An online search for “mini split air conditioner near me” may have brought you to this page, which means you’ve already given some thought to installing one of these HVAC systems for your home.
We don’t know what other type of research you’ve already done into ductless mini systems, but we’d like to go over some of the ways a ductless system might be the right one for your needs.
Before we do that, we want to clarify what type of system we’re talking about.
The Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump
Although ductless systems are often referred to as “ductless air conditioning,” most of these systems are heat pumps, which means they work as both cooling and heating units.
Ductless mini splits work similar to standard split system heat pumps: an outdoor unit that connects via refrigerant and power lines to an indoor unit.
The difference is that a ductless system has multiple indoor units in the form of air handlers attached to room walls.
Rather than cooling air in one location and then blowing it through ductwork to the rooms, each air handler cools air (or heats it) and blows it directly into the room in which it’s located. This is how a ductless mini split can operate without ductwork.
The Reasons to Consider Installing One
Some of the best reasons to go with a ductless mini split installation:
- Flexibility: If you live in a vintage home constructed before central AC was common, you may not have ductwork or enough space to easily add it. A ductless mini split allows you to enjoy the benefits of cooling and heating all around the house without making significant changes to structure. This flexibility also makes ductless systems ideal for remodels or new home construction.
- Energy Savings: Going ductless can cut down on your annual heating and cooling costs. The smaller motors in the air handlers consume less power than the single larger blower motor of a standard heat pump. These systems also don’t lose energy efficiency because of heat loss or gain through the ductwork.
- Zone Control: Because each air handler operates separately from the others (each has its own remote control device), you only need to run the ones in occupied rooms. This is another way you’ll end up saving money from going ductless.
- Better Indoor Air Quality: Ductwork comes with an inherent air quality problem: it collects dust, lint, dander, and other debris over time. Unless ducts have routine cleaning, they’ll continue to circulate pollutants around the household air, which is harmful for people with asthma and allergies. Because ductless mini splits lack ducts, they don’t have this problem, contributing to cleaner indoor air.
Is Ductless Always the Best Option?
No, it isn’t. Although there are many reasons to recommend ductless mini splits, they aren’t ideal for every home. If your house already has effective central AC and heating that uses ducts, a ductless mini split isn’t the best idea as a replacement, although it can be useful for an add-on room or a garage/attic conversion.
Dewees HVAC proudly serves the Conway area. Call us today to learn more about ductless mini split heat pumps.