Keeping a Florida Room Comfortable
In spring 2002, Herb Craddock, Charlottesville, Va., enclosed the 300- square-foot screen porch on the back of his house.
In spring 2002, Herb Craddock,
Charlottesville, Va., enclosed the 300- square-foot screen porch on
the back of his house. One unbearable summer later, in spring 2003,
Herb and wife June, started searching for a cooling/heating
solution for this enclosed porch (the Florida Room). Even with a
ceiling fan, it was uncomfortable in the hot, muggy Charlottesville
summers, and much too cold in the winters.
Discovering a Perfect Solution
As it happened, June's cousin, Bob Barclay, a 35-year
HVAC veteran, stopped by the house. The Craddocks took Barclay out
to the back porch and described their dilemma, to which Barclay had
a perfect answer. Mitsubishi Electric HVAC, Suwanee, Ga. had
recently brought to market a superior, year-round cooling and
heating solution.
The new Mr. Slim® MSZ12UN model features INVERTER
compressor technology, consisting of a variable frequency drive,
which allows it to use less energy while still maintaining the
precise temperature set-point. Barclay explained that Mr. Slim
split-ductless cooling and heating products are ideal solutions for
hot and cold spots (perfect for the back porch), or for situations
that don't allow ductwork. What's more, the MSZ12UN heat pump
system met the new U.S. Department of Energy's 13 SEER requirements
which took effect in January, 2006.
The Craddock's were thrilled with Barclay's solution, purchased
the equipment from a distributor in Springfield, Va., and had it
installed by a local company, R.E. Boggs, Inc.
Tickled to Death
"Tickled to death," is the way Herb Craddock explains the
new system which they have enjoyed over two summers and two
winters. "Except for a few days in the spring when we throw open
the windows, we keep the Mr. Slim system running 24/7," he said.
"With glass on three sides, our back porch is now our most favorite
room.
"We entertain in it constantly. I have my breakfast, coffee and
paper there each morning. June treats it almost like a greenhouse;
her plants love the constant temperature, too! It runs so quietly,
you don't even know it is on.
"The system's 13 SEER efficiency rating has helped us keep our
electric bills low. The only maintenance I have had to do is an
annual cleaning of the air filter. The outdoor compressor unit sits
under our porch floor so you can't even see it from the outside.
And with Mitsubishi's line-set cladding, the pipes and wires coming
into the house are totally out of sight; they look like part of the
rain gutter system. I guess you would say we are very happy and
comfortable with our new addition," Craddock said.
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