# Considering a Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump? Tips for Getting More Out of It When It's Cold > The ductless mini split heat pump is the proven alternative to space heating and cooling individual rooms. Use these tips as the temperatures drop. [![ductless mini split heat pumps](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ductless-mini-split3-300x200.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ductless-mini-split3.jpg)The [ductless mini split heat pump](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/ductless-mini-split.html) is the proven alternative to space heating and cooling individual rooms. In homes where central heat and cooling isn’t installed or where extending existing ductwork to new additions or retrofits isn’t feasible, the ductless mini split provides superior efficiency combined with the power of a central system. [![ductless mini split heat pumps](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ductless-mini-split3-300x200.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ductless-mini-split3.jpg) Heat pumps warm living spaces by extracting latent heat energy from outdoor air through an exterior coil, concentrating the heat in a compressor, then moving it indoors to be dispersed by a coil in a compact indoor air handler. In summer, the process flip flops and the ductless mini split heat pump cools individual rooms or zones in the home. Maximizing [heating performance and efficiency](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/ductless-mini-split-technology-keeps-making-major-strides.html) from a ductless mini split heat pump is easier if you follow these simple guidelines: - First give attention to [reducing heat loss](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/heat-loss.html) from the room. Seal air leaks to the exterior, install or renew weatherstripping around doors and windows and ensure that attic and wall insulation meets current standards. - Size for lower temperatures. Mini split system sizing relates to the capacity of the heat pump to provide heat at lower outdoor temperatures. Size the unit according to the lowest outdoor temperatures you normally expect in your locale, then use electric space heaters as supplemental heat for colder periods. - Provide shelter from the snow. The outdoor unit should be mounted about two feet above ground level and beneath an overhang to avoid inundation with snow that blocks airflow and reduces outdoor coil efficiency. A snow-choked coil will continuously activate the system’s automatic defrost function, wasting energy. - Mount the indoor air handler low for comfort and performance. A wall mounting about 18 inches from the floor is ideal. The unit draws in colder air near the floor for warming, then blows out warmth at a low level where it naturally rises to fill the room. Lower mounting also provides easier cleaning and maintenance. Contact [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) for more information on heating with a ductless mini split heat pump. We serve the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/considering-ductless-mini-split-heat-pump-tips-getting-cold.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/considering-ductless-mini-split-heat-pump-tips-getting-cold.html)