Understanding Mini-Splits: When Are They Useful?
It can be miserable if your home doesn’t have enough cooling. You may have an overall issue, or one room that is always hotter (or colder) than the rest of your home. In these cases, mini-split systems might be the answer to dealing with that pesky hot or cold spot.
What Is a Mini-Split System?
Mini-split systems are also called “ductless” mini-split systems. One of their advantages is that they don’t require ductwork. The unit consists of an outdoor compressor/condenser and one or more indoor air handling units, connected by refrigerant lines. This allows for zoned heating and cooling or targeted heating or cooling of your home.
When Are Mini-Split Systems Useful?
Mini-splits are particularly useful in the following situations:
Homes Without Ductwork
Your home may not have ductwork if it was built before central A/C became a thing. Retrofitting ductwork can be expensive, impractical, or harm your home’s historic character.
Mini-split systems are much cheaper to install and do not require expensive renovations, but they still provide modern temperature control. They require only a three-inch hole through the wall.
Additions and Renovations
Turning an unfinished basement into a finished one? Adding a room over your garage? Extending your HVAC system can be challenging especially if you are converting a basement. Mini-splits can allow you to do this quickly and provide independent temperature control. The latter can be particularly valuable if you plan on renting out your basement or if it will be occupied by an adult child or elderly family member.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Mini-split systems are known for high efficiency. You aren’t pushing a lot of air through duct systems and duct losses can account for over 30% of your energy consumption, especially ducts that go through unconditioned spaces. You can also use them to set up zones so you are only heating or cooling rooms you are actively using.
Individual Room Temperature Control
If everyone in your family likes different temperatures, mini-splits make it a lot easier to control individual rooms. Your teenager can keep their bedroom three degrees cooler (or warmer) if they prefer, reducing household conflict. You can also set bedrooms to a different temperature, or adjust things to avoid hot and cold spots.
Supplemental Heating and Cooling
Mini-split systems are great for adding supplemental heating and cooling to problem areas without having to redo your system. This is particularly useful for tough rooms such as basements, garages, or attics, or for rooms you need to keep at a specific temperature, such as craft workshops.
Improving Air Quality
Updating all the filters in an older HVAC system can be difficult or impossible. In many cases, you need to replace the system. Mini-splits have advanced filtration systems and can significantly improve indoor air quality. They can remove allergens and dust and even reduce transmission of contagious diseases. This is particularly beneficial if you have allergies or asthma, or if you own pets.
Quiet Operation
We’ve all been in that hotel room where the room air conditioner is so loud you end up turning the climate control off and hoping you don’t freeze or bake. Mini-split systems are much quieter than window or portable units, making them more suitable for bedrooms, nurseries, or your home office (where you might have to turn the A/C off to do a conference call).
Climate Control in Detached Structures
Mini-splits are a great option if you want to climate control a detached garage, workshop, or studio. If you have a shed converted into a place you use, then extending your HVAC system may not work. Adding a mini-split makes these spaces more comfortable and usable.
Installation and Maintenance
Another advantage of mini-split systems is that they are easier and cheaper to install, although the units themselves are not always cheap. You can typically get the system installed in a day.
They are also easier to maintain. All they need is their filters cleaned, refrigerant levels checked, and a periodic examination of the outdoor unit to clear debris. This is a lot less than many traditional systems.
Mini-splits are versatile, efficient, and cost-effective. They are particularly valuable if your home has no ductwork or you are making an addition, but they can also improve temperature control and air quality. Contact Mid-Fla Heating & Air to find out if mini-splits are the best setup for your specific situation and enjoy modern climate control technology today!
