Is a Ductless Mini-Split System the Right Choice for Your Home?

November 1, 2024

How would you like a customized comfort zone in your home, where the temperature can be different from the shared living areas or other rooms in the house? This flexibility, along with their energy efficient aspects, is why mini-split systems are so popular with homeowners. Here are some mini-split basics to determine if a mini-split system is a good choice for your home’s heating and cooling needs.

What can a mini-split provide me?

A mini-split system is a type of HVAC equipment used for heating and cooling. It allows you to control the temperature in individual rooms or spaces, as opposed to having to make major modifications to the central heating and cooling system(s). Mini-split systems have two main components—an outdoor unit containing the compressor and fan and an indoor air-handling unit(s). When compared to central HVAC systems, mini-splits utilize smaller wiring and copper piping arrangements, making them more cost-efficient and simpler to install.

While central heating and cooling systems typically utilize long lengths of ductwork and refrigerant piping, mini-splits are typically ductless and have smaller and shorter lengths of refrigerant piping. These systems provide heating or cooling directly to the desired conditioned space, whereas traditional HVAC systems experience unwanted airflow loss, heat loss, and heat gain while the air is traveling through the ductwork to the conditioned space.

Is a mini-split system right for me?

Mini-split systems are a popular option in home additions or supplement heating and cooling in a space far away from the main living area, such as a finished attic or basement. In these instances, installing or extending the ductwork to a traditional central cooling and heating system may not be feasible.

Benefits of owning a mini-split?

Mini-split systems offer several benefits. They operate quietly, improve indoor air quality, and their compact size allows for flexible placement in various locations. This flexibility makes it easier to heat or cool individual rooms and can potentially reduce energy consumption.

One of the major advantages of owning a mini-split is that it typically has a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating compared to traditional central heating and cooling systems. The higher the unit’s SEER rating, the more energy efficient it is.

Additional considerations

Even though mini-splits are a good alternative source to suit your comfort, they can also be a costly source. According to the Department of Energy, mini-splits can cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton of cooling capacity. This is slightly more than the average cost of the cooling capacity of a traditional central HVAC system.

Aesthetics are another factor to consider, as some homeowners may prefer the appearance of small vents in the home, as opposed to the air handling portion of the mini-split being visible.

So, if you are considering upgrading or adding additional heating and cooling equipment, make sure to consult with a qualified technician to learn if a ductless mini-split system could be beneficial for your home.