Mr. Slim Mini Split Case Study

Keeping a Florida Room Comfortable

In spring 2002, Herb Craddock, Charlottesville, Va., enclosed the 300-square-foot screen porch on the back of his house. One unbearable summer later, in spring 2003, Herb and wife June started searching for a cooling/heating solution for this enclosed porch (the Florida Room). Even with a ceiling fan, it was uncomfortable in the hot, muggy Charlottesville summers, and much too cold in the winters.

Discovering a Perfect Solution
As it happened, June’s cousin, Bob Barclay, a 35-year HVAC veteran, stopped by the house. The Craddocks took Barclay out to the back porch and described their dilemma, to which Barclay had a perfect answer. Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Solutions, Suwanee, Ga. had recently brought to market a superior, year-round cooling and heating solution.

The Mitsubishi Electric MSZ12UN model features INVERTER compressor technology, consisting of a variable frequency drive, which allows it to use less energy while still maintaining the precise temperature set-point. Barclay explained that split-ductless cooling and heating products are ideal solutions for hot and cold spots (perfect for the back porch), or for situations that don’t allow ductwork. What’s more, the MSZ12UN heat pump system met the new U.S. Department of Energy’s 13 SEER requirements which took effect in January, 2006.

The Craddock’s were thrilled with Barclay’s solution, purchased the equipment from a distributor in Springfield, Va., and had it installed by a local company, R.E. Boggs, Inc.

Tickled to Death
“Tickled to death,” is the way Herb Craddock explains the new system which they have enjoyed for over two summers and two winters. “Except for a few days in the spring when we throw open the windows, we keep the system running 24/7,” he said. “With glass on three sides, our back porch is now our favorite room.

“We entertain in it constantly. I have my breakfast, coffee and paper there each morning. June treats it almost like a greenhouse; her plants love the constant temperature, too! It runs so quietly, you don’t even know it is on.

“The system’s 13 SEER efficiency rating has helped us keep our electric bills low. The only maintenance I have had to do is an annual cleaning of the air filter. The outdoor compressor unit sits under our porch floor so you can’t even see it from the outside. And with Mitsubishi’s line-set cladding, the pipes and wires coming into the house are totally out of sight; they look like part of the rain gutter system. I guess you would say we are very happy and comfortable with our new addition,” Craddock said.

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