Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split Cooling
When it comes to cooling your home, there are a lot of different options out there. But if you’re looking for something that’s energy-efficient, a ductless mini-split system may be the perfect solution!
There are many areas, including institutional, residential and commercial buildings, where ductless, mini split system air conditioners have a number of advantages over traditional forced-air systems.
They are especially useful in multifamily housing or as retrofit ad-ons to houses with non-ducted heating systems like radiant panels, hydronic (hot water heat), or space heaters (wood, kerosene).
Ductless mini-splits are also a good choice for room additions and sunrooms where adding ducts would be difficult. That is why this type of air conditioner is also called a ductless mini split, or a mini split without ducts.
Mini splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which contains electrical wiring, refrigerant tubing, and a drain line, links the outdoor and indoor units.
At Liberty Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning, we offer a variety of ductless mini-split systems to meet your needs. Call us today to learn more about the advantages of ductless mini-split cooling!
Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Some of the key advantages of ductless mini-split systems over other types of air conditioning include:
1. Compactness And Flexibility
These systems are highly popular for their small size and flexibility of installation. A single outdoor unit can be connected to as many as four indoor units, allowing you to cool only the rooms that you use. The number of connections depends on how much cooling the building or each zone needs. The building’s insulation can also be a factor here. Each of the zones will require a thermostat, so you can maintain different temperatures in different areas. This saves energy and money.
2. Easy Installation
Ductless mini-split systems are easier to install than traditional ducted systems. The lack of ductwork means that there is no need for major renovations or changes to your home or business. These systems can be up and running fairly quickly and with minimal disruption. All you need to connect the indoor and outdoor units is a 3-inch (8cm) hole through a wall.
This opening is enough for the conduit, which can come in different lengths. As a result, the outdoor unit can be as much as 50 feet (15 meters) away from the indoor unit. So, you can have the compressor in a convenient location while cooling the rooms that need it most in any part of the building.
3. Increased Efficiency
Ductless mini-split systems are also more energy-efficient than ducted systems, thanks to their zoned cooling capabilities and lack of ductwork. Ducts can leak up to 30 percent of the air that they carry, resulting in higher energy bills. But with a ductless mini split, the air is delivered directly to the rooms that need it, so there is no loss of cool air. These systems are also highly efficient because they use an inverter-driven compressor, which only uses as much energy as needed to maintain the desired temperature. This results in lower energy bills and smaller carbon footprints.
When compared with other ad-on systems, mini-splits provide more flexible interior design options. The indoor units can be mounted on walls or ceilings, so they take up less space than floor-mounted units. And, since there is no ductwork, you don’t have to worry about accommodating it in your design plans. They can also be suspended from ceilings and there are floor-standing models available as well. Several models have indoor units with profiles of up to 7-inches (18cm) deep that come with sleek jackets. They usually also come with remote controls for easy operation.
4. Enhanced Air Quality
Ductless mini-split systems can also improve the air quality in your home or business. These systems have filters that remove pollen, dust, mold, and other allergens from the air. This can be a major advantage for people with allergies or respiratory problems. The lack of ductwork also means that there is no opportunity for mold or mildew to grow in the system.
5. Quiet Operation
Ductless mini-split systems are designed for quiet operation. The outdoor unit can be as much as 50 feet (15 meters) away from the indoor unit, so you don’t have to worry about noise levels. And, since the compressors are inverter-driven, they only use as much energy as needed to maintain the desired temperature, so they operate more quietly than traditional compressors.
Disadvantages of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
1. High Initial Cost
The major disadvantage of ductless mini-split systems is their high initial cost. These systems can be two or three times the cost of a traditional HVAC system. But, when you factor in the increased efficiency and lack of ductwork, they can actually save you money in the long run.
2. Limited Installation Options
Ductless mini-splits have limited installation options when compared to traditional HVAC systems. They can only be used in rooms that have an exterior wall. And, the 3-inch (8cm) hole that is required for the conduit limits where they can be installed. Oversized or wrongly-placed air handlers can cause short-cycling which controls temperature and humidity poorly and wastes energy. An oversized system is also more expensive to install and operate.
3. Cosmetic Concerns
Some people may not like the look of the indoor units. They can be mounted on walls or ceilings, but they are still visible. And, the hole that is required for the conduit can be an eyesore. They also require a place to drain the condensate, which can be a problem if you don’t have an accessible floor drain.
Reach Out to a Professional For Your Ductless Mini-Split Needs
If you’re not sure if a ductless mini-split system is right for your home or business, reach out to Liberty Plumbing, Heating And Air Conditioning. We can help you determine the best type of system for your needs and make sure it is installed correctly. Contact us today at (951) 760-4215 to schedule a consultation.
