Ductless mini-split units are HVAC systems that do not need ductwork or vents to distribute conditioned air in a home. They comprise one outdoor unit and one or more indoor units. The indoor unit houses the air handler and evaporator, while the outdoor unit contains the compressor. These two units are connected by a conduit incorporating the refrigerant tubing, power cable, and drain.
In most cases, the indoor unit is mounted on the ceiling or a wall and blows conditioned air into a specific area or room. The outdoor unit works to heat or cool the refrigerant that flows through the system. The unit’s refrigerant gets pumped through the conduit and transfers heat energy between the outdoor and indoor units.
Ductless mini splits are increasingly becoming a popular alternative to conventional heating and cooling units among many homeowners. These versatile, cost-effective, and highly efficient systems offer many benefits for individuals who want to upgrade their HVAC equipment. Here are nine specific ways a ductless mini-split can benefit your home.
1. Zoned Cooling and Heating
If you have a central heating and air conditioning system, closing the vents in the little-used parts of your home can lead to pressure imbalances and even increase the probability of microbial growth. The good news about ductless mini splits is that they condition the air in a particular room or part of your house without any added construction.
If you have a ductless mini split, you can pair one outdoor unit with multiple indoor units to create a multi-zone system, allowing you to operate each indoor component individually. Installing a ductless system will allow you to control and monitor every zone’s temperature without compromising air quality. You can also turn off the units in the zones with rooms you rarely use to avoid wasting your money heating or cooling them.
2. Better Energy Efficiency
According to statistics, air duct leaks account for about 30% of an average home’s energy consumption. Conventional air conditioning units deal with energy loss each day due to cracks, holes, and gaps in the ductwork. The conditioned air in many homes escapes through these openings, leading to high energy bills. Ductless systems deliver conditioned and fresh air without experiencing significant energy loss.
The components of ductless mini splits use less energy to meet your heating and cooling needs. Since you only pay to heat or cool the parts of your home that you regularly use, your monthly energy bills will decrease. Without ducts, you won’t lose significant amounts of conditioned air through the ductwork. This results in improved heating and cooling in your home and long-term energy savings.
3. Improved Air Quality
Residential properties with ductless mini splits enjoy improved indoor air quality compared to homes with central HVAC units. Systems with air ducts collect dust, pollen, mold, and even volatile organic compounds that can negatively impact your home’s air quality. Since ductwork is out of sight, many homeowners do not remember to clean or maintain their ducts. Moreover, even if you get your ducts professionally cleaned, some pollutants will still remain.
With ductless mini splits, there is no ductwork to collect these pollutants. These systems also come with multi-stage filtration component that significantly reduces bacteria, pollen, dust, and allergens. As a result, your family will breathe cleaner and healthier air.
4. Flexible Solutions
Another benefit of installing a ductless mini split is flexibility. While conventional heating and cooling units push treated air through air ducts, mini splits deliver air directly to different zones. Ductless air conditioning options provide homeowners with a cost-effective solution, especially those with window air conditioners and inefficient space heaters or baseboard heaters.
You can install mini splits in home additions, condominiums, apartments, and new constructions. You can also use them to enhance temperature control in specific rooms or parts of your home. Moreover, you can use ductless mini splits in properties that already have ductwork.
5. Easy Installation
Ductless mini splits are usually easier to install than conventional HVAC systems. For example, the conduit that links the outdoor and indoor units requires only a three-inch opening in the wall. In addition, mini split manufacturers provide varying conduit lengths, allowing you to place your outdoor unit up to 50 feet away from the indoor portion. This is especially beneficial when you want to heat or cool rooms in the front part of your house and place the outdoor system behind the building or in a less exposed spot.
6. Fewer Maintenance Costs
Central heating and cooling systems have many moving parts, making them more prone to maintenance concerns. However, ductless mini splits come in small sizes, which often results in fewer mechanical problems. In addition, you can swap the inner components of mini splits for repairs, which means minimal downtime. Servicing a mini split is also faster and easier. Although servicing these units takes minimal effort, having a maintenance plan can help ensure optimum performance and an extended lifespan.
7. Quiet Operation
Debris accumulation in air ducts can cause whistling, banging, and other noises. You might even hear squeaking or scurrying sounds, especially if pests and rodents invade your air ducts. The good thing about mini splits is that they provide smoother and quieter operation than central heating and cooling units.
After installing a ductless mini split, your HVAC technician will remove the ducts or close all your air registers. As a result, you won’t need to worry about pest invasion, duct leaks, or debris accumulation. Since the technician will install the compressor outdoors, there will be less noise inside your house. Mini splits are also quieter than other systems because all indoor units don’t always run concurrently.
8. Multiple Operation Modes
Ductless mini splits come with several operating modes. Apart from the standard heating and cooling, ductless units also provide a dehumidifying option. The option is ideal for areas with a tropical climate, which can make the indoor atmosphere uncomfortable and degrade your fixtures. Mini splits also come with a fan-only option and multiple automatic functions.
9. Lower Carbon Footprint
A ductless mini split can help you customize your home’s heating and cooling needs, which means less energy loss. As you use less energy with a ductless system, you’ll also minimize your carbon footprint. That means that you’ll not only save more cash but also become more environmentally friendly.
Contact the Heating and Cooling Experts Today!
Ductless mini splits offer many benefits, making them an outstanding option for people looking to upgrade their HVAC units. They are versatile, easy to install, energy-efficient, and can enhance the air quality in your home, making them a cost-effective and smart investment.
If you need help choosing a suitable ductless unit for your living space, the experts at A/C Doctors are here to assist you in picking the best unit for your home. Not only will our experienced technicians install a new ductless mini split, but they will also perform routine maintenance and make the necessary repairs down the road. Our company also offers HVAC, air quality, VRV, condensers, and ductwork services throughout Gilbert, AZ, and the surrounding regions. Contact A/C Doctors today to learn more about ductless mini splits or our other services.
