More about Mini-Splits

What is all the buzz about mini split systems and should I consider installing a mini split versus a traditional unit?

Ductless, mini split-system air-conditioners (commonly called mini splits or ductless units) provide multiple benefits in homes and commercial buildings. Typically, mini splits are found in multifamily or multi tenant housing or as a retrofit addition to houses without ducts such as residences with heating systems that use hot water heat, radiant panels, and homes with wood, or space heaters. They can also be an excellent choice for room additions like a sun room or enclosed porch and small apartments.

How do They Work?

Mini splits have two main components just like traditional HVAC systems. They operate with an outdoor compressor/condenser and have an indoor unit to handle the air. A conduit is used to link the outdoor unit with the indoor portion. The conduit houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Mini splits are small in size and provide a great amount of flexibility for zoning (heating and cooling individual rooms). Many models can have as many as four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to only one outdoor unit. The number of outdoor units needed is variable and depends on how much heating or cooling is required and how well the each zone is insulated. When using mini split system for zoning, each of the zones will have its own thermostat, so you only need to regulate the temperature of that space when it is occupied, this is great because it saves energy and money.

Speaking of saving money, because mini splits are ductless they save more energy than central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption when it comes to heating and cooling, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.

Mini splits offer more options as it relates to interior design. For example the indoor portion can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. Also available are floor-standing models. Most systems include a remote control to make it easier to turn the system on and off.

Cons

While mini split can provide flexibility when it comes to interior design, some folks dislike how the indoor part of the system looks. Mini splits are more aesthetically pleasing than a window room air conditioner, but they rarely do not have the built-in look of a central system.

Qualified installers and service people for mini splits may not be easy to find. Superior Heating and Cooling is a great choice if you are looking for an experienced technician. Best of all, we do not have as much overhead as the larger corporate HVAC companies do. Most of the larger, corporate conventional heating and cooling contractors incur large investments in tools and training for sheet metal duct systems. Additionally, the larger companies typically need to use (and charge for) these two things to earn a return on their investment, so they may not recommend ductless systems.

To learn more about how we can aid you regarding mini split heating and cooling systems please call or email us, we would love to talk with you.

Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/ductless-mini-split-air-conditioners