In the majority of houses, there are typically a few spots that are either colder or warmer than the rest of the home. Temperature variations can occur as the result of too much sun or shade or be due to the location of the room in the house. Before you pay money to invest in a new higher-capacity HVAC system, you might consider a mini-split system to help remedy the problem. Depending on the situation, a ductless mini-split may be the more affordable option.
A ductless mini-split system is a compact unit that can heat and cool only a small area of your home. The system requires no new ductwork, so you won’t have any expensive renovations to make. A mini-split relies on an outside unit coupled with a small wall-mounted unit inside that heats and cools the desired space. The only modification that you will need to make in your home is a small hole through the wall for a flexible tube that carries air and power to the indoor unit.
If you are interested in adding on an addition or supplying extra heat to a room without a major reconfiguration of your HVAC, a mini-split might be the solution. So, how do mini splits work? Let’s take a closer look at ductless mini-split systems.
How does a ductless mini-split system work?
As discussed, a mini-split relies on three main components that work together to heat and cool a specific area. The system contains an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a remote control. A ductless mini-split system works on the same principle as other HVAC systems. Depending on the setting, the outdoor unit pulls in exterior air and sends it to the interior equipment to be warmed or cooled. Mini-splits are also known as zone systems because they serve specific areas or zones in your home. The indoor unit is controlled by a remote to determine the temperature and airflow setting.
When does a mini-split system make sense?
There are several situations where a mini-split system might make sense for your home. As discussed, there might be a room or area in your home where the temperature is significantly different from the rest of your house. A bedroom or office that has temperature variations might be a perfect fit for a mini-split system. You will be able to provide additional cool or warm air into a specific space without impacting the temperature of the rest of the home. Additionally, home additions or basement renovations are ideal for mini-splits as you can add comfortable temperatures without overhauling your HVAC system. Finally, if you have an older home where central air would be a cost-prohibitive upgrade, a mini-split could be a solution to your HVAC issues.
What are the benefits of a ductless mini-split unit?
The biggest advantage to a ductless mini-split system over traditional central air is the ability to heat and cool specific areas of your home. Depending on your system, you may be able to control several indoor units from a single outdoor unit. This will allow you zoned operation and the ability to control the temperatures of individual rooms. If you are putting in a mini-split, you will also find that it is much easier to install than traditional units and doesn’t require expensive ductwork. Additionally, you might pay as much as $525 in energy costs for HVAC operations, depending on your location. A mini-split system is 20 to 30 percent more efficient than traditional HVAC units and can cost significantly less to run.
A mini-split system can provide adequate heating and cooling for many homeowners and serve as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional HVAC. A ductless system is designed to be an energy-efficient solution for supplying comfortable air to different parts of a home.
