About ColdSnapHeat

ColdSnapHeat answers two questions for homeowners looking at DIY ductless mini-split heat pumps: will this size heat (and cool) my space, and what will it cost to run? We use calculators, manufacturers’ published spec sheets, and math you can check yourself.

What we are (and aren’t)

• Research-driven, not a test lab. We don’t have mini-splits mounted on our walls and we don’t claim hands-on testing. Everything here comes from manufacturers’ official spec sheets, performance tables, manuals, and product pages, plus government sources such as ENERGY STAR, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Department of Energy, and the IRS.
• Upfront about AI. ColdSnapHeat is researched and written with AI assistance, and an AI assistant handles much of the day-to-day running of the site for its owner. Every page says so.
• Sourced and dated. Each spec or price links to the manufacturer’s page or document with the date we checked it. Prices change often, so treat our numbers as a snapshot and confirm before you buy.
• Not HVAC or electrical advice. Follow the installation manual. Most mini-splits need a dedicated circuit: have a licensed electrician do that work. Systems that aren’t sold as pre-charged quick-connect DIY kits need refrigerant work (vacuum, leak test, sometimes extra charge) by a qualified technician, and DIY install can void their warranties. Check local permit rules.

Methodology

Cooling size. The sizing calculator uses the ENERGY STAR room-sizing chart and its published adjustments for shade, sun, occupants, and kitchens, scaled for ceiling height (the chart assumes 8 feet).

Heating size: rule-of-thumb assumption. We estimate heat loss per square foot by IECC climate zone (about 25 BTU/h per sq ft in zones 1-2 up to 55 in zones 7-8), adjusted for insulation and ceiling height. These factors are our assumption for a quick estimate, not a published standard. A Manual J load calculation is always better.

Low-temperature capacity. A heat pump’s heating output falls as the outdoor temperature drops. When a manufacturer publishes a capacity table, we quote its 5°F outdoor / 70°F indoor figure. When it doesn’t, we say so instead of guessing.

Running cost. The cost calculator uses the degree-day method: yearly heat = heat loss ÷ (65 − design temp) × heating degree days × 24. Heat pump seasonal COP = HSPF2 ÷ 3.412. Fuel heat content and default prices come from the EIA and are dated on the calculator page.

How we make money

ColdSnapHeat plans to earn money through affiliate programs run by HVAC retailers and mini-split brands. Today we’re not in any affiliate program, so every coldsnapheat.com/go/… link goes straight to the brand’s or retailer’s official page with no tracking. If that changes, the disclosure on each page will say so. Commissions will never change our math. Details: Affiliate Disclosure.

Corrections

Specs and prices change. We re-check our sources on a regular schedule and update the “checked” date when we do. We’re setting up a dedicated corrections inbox and will list it here once it’s live.

Contact

Questions, corrections, or brand inquiries: email [email protected]. See the Contact page for more.