Ductless mini split systems can be an ideal solution to heating and cooling different parts of the home and providing zoned comfort, so spaces like an attached garage, new addition, or four-season space can be adjusted without affecting the whole house.

If you’re wondering about ductless mini splits and their costs, efficiency, or benefits over conventional HVAC, here’s everything you need to know.

What Is a Mini Split?

In many ways, a mini split is similar to a conventional air conditioner. In cooling mode, it transfers heat from inside the home to the outdoors, but the difference is where the cool air comes from.

With central air, the cool air comes from an air handler then blows through the ducts to enter your home. With a mini split, the system can blow cool air from different air handlers to provide zoned temperature control.

 

Mini splits are simple in their operation. They have two components: an outdoor compressor and condenser and an indoor air handler. Smaller components like a power cable, a condensation drain, and refrigerant tubing also play a role.

The indoor air handler pulls the warm air from inside the room and sends it to the condenser using the copper lines and coolant coils. When that warm air comes in contact with the coolant coils, the heat transfers to them. The liquid that’s inside is converted to a gas, which is then sent to the air handler to pump back into the room. As this system cycles a few times, the heat from the room is removed and it’s cooled.

What Are the Advantages of a Mini Split?

 

Here are some advantages of a ductless system:

Eco-Friendly

Conventional HVAC systems use a lot of energy to cool entire spaces consistently. Because ductless systems deliver different cooling to zoned spaces, they optimize energy use and are more eco-friendly.

Flexibility with Older Homes

Some older homes and buildings don’t have ductwork already installed, so that’s an added expense when you’re installing your system and big renovations. And even if you already have ductwork, you may not have it in new additions or other spaces you want to heat or cool. Mini splits offer the versatility to heat and cool these areas without a lot of renovations.

Scalability to Grow with You

HVAC systems aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions. You have to choose your HVAC system based on your home’s square footage, climate, features, and much more. So once you have that unit installed, any additions or major changes to your home could make your current system less than ideal for the space. Ductless systems give you another option to heat or cool new areas without a huge renovation project.

Cost-Effective Heating and Cooling

Though mini splits may involve higher upfront costs, they pay off in improved efficiency and lower energy bills. But compared to installing new ductwork with a central HVAC system, mini splits are the more affordable option.

Convenient Operation

Ductless systems offer a lot of features that enhance your comfort, not just with heating and cooling. For example, you can get a remote-control unit to adjust the temperature quickly and easily, which is especially helpful if your unit is in a hard-to-reach area. There are other optional features, such as sleep timers, programmable temperature controls, and automation.

Multiple Operating Modes for Optimized Heating and Cooling

Mini splits can heat or cool your home, but there are additional options to conserve energy without sacrificing comfort. For example, if you live in a muggy area, dehumidifying can make the air more comfortable without extra cooling.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Over time, HVAC systems gather dust and dirt in the ducts. If you don’t keep up with the cleaning, the moisture can add to this debris and create mold or other pollutants. Then, when your system is turned on, you’re breathing all that in with your cooled air. Mini splits don’t have ducts, so there’s nothing to gather dust and dirt and impact your air quality.

When Should Mini Splits Be Used?

Wondering if a mini split is the right choice for your home? Here are some things to consider:

Pre-Existing Ductwork

Adding ductwork to your HVAC installation adds a lot to the time and costs. Mini splits require no ductwork, so they’re perfect for homes or offices that don’t have ductwork.

Challenging Rooms

Some rooms in your home may be more difficult to heat or cool, such as rooms that get a lot of sunlight or rooms with poor airflow to the rest of your home. Ductless systems offer zoned temperatures to keep these rooms comfortable.

Individual Temperature Demands

Most people prefer different temperatures to stay comfortable. If that’s the case in your home, or you have people who require certain temperatures for their health, a ductless system ensures you can set temperatures to everyone’s preferences.

Considering a ductless mini split? Contact us at Proskill to schedule your appointment!