The Complete Guide to Tiny House Heating and Cooling

Tiny homes are an increasingly popular way to get into house ownership. These compact houses offer a minimalistic, cost efficient way to purchase a home, or act as an appreciating investment compared to renting. 

Whatever your reason for purchasing a tiny home, there are different options when it comes to heating and cooling it efficiently and comfortably year-round.

Here we will take a look at some of the best ways to heat and cool your tiny home.

What is a Tiny Home?

Generally speaking, tiny homes are between 100 and 600 square feet in size. They are often very simple in design and are perfect for one or two people.

Reasons for purchasing a tiny home include:

• Act as a starter home 
• Be an alternative to apartment or townhouse ownership
• Investment decision as opposed to renting
• High costs of traditional homes in the area
• Limited land plots in the chosen location
• Small family with few household members
• Act as a retirement house that easier to clean and maintain

The good news is that because of their compact size, tiny homes are generally easier and less expensive to heat and cool than conventional houses!

Tiny House Heating

Before you get started planning how to heat your tiny home, first consider the location. Since some tiny houses have wheels, some residents opt to take them along on cross-country journeys.

But if your tiny home will stay in one place, or you have a stationary tiny home, the location greatly influences what kind of heating system you should go after. For example, winters in Florida and Colorado are definitely not equal!

Next, most traditional heating systems are far too powerful and would quickly overheat your tiny home. This also leads to energy waste and unnecessary bills. You have to determine the right heating capacity for the size of your tiny home. You can do that using our convenient Heating BTU Calculator.

Once that’s done, here are some ideal heating options designed for tiny homes.

Mini split system

Mini split systems are one of the best heating options for tiny homes. Mini splits are energy efficient, unobtrusive, and don’t require ductwork or extensive installation.What’s more, they can provide both heating and cooling capabilities in one compact setup, which is perfect for tiny homes with limited space. 

Mini splits are available for single or multiple zones, so you can better control the temperature in different spots. In most cases, a single zone mini split might be enough for a tiny home. 

While mini splits may not be the cheapest option for heating your tiny home, they may be the most efficient and effective choice in the long run.

Pros:

✓ Highly energy efficient

✓ Provides both heating and cooling function

✓ Easy installation, no ductwork required

Cons:

XMore expensive than other heater types

Our recommended mini split with heating function for tiny homes:

Friedrich FPHW123B 12000 BTU, 23.0 SEER2 Floating Air Pro Series Single Zone Mini Split with Built-In WiFi – Heat and Cool

This 12,000 BTU single-zone mini split system includes both the FAHFW12A3A wall unit and the FPHSR12A3B outdoor compressor. It features high efficiency ratings including a 23.0 SEER2 and 12.3 EER2. 

The built-in low ambient cooling capabilities will cool your tiny home when outside temperatures are as low as 5°F. Conversely, it will give you 10,800 BTUs at 17°F but with its low ambient heating capacity, will provide heat (7,700 BTUs) even with temperatures down to -4°F.

This new line uses the R454B refrigerant, featuring a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 467. This not only makes it friendlier for the environment, it makes it less toxic and more efficient. It is Smart Home Ready with built-in WiFi and access to FriedrichGo App for wireless control as well as Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands. With the FriedrichGo App you can also create customizable, 7-day schedules.

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Electric heaters

If you have easy access to electricity in your tiny home, getting a small electric heater may be the easiest option. Oftentimes these are wall heaters that will help keep your system out of the way, which can be very important in small spaces or rooms.

Pros:

✓ Inexpensive

✓ Does not require gas line

Cons:

X Low energy efficiency

Our recommended electric heater for tiny homes:

King W2420-W 2000/1000 Watt Dual Wattage Fan-Driven Wall Heater

The King W Economy Wall Heater is an electric, fan driven heater. It features the option of two wattages to meet your heating needs. You can use this heater at full 2000 watts or drop it to 1000. 

The white grill face is only 5/8″ thick, giving you a nice thin look on your tiny home wall and conserving valuable space. The heater is a quick installation as well. It features a 3.5″ deep wall can frame that easily fits in a 4″ wall and attaches easily to the studs.

It includes King Electric’s Patented Smart Limit Protection that automatically shuts off the power to the heater and must be manually reset. Additionally, there is a safety limit. If the fan intake is blocked, the heater will automatically trip and the heater will shut off. Once the blockage is cleared and the heater is re-set, it will go back to heating as usual.

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Wood burning stove

One concern that some tiny homeowners have is what they will do if the power goes out. Be prepared for any situation by having a stove ready that you can load up and get cozy with the old-fashioned way. It’s never a bad idea to have a back-up!

Pros:

✓ Does not require gas or electricity – ideal for remote areas

Cons:

X Not efficient 

X Requires wood as fuel source

X Produces smoke and requires more cleaning

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Tiny House Cooling

Now that we’ve covered some of the best options for heating, let’s take a look at some choices for tiny house air conditioners.

Mini split system

As mentioned above, mini split systems are ultra convenient in that they offer cooling capabilities alongside heating ones, and their compact design makes them ideal for small spaces throughout the year.

Pros:

✓ Highly energy efficient

✓ Provides both heating and cooling function

✓ Easy installation, no ductwork required

Cons:

XMore expensive than window AC

Our recommended single-zone mini split (without heating) for tiny homes:

Daikin FTK12AXVJU / RK12AXVJU 19 Series 12000 BTU Class Cooling Only 19 SEER Single Zone System

This 10,900 BTU unit is Energy Star Rated and will efficiently cool a tiny home that is about 400 – 500 sq. ft. It boasts an EER of 12.5 and a SEER rating of 19. This is achieved using inverter technology that makes the unit more energy efficient, silent, and longer lasting.

It can operate with outdoor temperatures ranging from 50°F to 115°F. With an optional wind baffle (KPW937F4) and an adjustment in the field, it can continue to cool when outdoor temperatures fall all the way down to -4°F! This unit is optimized for great performance in many distinct climates. To help cut down on ice build-up in colder climates, the 19-Series includes an enhanced drain pan.

It features quiet operation and a slim, compact design that will be relatively inconspicuous in any outdoor installation. Plus, it includes an Anti-Corrosion Treatment on the heat exchanger to give your system protection from the elements.

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Window Air Conditioner

Much like the window units you would use for a small room or apartment, window air conditioners make a great, reliable option for cooling your tiny house.

They are a great combination of cost-effective and efficient and don’t take up additional space in your living area. Depending on the size of your tiny home, you may find that you need to purchase multiple units in order to cool the entire space.

You may also look into a window air conditioner with heat for year-round climate control.

Pros:

✓ Cheaper than mini splits

✓ Some models provide both heating and cooling function

✓ Easy installation

Cons:

XLess efficient than mini splits

X Emits more noise during operation

Our recommended window AC for tiny homes:

Friedrich KHS12A33A 12000 BTU Class Kuhl+ Series Smart Window Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

This window AC offers 12,000 BTU cooling capacity and includes 9,800 BTUs from the included Heat Pump. It will cool a tiny home that is about 500 sq. ft. It also includes back-up electric heat that will activate when outside temperatures are too cold for efficient heat pump operation. The back-up electric heat will provide approximately 10,700 BTUs when the temperatures are not met for the heat pump to function properly. It has an EER of 10.9 and a CEER of 10.8.

It boasts Quietmaster Technology that makes it 45% quieter than competitor’s products. It uses sound-blocking insulation, a rotary compressor mounted on rubber grommets and steel inner walls. Additionally, it is smart home-ready with the Friedrich Connect App as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility.

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Wall Air Conditioner

Similarly, mounted wall air conditioners can be a solid choice too, as they provide cooling capabilities without sacrificing space. Since they run through the wall, they may require a bit more extensive installation at the outset, though.

Pros:

✓ Space saving

✓ More efficient than window AC

Cons:

XHigher cost of installation

Our recommended wall AC for tiny homes:

GE AJEQ10DWJ 10000 BTU Through-the-Wall Room Air Conditioner with Electric Heat – Built-In WiFi – 208/230V – R32

The AJEQ10DWJ offers 10,000 BTUs of cooling plus 8600 BTUs Electric heat at 208/230 Volt electricity. It offers a true built in look with only a minimal 5″ extension into the room with front. Competitor units require a 7.5 minimum extension into the room with front.

It features a 24-hour on/off delay timer, for utmost efficiency in proper indoor cooling. This unit features an energy saver feature, which will temporarily shut the air conditioner off when the room reaches a certain temperature, so as to not over-cool the room or over-exert the unit. 

It is WiFi enabled with a built-in GE SmartHQ communication card built right in. It also includes Premium Guard Seacoast Protection. This improved corrosion protection has special coatings and double coats of paint on key components. These include coils, the base pan, compressor and stainless screws

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Other Cooling Options

Electric fan

Depending on your location, a ceiling or wall fan can be enough to cool off the tiny home during the warmer months of the year. However, if you live in a humid area they do not provide the same dehumidifying effect as an AC.

Dehumidifiers

Excess humidity can cause indoor air to feel warmer than it actually is. If you live in a humid zone or near the coastline, consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air and help your tiny home feel cooler without having to turn on the AC.

Our recommended dehumidifier for tiny homes:

Frigidaire FFAD3534W1 35 Pint Dehumidifier – Energy Star – R32

This portable dehumidifier is an Energy Star Qualified unit that will protect your tiny home by removing up to 35 pints of moisture per 24 hours. The bucket capacity is 16.9 pints.

The full tank alert system lets you know when the water tank nears capacity and the automatic shut-off stops unit when the water tank is almost full so it can be emptied without fear of overflowing. The continuous drain option makes use and maintenance even simpler, as it continuously drains your dehumidifier on its own. 

It also has a Low temperature operation that lets the dehumidifier work in spaces with temperatures as low as 41°F.

The Expert in Tiny House Heating and Cooling

At Total Home Supply, we’ve catered to thousands of homeowners, from the tiniest homes to the biggest ultra-luxury mansions. With the rising popularity of tiny houses, we make sure we offer a diverse range of heating and cooling options for tiny homes of all makes and sizes. 

If you need help with heating or cooling your tiny home, give us a call so we can tailor-fit a solution that works for you.