Mini split units are a great way to heat or cool a space, with many different-sized units available.
Mini split sizes can range from small 6000 BTU units to large 36000 BTU units.
The BTUs a unit is rated for is how much cooling and heating capacity it has.
Matching the BTU output of a unit to room size in square feet is best to get good results.
A large oversized unit can cause it to short cycle, which runs up operating costs and shortens the life of the unit.
An undersized unit may not cool the room properly or constantly stay running, never shutting off.
Sizing a mini split unit to the rated square feet of space to cool or heat is always best.
What is the Smallest Size Mini Split Unit?
The smallest mini split unit available that we can find is the 6,000 BTU Cooper & Hunter, Astoria Series.
It is a 6,000 BTU, 26.5 SEER, 230V mini split unit that can both cool and heat a space.
6,000 BTU is rated to cool and heat a space roughly 150 to 250 Sq Ft.
It will, of course, also depends on how well the space is insulated.
Can a Mini Split Be Placed in a Single Room?
Yes, small mini split units are available that can be placed in a single room.
This has the benefit of giving the person in the room control over the temperature without affecting the rest of the building.
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Our Picks for the Smallest Mini Split Units
- Cooper & Hunter Astoria Series 6,000 BTU
- Pioneer Diamante Series 9,000 BTU
- Senville LETO Series 9,000 BTU
Cooper & Hunter manufactures many mini split units in many sizes.
The Astoria Series 6,000 BTU is one of the smallest units currently available that we can find.
It can heat and cool a space up to 250 Sq Ft.
It is also rated 26.5 Seer, which is a very good efficiency rating.
Pioneer is another well-known mini split manufacturer that has many differently sized units.
The Pioneer Diamante Series 9,000 BTU unit is the smallest they currently have available.
It is also a heat pump that both cools and heats.
9,000 BTU is rated to heat and cool a space of roughly 350 to 400 Sq Ft.
Senville also has many units available, with the 9,000 BTU being the smallest.
They have both 120 volts units and 230 volts units which make them very versatile.
The Senville LETO Series has a Seer rating of 19, which, while not as high as other units, is still a good efficiency rating in HVAC.
Is It Ok to Undersized or Oversize a Mini Split?
A mini split unit will need to be sized correctly, or the cost can be higher, and a unit will have more wear.
An oversized unit will lead to short cycling by starting and shutting down quickly.
HVAC units use the most power and are hardest on equipment when they first start.
An undersized unit will stay on constantly, possibly never shutting down, which can also lead to higher operating costs and ware of equipment.
For this reason, a unit should be sized correctly to get the best outcome.
Summary
Mini split units are a very good way to heat and cool a small room.
A large unit installed in a small room will be oversized, which will lead to constant short cycling.
Short cycling is when a unit starts and runs only for a short while before shutting off.
Mini split units have the advantage of being able to be installed by a handy DIY type of person.
The smallest-sized mini split we could currently find is rated at 6,000 BTUs.
Have you found a small-sized Mini split unit? Let us know in the comments below.