Behind btuwise is an interdisciplinary team of developers who build an independent advisor for mini-split and ductless heat-pump buyers — sizing a system to your room, estimating what it costs installed, and comparing the brands worth buying. btuwise is founded and coordinated by Christoph Ballmer, the personal point of contact for quality, ongoing development and reader feedback.
The goal is simple: a mini-split guide that asks for the few things that actually decide the answer, shows the result together with the method right away, and points you to the right BTU size and the units that fit — freely accessible and with no signup.
Why you can trust this guide
Three things go into every page:
- Built from the ground up. The BTU sizing calculator is written by experienced developers as our own transparent logic — code we can test, verify and correct at any time.
- Grounded in real specs. Capacity figures, BTU-per-square-foot factors, SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency, cold-climate ratings and typical cost ranges follow manufacturer spec sheets and the conventions installers actually use, so the numbers match what you'll buy.
- Explained clearly. The method is shown on the page: every BTU factor, table and FAQ is written in plain language so you can follow exactly how a recommendation is reached.
How the guide is built — and checked
For a page to become something you can rely on, a few fixed rules apply:
- Documented method. The sizing calculator states how it turns square footage into BTU and how climate, ceiling height, sun, insulation and occupancy adjust it.
- Cross-checked. Recommendations are validated against worked examples and manufacturer specs before a page goes live.
- Kept current. Cost ranges, model picks and brand specs are reviewed and updated as prices and product lines change.
- Honest about the limits. Every result is a planning estimate, not a quote, and a pro install must be sized and connected by a licensed HVAC contractor (EPA-608 for refrigerant) with the circuit wired by a licensed electrician. That is stated on purpose.
Spotted an error or have an idea? A short note to info@btuwise.com is enough — corrections and sensible requests are welcome.
About the founder
Christoph Ballmer's craft is web development and project delivery. Over more than two decades he has shipped digital projects end to end — from concept and programming through to the finished product — for internationally active companies as well as many smaller firms. That combination of development and design know-how shapes the projects of Honeygoat GmbH today, and btuwise is one of them.
Christoph Ballmer on LinkedIn and Xing, and across the sister projects toolbude.de and roboklar.de.
The company behind it
btuwise is operated by Honeygoat GmbH, Kägenstrasse 21, 4153 Reinach, Switzerland (Reg. CH-270-4005459-5). Honeygoat runs a small portfolio of focused calculator and guide sites; btuwise is the US-market mini-split member of that family.
btuwise is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Mitsubishi, Daikin, MrCool, Pioneer, Senville, LG, Fujitsu, Gree or Cooper&Hunter. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. All results are planning estimates for general information, provided without warranty, and are not a substitute for professional advice, a licensed HVAC contractor, or a contractor's quote.