Best for smaller spaces (like an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or to supplement heating of bigger spaces (e.g. colder rooms of a larger home or an office or great room).

They can be tied to duct work/forced air systems but many contractors who do this type of system in the Bozeman area use heat pumps that require gas backup furnace heat to kick in at 30-40F so the heat pump energy usage savings are minimized. Contact us for more info and we can refer to specific contractors.

Mini-splits may also used in very well-insulated homes like passive-houses with an open floor plan and limited square footage.

Trick Question. As of 2025 we do not install mini-splits.  But we can recommend installers in the Bozeman area.  Brands we like include Fujitsu, Mitsubishi and Daiken.

For off-grid homes there are some interesting cooling-only mini-splits that connect directly to solar panels and a small battery bank.

Mini-splits are rated as low -15F depending on the brand and model. In cold climates like Montana some type of backup heating is required (e.g. electric “cove” heaters are our favorite choice). In warmer climates like the western Oregon and Washington no backup is generally required.

The best mini-splits are very efficient. A high efficiency model, such as Fujitsu Hyper-Heat (that can function to below zero temps) would consume (very) approximately 2,000-2,500 kilowatt hours (kwh) or 2 to 2.5 kilowatts (kW) in a 1,000 SF well-insulated apartment located in our Bozeman climate.