Mini-splits are systems that use both heating and air conditioning. They are also known as ductless units because they do not need ducts or vents to function. A mini-split system consists of a condenser or a compressor and an air handling unit. You will find compressors outside the house, but air handling units are installed indoors. These two components link through a conduit, eliminating the need for air ducts. A conduit consists of a power cable, refrigerant, suction tubing, and condensate drain.
The compressor delivers its payload to the indoor distribution unit while the air handling unit cools or heats the air in your home’s different zones or rooms. If your mini-split system has more than one indoor air handler, each unit will need its thermostat to help control the temperatures in each room or zone. Ductless units are ideal when creating several temperature zones within your big home. Here are some benefits you’ll enjoy after installing a mini-split system.
1. Easy Installation
Ductless mini-splits are easier to install than other cooling and heating systems. You can establish the connection between the outdoor and indoor units by inserting a conduit in a three-inch hole via the width of your wall. Plus, mini-split unit manufacturers provide varied conduit lengths, allowing you to place the outdoor system up to 50 feet away from your indoor unit. That’s especially beneficial when you want to install your condenser unit or compressor on an exterior wall of your house to cool rooms in the back or front areas of your home.
2. Zoned Cooling and Heating
Ductless systems cool a specific area or room without added construction. To build a multi-zone system, you can pair several indoor units with one outdoor unit. That allows you to operate every indoor unit separately. If your home has a central air and heating system, closing ventilation in the rarely used rooms can increase the chances of microbial growth or pressure imbalances. Installing ductless systems allows you to control each zone’s temperature without harming your unit or compromising air quality. You can also turn off the unit in the zone with rooms you occasionally use to avoid wasting money cooling or heating them.
3. Increased Energy Efficiency
According to the Department of Energy, ductwork leakages account for around 30% of a home’s energy consumption. Traditional air conditioning systems deal with the loss of energy every day due to gaps, cracks, and holes in the air ducts. The conditioned air escapes via these openings, resulting in increased energy bills. However, ductless mini-splits deliver fresh and conditioned air without experiencing energy loss.
With the components of mini-split systems using less energy to meet your heating and cooling needs, they cost less. That’s because you’ll only pay to cool or heat the areas you frequently use rather than many parts that you don’t regularly visit or pass through rapidly, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, closets, hallways, and entrances. When you eliminate the need for ductwork, you end up with an effective and more energy-efficient cooling and heating system since you don’t lose air through air ducts. The result is long-term energy savings and improved cooling and heating in your home.
4. Quiet Operation
Generally, ductless units provide quieter and smoother operation than other cooling and heating systems. Debris or leaks in the ducts can cause banging or whistling noises. You may even hear scurrying or squeaking sounds if pests invade your ductwork. After installing a ductless mini-split, your technician will seal all the air registers or remove your ducts. That way, you’ll not have to worry about debris accumulation, pests, or duct leaks. Since the HVAC experts install the compressor outside your house, there’s less noise to contend with inside your home. Plus, mini-split units are quieter than other cooling and heating systems since the indoor units do not always run simultaneously. You can also use a quieter and smaller indoor unit since these components do not use much energy.
5. Compact Size
Mini-split systems are small in size and provide flexibility, especially in zoning. You will find different models and brands on the market that provide up to four air handlers, each of which connects to an outdoor unit and condenser. The indoor air handling units can cool four areas or separate rooms in your home. Every zone or room will have an individual thermostat, allowing you to adjust the temperature to suit your comfort needs. You can also re-position the indoor air handlers when necessary to provide cooling for the other rooms.
6. Improved Air Quality
Dust particles, pollen, and pet dander travel through your ductwork, accumulating debris over time. Floor and ceiling vents also collect noxious odors. And everything that gets in one vent gets pushed to all other vents. Debris buildup can spread bacteria and other air contaminants in your living space, compromising your air quality. Poor indoor air quality can make the lives of those with allergies and respiratory complications difficult. Installing a mini-split system in your home will seal the access points between the external and internal units, enhancing air quality.
7. Greater Flexibility
The other benefit of mini-split systems is flexibility. You can install the internal distribution units where you need them. Better still, if you want to rearrange furniture or redecorate a room, you can easily move the unit to get optimal cooling. Since ductless mini-splits are compact and designed to work in different rooms or areas, they are ideal for HVAC zoning. Every zone has an individual thermostat that allows you to maximize a room’s temperature without worrying about the temperatures in the other parts of your home. This way, everyone in your home can stay comfortable without fighting over the thermostat.
8. Less Maintenance
Large cooling and heating units have many moving parts, making them more susceptible to breaking down. Ductless mini-split systems come in compact sizes, which means minimal mechanical stress. You can easily swap the internal components of a ductless mini-split unit for repairs, which means no downtime. Like installation, servicing a ductless mini-split is also easier and faster. Although servicing takes less effort, having a routine maintenance plan will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your system.
9. Lower Utility Bills and Carbon Footprint
Since you can use a ductless mini-split to customize your home’s specific cooling and heating needs, you’ll waste less energy. That means you will use less cash on your overall energy costs. You will also realize the zoning’s energy efficiency shortly after installing a mini-split unit, allowing you to enjoy comprehensive cooling and heating relief for reduced energy costs. Apart from lowering your utility bills, mini-splits help minimize your carbon footprint. That means you can stay cool throughout the summer season without causing a lot of harm to your environment.
Contact the Heating and Cooling Experts Today!
There are many benefits you can enjoy after installing a ductless mini-split. These units are flexible, energy-efficient, and easy to install and maintain. Choosing a suitable cooling and heating system for your residential property is vital. And the professionals at Friar's Heating and Air are here to help you make the best choice. Our skilled HVAC technicians will not only install the ductless mini-split but also repair and provide necessary unit maintenance down the road. We also offer AC, heating, air quality, HVAC zoning, air purification, and ductwork services to the residents of San Diego, CA, and its environs. Contact us now to learn more about the benefits of installing mini-split systems.
