Mini-split in cold weather

[Aaberg]

I've done what I think is a thorough search in the forum for the term "mini-split" which is used in the U.S. to name a type of heating and cooling unit. It's mentioned in Gervais' book and several others. Is that a term not used around the world, or is the search engine going bonkers?
My question is about using those units in very cold weather. Right now it's minus 12 Fahrenheit here and can get colder. Are those units effective when it gets that cold? They're a very economical and acoustically sound solution to heating and cooling from what I read.
Thanks

[gullfo]

most units will require some additional bits added to accommodate the colder temperatures and prevent icing up. one of the projects i did in NYC had a mini split on the north side of the building and needed some parts from the manufacturer and it was spec'd to go down to -20.

[Aaberg]

Ah....so check with the manufacturer before buying. I guess I could put a few portable electric heaters in there in case of emergency. Would putting them in an insulated box with air intake help?
Thanks, Glenn.

[Aaberg]

Some good info on low temperatures and mini-splits:
https://www.ecomfort.com/stories/1341-K ... inter.html

[gullfo]

i'm pretty sure we had all those things installed - snow shield over top, box around outside, heater pan, etc... plus the unit was rated for below 0 temps.

[anodivirta]

in here they are called air heat pump (or ilmalämpöpumppu but it migh not help you:) )
I used ours in similiar temperatures -20-30'c and it was working fine, not sure about the efficiency tho.
I think the recommendation is to keep them constanly on or off in very cold weathers vs.starting and stopping them constantly.

[gullfo]

ilmalämpöpumppu

pretty sure that's the title of a popular 1950's doo-wop song

[Aaberg]

Thanks, Anodivirta!

[anodivirta]

ilmalämpöpumppu

pretty sure that's the title of a popular 1950's doo-wop song

could be