opinion on energy conservation versus split head/system longevity

[Jordan Van Voast]

I've had my Mitsubishi split head system for 5 years. I rarely use AC, though a bit more every summer it seems, and even in the coldest days of winter, the system keeps the house warm. 6 split heads on 3 floors.

I'm mostly an empty nester though now and usually it's just me on the top two floors with the occasional AirBNB renter in the ground floor apartment in the winter time. In the past, I've mostly just turned off split heads in rooms that weren't being used in order to conserve energy and lower my bill with SCL. However, the folks at Go Green Heating who sold me the system have softly advised me just to keep the system on, rather than shutting portions it off for long periods. I don't recall their specific rationale other than a general advice that motors and equipment last longer when turned on regularly. If the system is kept at a low idle versus firing it up from zero on a cold day, that's better in the long run. Seems logical, and yet, energy prices will likely keep increasing as historic snowpack levels for hydropower generation continue to decrease.

Any opinions on this one way or another appreciated

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Jordan Van Voast, Licensed Acupuncturist
on Duwamish/coast Salish traditional land

2109 31st Ave. S.

Seattle, WA 98144
206.860.5009

https://communichi.org/

https://dharmafriendship.org/

airbnb.com/h/urbanshangrila

[Jonlin, Duane]

One other consideration is that a closed room with no heat in winter can result in condensation on the cold interior surfaces and resultant mold growth.

DJ

	Duane Jonlin, FAIA Energy Code and Energy Conservation Advisor City of Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA 98124-4019 P: 206.233.2781 |  duane.jonlin@seattle.gov Facebook I X I Blog
	Helping people build a safe, livable, and inclusive Seattle.

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From: seattle-home-e...@googlegroups.com <seattle-home-e...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Jordan Van Voast <jorda...@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2025 9:44 AM
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Subject: opinion on energy conservation versus split head/system longevity

 

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