Min-split heat pump question

[Angelfire]

Hiya Folks,
Am still working to get my head around mini-splits for my garage. One question I have is this....if a compressor is rated to 5F is this saying that in temps below this, there will be damage to the unit or is this just simply saying that the unit cannot keep up with heating the space?
Thanks.

 

[hookedontronics]

These units will still operate at lower temps, they just will not meet the ratings. I sell Panasonic (formerly sanyo) and that is the case with these units. In NM I would think that 5* wouldn't be a regular occurrence for you.

 

[JakeKohl]

Yup....at 5F, you should expect to use a supplemental heat source but the unit will be fine. It just won't be able to provide much heat.

 

[Angelfire]

Thanks folks. This unit will go into my garage in ABQ and we do get temps below 0 once or twice a year so just want to make sure I don't damage the unit. Up north in the mountains, our family cabin sees -50 at least once during the winter so yeah, it can get cold here too!

 

[Jackfre]

Don't assume that all models of each manuf will perform at the lowest level. My dual system says it heats only down to 32, although I have run it successfully in the hi teens. I have two models that will run down to 5* and fortunately have not seen that temp in this area, but did in my last house back east. That one heated well a that temp, but I had other sources that I ran for primary heat.

Whichever brand you decide upon, check their spec's carefully as the temp ratings do vary by model. Fujitsu has a good lay-out on this in their catalog and you can download the whole thing at fujitsugeneral.com. I am not sure how well other manuf handle this detail.

 

[James-W]

Heat pumps work really well when it isn't real cold out, which makes it ideal for Spring and Fall. But once "old Man Winter" hits and the temperature goes way down, you MAY need supplemental heat. But if it only gets really cold a couple times a year, then having supplemental heat shouldn't be a big issue for you.