AC Academy
AC Academy
Sizing, install planning, and efficiency guides from our HVAC experts.
Latest guide
Do Mini Splits Need a Surge Protector? A Simple Buyer’s Guide
Learn whether your mini split needs surge protection, what a surge protector can and cannot do, and how to choose the right type for your system.
Read the guide →
Will a Mini-Split Ceiling Cassette Fit? A Pre-Buy Checklist
Learn whether a mini-split ceiling cassette will fit your joists, ceiling cavity, drain route, line-set path, and service needs before yo...
Read the guide →
How to Measure Mini-Split Line-Set Length (Without Ordering the Wrong Size)
Learn how to measure the real line-set route, choose the next available length, and check refrigerant, fitting, and pipe-size compatibili...
Read the guide →
Daikin ENTRA vs OTERRA vs AURORA: Which Mini Split Should You Buy?
Compare Daikin ENTRA, OTERRA, and AURORA mini splits by climate, efficiency, voltage, warranty, installation needs, and overall value.
Read the guide →
Best Temperature for a Mini Split: Summer, Winter, Sleep and Away Settings
Find practical mini-split temperature settings for summer, winter, sleep and vacations, plus simple advice for humidity, fan speed and en...
Read the guide →
How Much Electricity Does a Mini Split Use? A Simple Cost Guide
Learn how mini-split watts, run time, efficiency, weather and electric rates affect operating cost, with a simple formula and monthly cos...
Read the guide →
How Often Should You Clean a Mini Split? A Simple Maintenance Guide
Learn when to clean mini-split filters, check the drain and outdoor unit, and schedule professional service with this simple maintenance ...
Read the guide →
Best Mini Split Brands of 2026: Six Top Brands Compared
Compare Daikin, Mitsubishi, Senville, Pioneer, MRCOOL and Perfect Aire mini splits by installation type, cold-weather performance, produc...
Read the guide →
Do Mini Splits Bring In Fresh Air? Ventilation and Filtration Explained
Learn why most ductless mini splits recirculate indoor air, what their filters actually do, and when a home needs exhaust ventilation, an...
Read the guide →
What Size Mini Split Do I Need? Why Square-Foot BTU Charts Can Mislead You
Learn why square footage is only a starting point for mini-split sizing and how climate, insulation, windows, humidity, design-temperatur...
Read the guide →
R-32 vs. R-454B Mini Splits: What Buyers Need to Know
An expert buyer’s guide to R-32 and R-454B mini splits, covering GWP, A2L safety, efficiency, service compatibility, existing R-410A syst...
Read the guide →
The Best DIY Mini Splits of 2026
The best true DIY mini splits of 2026, ranked by installation design, efficiency, climate performance, configuration flexibility and value.
Read the guide →