For homeowners weighing a heat pump but worried the price of hiring installers will be too high, Christian and Alexis say the project can be more manageable than it seems after converting a backyard shed into a home office and installing a mini-split themselves.
They chose to install the system themselves rather than hire out the entire installation.
Here's what to know
On Aug. 18, Tiny House Expedition (@TinyHouseExpedition) shared a video of Christian and Alexis documenting how they installed a Della Vario Series 9000 BTU mini-split in their 150-square-foot shed office.
They presented the purchase as a way to make the space usable in more weather while also avoiding higher installation bills.
"We've turned our shed into a home office, but it's been lacking heating and AC," they wrote.
They said they picked the Della model because "you can install it entirely yourself, which can save you a couple thousand bucks."
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A compact electric heat pump can cover both heating and air conditioning in one system, avoiding the need to buy separate equipment for each function and then pay installation costs for both.
Although their office is only 150 square feet, Christian and Alexis said the 9,000-BTU mini-split they chose is rated for spaces as large as 400 square feet.
More background
In small dwellings, ductless mini-splits are widely used because one appliance can heat, cool, and remove moisture from the air. Christian and Alexis described them as "the number one go-to appliance for tiny houses."
That appeal reaches well beyond the tiny house community. A shed office, garage studio, backyard room, or small addition may need year-round climate control, but these are also the kinds of spaces where traditional ductwork can be expensive or impractical. A ductless heat pump can solve that problem without taking up much room.
Because one unit can do the work of multiple appliances, it may also free up space and use less energy than pairing electric resistance heat with a separate air conditioner. Utility savings will vary with climate, insulation, and how often the system runs, but an efficient all-electric setup can help trim operating costs.
What can be done?
Since the model they installed is intended for areas up to 400 square feet, Christian and Alexis underscored a basic point: matching a unit to the size of the space matters for efficiency and performance.
For homeowners comfortable with a more hands-on approach, do-it-yourself mini-split options can make climate control more accessible in places such as detached offices and workshops.
A self-install will not make sense for every buyer, however. Electrical needs, local rules, and warranty questions may still push some homeowners toward professional installation. In a small room or outbuilding, a heat pump can still replace separate devices by providing heating, cooling, and dehumidification from one system.
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