a comfort upgrade. This home needed better air conditioning, but it also needed an efficient heating system that could be used as needed to add comfort on demand.

Problem: Poconos Vacation home needed additional comfort so it could be a year-round paradise for the owners (and renters!)

Solution: A Three-zone Bryant ductless heating and air conditioning system will help provide year-round comfort making this retreat in Albrightsville a true paradise.

Read More: How Do Ductless Mini Splits Work?

Floor plans that need Zoned Comfort

Homes like this one in Albrightsville often have what we call “cabin” architecture inside- bedrooms on the second floor, but a balcony looking down to an open floor plan below, many times designed to take advantage of the spectacular views of the surroundings. These designs are great for giving people places to relax and unwind, but they can be difficult to heat and cool. The big open spaces and high ceilings need good air circulation in order to make sure you don’t get hot and cold spots, and in the summer, they can trap heat, making the second floor a sauna.

Three Zones Provides Comfort Where Needed

The homeowners gave the experts here at Synergy3 a call to see what we could recommend. After going through the home, we recommended a three-zone Bryant ductless system that could provide efficient electric heating and cooling, while keeping costs low.

A three-zone system would provide the additional comfort needed to the bedroom areas, and a third head could be located where it could provide additional comfort to the main gathering area of the home as well. This means each of the bedrooms can adjust the temperature at the touch of a button to make sure they provide a restful night’s sleep, summer or winter, while the wall unit in the main living space can provide the tough of heating or cooling needed to keep the home perfectly comfortable.

Read More: How Much Does A Ductless System Cost?

Why Ductless?

Bryant Ductless mini split systems like the one we were recommending are made up of two basic parts. One is an outdoor condenser unit, which can power up to 8 indoor cassettes or heads, that each provide a different area or zone of comfort inside. The heads can act as heaters or air conditioners, adjusting the temperature and humidity within a room and hold that comfort level over time.

Bryant ductless units are designed to use the minimum energy possible to maintain your perfect comfort level, and only cycle on or off when an adjustment is needed. The units are also designed with state-of-the-art sensors and a system that distributed the heaters or cooled air evenly across the space, eliminating hot and cold spots that are common with space heaters or window air conditioners. In fact, Bryant ductless systems are about 70% more efficient than baseboard heating and 30% more efficient providing air conditioning than traditional options, which can lead to huge savings in monthly energy bills. This makes ductless a great solution to add additional comfort, without worrying about propane tanks or other heating and cooling options that would simply jack up energy bills and operating costs.

Beauty, Inside and Out

As a vacation home in one of the most picturesque parts of Pennsylvania, we wanted to make sure that the heating and cooling units looked as good on the outside of the home as they did on the inside. That meant making sure we placed the units where they would maximize comfort, but not distract from the beauty of the home. And it meant going the extra mile to use home color coordinating “Line hides” on the outside of the home, to make sure the coolant lines needed to operate the individual heads blend into the outside of the home, mimicking existing gutters and corner details on the home.

Inside the home, we took extra effort to install the heads so there was little extra piping, making the look inside clean and attractive. As you can see from the pictures, the indoor unit is tucked away where it can provide comfort throughout the space while not intruding into the living space at all. And from this location, the advanced sensors can monitor the temperature and humidity throughout the main living space, and adjust the comfort level as needed, providing enhanced comfort- and relaxation- throughout this luxury retreat.

Cost-effective Enhancements

Because Bryant Ductless heating and cooling is so efficient, they qualify for rebates from most electric companies. That means additional savings that help make this affordable comfort solution even more attractive. Especially for a home that may be used as a rental property, efficient heating and cooling can help extend the rental season and allow guests to adjust the heating and cooling to suit with the touch of a button. And, with wi-fi enabled controls, the homeowners can even monitor their energy usage remotely, making sure that the temperature is adjusted appropriately, not only after rentals, but during sudden cold snaps, to avoid problems like burst pipes which can happen in homes that aren’t occupied all the time.

Read More: 6 Benefits Of Ductless HVAC

The Bottom Line

The homeowners were thrilled with the new system! They already are spending more time at their home during the summer, and are looking forward to the first cold days this fall to be able to add just that touch of heat they need to take the chill out of the great room, without having to heat the whole house. And we know they will be excited to receive the rebates from their energy company for adding this energy-efficient upgrade to their home. Even better, this upgrade will help reduce their monthly energy bills, even as they start to spend more time in this wonderful retreat! We hope we’re invited back as well!

If you have a home that has hot and cold spots or need an upgrade to your overall comfort, give us a call. Our experts can help inspect your current system and see what can be done to ensure you’re never uncomfortable again. Whether that’s inspecting and tuning up your current system, or discussing ways to supplement or replace an aging HVAC system, we can help you find a cost-effective way to bring additional comfort while reducing your overall energy bills- just give us a call today!

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We’ll start off by explaining just why a finished basement is often difficult to heat. Then, we’ll give you the pros and cons of five ways to do it. That way, you can make the best decision for you and your project.

Finally, we’ll give our recommendation for the best option and why we chose it. 

Contact Us About Your Heating

Why A Finished Basement Is Difficult To Heat

• Moisture

Because basements are partially or fully underground, they are notorious for being damp. The walls are always cold. When choosing a solution to make your basement more comfortable, be sure to consider the humidity factor!

• Ground-Level Cold

Because basements are below grade, they run 15 degrees cooler, on average than rooms above grade. This is true year round.

• Concrete

Most basements are poured concrete, making the floors hard and inherently less warm to the touch than wood or carpet. Concrete also tends to hold its temperature for longer periods of time, taking a long time to warm.

Five Ways To Heat A Finished Basement: Pros & Cons

1. Basement Fireplace

Gas, electric or wood fireplaces can create a great atmosphere in a basement. Gas and wood fireplaces will require a chimney, which would not be necessary for an electric fireplace. Installation costs can be high.

The big disadvantage of a fireplace is you can’t leave it unattended. Fireplaces can also be issues if you have pets or kids, and this can add to the potential danger. Wood fireplaces are often not suited for basements. Fireplaces of all sorts can also be fire hazards, so think carefully about using this option on a lower floor that may get less traffic than main floors in the home.

Basement Fireplace

Pros

Great atmosphere

Cons

Requires adding a chimney; can’t be left unattended; fire hazard, does not evenly distribute heat through the room

2. Baseboard Heaters

Electric baseboard heaters are options many people use for heating portions of their home. They can be turned on and off as needed. Electric baseboard heaters can take a long time to heat up a room. Unlike fireplaces, no external venting is required. Many baseboard heaters can be hardwired. There are plug-in portable options that work like other portable heaters.

Baseboard heaters and portable electric heaters have to be monitored and you have to be careful not to place furniture, curtains, blankets, or other potentially flammable items too close to the heaters.

Baseboard heaters also use a lot of energy, and tend to be costly on monthly energy bills.

Read More: Baseboard Heating Vs. Ductless Mini Splits

Baseboard Heaters

Pros

Can be turned on and off as needed. Some can be plugged in like space heaters.

Cons

Takes a long time to heat the room; fire hazard with furniture and curtains; expensive and inefficient.

3. Extend Ductwork

There’s always the option to extend the ductwork from your current HVAC system to cover the new rooms in the finished basement. One of the issues this raises is whether your current system is sized to take on the extra demand of heating and cooling the finished basement. Additionally, this option may not help you control the humidity issues that can make a basement feel clammy.

Extend Ductwork

Pros

Uses your existing system with only the expense of extending the ductwork already in place.

Cons

Required additional ductwork and construction; may put stress on your current system and cause heating problems in other parts of your home. Does not deal with the humidity issues that can make basements uncomfortable.

4. Pellet Stove

Pellet stoves work by burning manufactured pellets to produce heat, and then a fan circulates warm air through a room. Pellet stoves will require you to regularly purchase pellets to feed the heater, and they tend to look like old-fashioned wood stoves. They can get quite hot on the outside, which can pose a hazard for pets and small child

Like a fireplace, a wood pellet stove requires venting to the outside since they produce carbon monoxide.

Read More: Save Money And Energy With Ductless Mini Splits

Pellet Stove

Pros

Pellet stoves can fit a vibe; they provide good heat.

Cons

Have to regularly purchase pellets to have heat; can be a fire hazard and dangerous around pets and small children; can create carbon monoxide issues if not properly ventilated and maintained; requires venting

5. Mini Split

Mini splits or ductless heating systems are great options for spaces like finished basements. Mini splits are high-efficiency heat pumps that can both heat and cool your space, and they also monitor and help remove humidity. Because of their high energy efficiency, mini-split systems often have rebates and with the new inflation reduction act, additional tax incentives are coming into place to make them more affordable than ever. A standard head or cassette is usually mounted up on a wall, putting it out of the way and away from pets and kids. The system is designed to evenly distribute heated air throughout the area, eliminating hot and cold spots. The systems are also flexible and it’s easy to create zones by just adding an additional cassette if you have a large area that might need separate heating and cooling

Mini Split

Pros

Great heating; 70% more efficient than electric baseboard heating; located out of the way; provides even heating throughout the space; monitors humidity to help bring extra comfort. Can be both a heater and air conditioning system. Flexible and expandable. Not a fire hazard. Does not require separate fuel. Will not tax your current HVAC system. Can create zones of comfort.

Cons

Costs are upfront.

Our Recommendation: Mini Split

A mini split system can be the perfect option to heat your finished basement. The design is flexible, with options that can work with your decor, but still deliver heat evenly throughout your space. But best of all, the systems are so highly efficient, that they can save you significant money on your energy bills every month while delivering top performance you and your family want.

How Mini Split Heat Pumps Work

Minisplit systems have two fundamental parts- an outdoor condenser unit, which is then attached to an indoor cassette or head. The system is a highly efficient heat pump, using inverter technology that helps maintain a constant level of comfort while using very little energy to do it. The head contains state of the art sensors that monitors both heat and humidity in a room and can adjust the comfort level as needed, distributing air evenly throughout your space. Some models even come with options to control the system from your smartphone, or automatically turn on and adjust when people are in the room.

Single Zone Vs. Multi-Zone

Depending on your space, you may just need a single zone of ductless to be perfectly comfortable. For large finished basements with multiple rooms, you might want to consider more than one zone or head to deliver comfort. The best way to find out what would be best is to contact the experts here at Synergy3, We can come out to your home and help design a system to deliver the comfort you want, at a price you can afford.

More Benefits

Easy Installation

Minisplit ductless heat pump systems can be installed almost anywhere. Controlled by a handheld remote, or by a thermostat on the wall, or even by an app on your phone, options abound to make sure the system adapts to your needs.

Energy Efficient

Best of all, mini split systems are highly efficient. Using up to 70% less energy that baseboard electric heating, these systems can deliver the comfort you crave while keeping your energy bills low- something every family can appreciate.

Whisper-Quiet

These systems are also incredibly quiet. Some systems have modes that can operate as low as 16- 23 db- whisper quiet- quieter than most libraries! That can be particularly great if you are using the finished basement as an entertainment space, recording studio or in home theater- the system and fans won’t interfere with anything you are doing!

Mini Split Installation In Jenkintown, PA

If you are considering heating your basement in Jenkintown, and considering a new mini split system, give us a call at Syngery3. Our experts can help you select a system that will deliver you cost-effective heating and comfort, that wont break the bank every month on energy bills. And with the new rebates and tax incentives, high-efficient ductless mini split systems are more affordable than ever before. Get the comfort you crave, while keeping your budget intact- just give us a shout at Synergy3 and we’ll help you out!

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