Ductless mini-splits are becoming an increasingly popular option for heating and cooling homes. But are they worth the initial cost? That depends on your specific needs. As with any air conditioning system, ductless mini split systems have advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a new cooling and heating system, you want to choose one that checks all the boxes. Keep reading so you can make an informed decision about whether or not they are suitable for you.
What Are Ductless Mini-Splits?
Ductless mini-splits are a type of air conditioner that does not require ductwork. Traditional forced-air systems rely on ducts to distribute the cooled or heated air throughout the house. Ductless mini-splits have an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor units mounted on the wall or ceiling.
- Homes and apartments
- Offices
- Garages
- Sunrooms
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit contains the compressor, condenser, condensate drain, and expansion valve. The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. The condenser removes heat from the air, and the expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant. There is one outdoor unit that works with multiple indoor units.
Indoor Air Handling Unit
The indoor unit contains an evaporator coil and a fan. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air, and the fan circulates the cooled air throughout the room. Each indoor air handling unit can be controlled by a remote to set the temperature for each room in your home. The indoor unit is sleek and small and doesn’t require air ducts like traditional HVAC systems, so there’s no need for significant construction to cut holes and install ductwork.
Advantages of Ductless Mini-Splits
There are several advantages of ductless mini-splits, which include:
- Energy Efficiency: Ductless mini-splits are very energy efficient because they only cool or heat the rooms that are being used. Traditional systems often waste energy by heating and cooling empty rooms.
- Flexibility: Mini-split systems offer flexibility because they can cool or heat multiple rooms. Each indoor air handling unit can be controlled independently so that you can set different temperatures for individual rooms in your home.
- Easy to Install: Ductless mini-splits are easy to install because they do not require ductwork. They can also be installed quickly and easily without significant renovations.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality: Mini-splits offer improved indoor air quality because they do not circulate dust and allergens like traditional air conditioning systems.
Disadvantages of Ductless Mini-Splits
There are also some disadvantages of ductless mini-splits, which include:
- Cost: Ductless mini-splits can be more expensive to install than traditional central forced air systems. However, they are often more energy-efficient and can save you money in the long run.
- Limited Selection: There is a limited selection of ductless mini-split systems on the market compared to traditional cooling systems. This means that you may not be able to find an air condition system that meets your specific needs.
- Requires Professional Installation: Ductless mini-split systems must be installed by a professional. This can add to the cost of installation.
How Much Do Mini-Split Systems Cost?
The cost of ductless mini-split systems varies depending on the size of your home, the number of indoor air handling units, and the type of system you choose.
Are Ductless Mini-Splits Worth It?
Ductless mini splits have many advantages, including energy efficiency, flexibility, and easy installation. However, they can be more expensive to install than traditional cooling systems. You should weigh the pros and cons to decide if ductless mini splits are right for you. A mini-split system can save you money in the long run compared to traditional central air systems.
The Best Ductless Mini-Split Systems on the Market
The Mitsubishi Ductless Mini-Split is the best mini-split system on the market. It is energy-efficient and can be controlled by a remote. The indoor units are quiet, and their sleek design can blend in and look great in any home.