skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Heating & Air Conditioning
lgorjance

Is a mini-split system my only option?

6 years ago

The bottom level of my house is split between the garage and a large room with bathroom, which contains an old Mitsubishi split system that I need to replace. Is another split system my best or only option to heat the downstairs? (I'm in the S.F. Bay Area, so air conditioning isn't necessary, especially downstairs. I just need heat a few months a year.) The room is about 400 sq. ft. or so, a long rectangle. Is there an energy-efficient space heater that might work? Or if the split system is my best bet, any recommendations on which one? Thank you!

Featured Answer
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Due to low use, small area of 400 sq ft. to heat only. You could heat this with an off the shelf 1500 watt electric space heater most likely.

    You can pick one of these up in a myriad of ways and prices range probably less than a $100 / many choices below $50 even. If you choose a model with a fan they tend to be a bit noisy.

    The con in this choice is that you need to place it somewhere away from things that could catch fire -- think drapes, curtains, carpeting etc. Avoid putting it on something where it may get knocked over etc.


    Not really energy efficiency... but you'll spend much more for a mini split that will never recoup that energy efficiency savings any way most likely.

    Your climate is too moderate to regain a cost advantage thru efficiency. The mini split option would be quieter. So it really depends on your vision of comfort and how much you want to spend.

    Efficiency will not save you anything here due to low use, moderate climate.

    Comments (7)

    Related Stories
    HOME TECHRenovating Homeowners Are Split on Smart Home Tech
    By Erin Carlyle
    Nearly half of those we surveyed are putting so-called smart tech in their homes. Just over half are not. Where do you stand?
    Full Story
    23
    CLOSETSOrganize a Kids' Closet Lickety-Split
    By Danyelle Mathews
    Monsters have nowhere to hide and cleanup is a piece of cake when you organize the storage space in your child's closet with these tips
    Full Story
    5
    GREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Add a Radiant Heat System
    By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)
    Enjoy comfy, consistent temperatures and maybe even energy savings with hydronic heating and cooling
    Full Story
    122
    SMALL HOMESHouzz Tour: Affordable Living in a Bright Backyard Mini Home
    By Alex Treaster
    This efficient secondary house offers a sophisticated solution in a high-density neighborhood
    Full Story
    57
    LANDSCAPE DESIGNYour Mini Guide to Great Garden Edges
    By J. Peterson Garden Design
    Get the scoop on trenches to the skinny on bender board, to help keep your garden beds as tidy as you like
    Full Story
    58
    DOORSMini Project: How to Get a Live-Edge Barn Door
    By Mitchell Parker
    Introduce space-saving natural beauty with these tips on selecting and installing a live-edge slab door
    Full Story
    52
    EXTERIORSMini-Me Mailboxes Add Curb Appeal
    By John Hill
    The spitting image of their parents or merely sharing some genes, these mailboxes show that good design goes beyond the front door
    Full Story
    42
    BATHROOM MAKEOVERSNot Ready to Remodel Your Bathroom? Try a Mini Makeover
    By Tailorly, Professional Home Organizing
    You can make your room a more pleasing space with a simple spruce-up or a moderate refresh
    Full Story
    36
    UNIVERSAL DESIGNSmart Space-Sharing Options for Living With Aging Parents
    By Laura Gaskill
    Freestanding in-law unit or modified guest room? Consider your needs as well as your parents’ if they’re moving in
    Full Story
    40
    CONTEMPORARY HOMESHouzz Tour: Gaining Space and Options With a Flex Room
    By Becky Harris
    See how a new entryway bonus room increases dining and entertaining possibilities, and improves this California home’s flow
    Full Story
    64
    Sponsored
    More Discussions
    disguising a wall vented heating unit
    2
    Help: Should I opt to repair or replace the damaged attic insulation?
    2
    Portable Air Conditioning
    6
    New blower fan installed
    9
    Controlling electric garage heater with line voltage thermostat
    7