Ductless mini-split systems are heating and air conditioning units that contain two main components: one outdoor unit that includes the compressor and condenser, and an indoor air handling unit, sometimes multiple. They are connected to each other through drain, refrigerant, and electric lines that are housed within a conduit. They can be used in commercial, residential, and institutional buildings because of their ability to have a separate unit for each room. They are commonly used as retrofit add-ons to non-ducted heating systems like radiant panels, space heaters, and hydronics, or hot water heat.
One of the biggest advantages of a mini-split system is its ability to heat and cool individual rooms. You can connect the outdoor and indoor units so that there is a unit in each room of the house. For residential spaces, this means everyone can have their own temperature settings in their rooms. There are even remote controls and timers that can help with customizable temperature settings.
Without the addition of ductwork, this also makes the mini-split installation less complicated than installing distribution ductwork would be. They don’t require as large of a hole to be drilled into the wall in order to install the connections, and the outdoor unit can be a larger distance away from the indoor units than would be the case in traditional systems because of the varying lengths of conduits that can be provided.
Mini-split systems will lose less cooling than forced-air cooling systems, making them a more efficient cooling solution than ducted systems. It is likely that duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption with AC, particularly if they are in an unconditioned space like an attic. This is why ductless mini-split systems can provide better air quality with more energy efficiency, which will save you money in the long run. With mini-split heat pumps, you get even more energy efficiency because of the use of electrification.
Also, you will have a lot more options when it comes to the interior design of your system with mini-splits. The air handlers are able to be hung from the ceiling, mounted into a flush ceiling, or mounted on the wall. This makes the remote control easier when the unit is mounted on the wall or ceiling of a room.
The main thing that may turn many people away from ductless mini-splits is the cost. Upfront installation costs for mini-splits can be pricy, and you will have to be sure that your installer has sized each of the individual units going into your home so that they can be installed in the best place possible. If your mini-split air conditioner is too large or if the indoor units are not located in the right positions, it could result in things like short-cycling. On the other hand, if you install a system that is too small, you will not have the desired temperature for your space.
It is also possible that you may not like the look of the individual indoor units within the rooms of your home. A mini-split unit is less obtrusive than a window air conditioner, but it will also stick out more than a central system that is built into your home.
Mini-splits do not use ductwork, while central air conditioning systems do. A central air system connects the entire house, so you will not have the room additions that mini-splits offer. The ducts required for a central air system can be intrusive to install and can also get expensive. You will also see more energy losses with forced air systems than with a mini-split, since the ducts will contribute to a lot of air loss during the cooling process.
Unsure whether or not a mini-split is the best choice for you? reach out to consult with our professionals at John Owens Services, where we can help you determine if a mini-split is the best AC system for your home and how to go about installing it so that you have reliable, energy-efficient air conditioning for the upcoming summer season!
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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