The HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Condition) load calculations showed that we can take some innovative approach to heating this house. First, the heating requirement of 25,000 BTU makes any conventional gas or oil fired furnace oversized. Gas/oil fired furnace typically comes with a minimum of 40,000 BTU. Ductless minisplit heat pumps are great as they are very energy efficient and match the heat load well. As the name suggests, these systems requires no ducts which often causes heat loss.
We plan to install two ductless minisplit systems (Mitsubishi High Heat 18,000 BTU single zone), one for the first floor and one for the second floor. These minisplit systems as well as some other brands can operate even when outside temperature is down to -13 degrees F. However, we are also going to install small electric heaters (e.g. Panasonic) in bathrooms to provide point heating where it is needed. The Mitsubishi minisplit systems should provide more than adequate cooling in summer.
Coming next: Basement sealing
See also: Partnering With Green Hearted Companies and the entire From Foreclosure To Green Home series.
