Understanding Ductless Mini Splits
Homeowners always have so many choices to make when building a new home or upgrading an existing home. They have to decide where to add new technology into the home, make choices between available appliances and devices, and decide on aesthetics. When adding or upgrading the HVAC system, homeowners often wonder what type of AC unit is best for their home and what will be sustainable. To make these types of decisions, homeowners need to know their options and understand the benefits of each potential choice.
Many people gravitate towards central AC systems, but that’s not the only option that homeowners should know. In this article, homeowners can learn about another option known as a ductless mini-split and the benefits that it holds.
What Exactly Is a Ductless Mini Split?
A ductless mini-split is simply another type of air conditioner. It operates in a very similar manner to a central AC system, but it doesn’t use ducts to distribute the cool air. A ductless mini-split draws out the warm air from inside, absorbs any heat and moisture in the air, sends the air outside, cools it, and then sends the cold air back inside to cool the house. While a central AC system blows the cold air through a series of air ducts to circulate the air through the home, a ductless mini-split blows the cold air directly into the room, since it isn’t connected to any ductwork.These two AC systems have essentially the same components (except for the ductwork), so they both face the same technical challenges and require the same tools and technologies for fixing any malfunctioning components.
Benefits to Know About Ductless Air Conditioners
Though ductless air conditioners aren’t as widely used as a central AC system, they are still quite popular among homeowners, and there’s a good reason for this.
- Ductless AC systems have built-in zoning meaning each room with an AC unit can be controlled individually. This improves both the level of comfort experienced in a home as well as its efficiency. If one person in the house is always cold, they can increase their room’s temperature without impacting the comfort of others. Or if there are some rooms rarely used in the house, homeowners can keep the AC in those rooms off unless needed, saving energy.
- Duct leaks cause the average home to lose 20-30% of its conditioned air. Therefore, ductless systems are more energy efficient because they avoid those leaks. This not only reduces the waste of energy but helps homeowners save on utility bills too.
- Many older homes don’t have ductwork, and installing ductwork for a central AC system is expensive! Ductless air conditioners are great for situations like this because they don’t require that additional work or expense.
Though ductless systems come with many advantages, the main concern that turns people away is the system’s aesthetics. Ductless mini-splits are sleeker than a window AC unit, but they do still take up space hanging on the wall and can be hard to hide.
AC Maintenance Needs for a Ductless Systems
As mentioned, ductless AC systems and central AC systems are very similar. They essentially have the same components and mechanical setup. That is, except for the ducts, which ends up being a huge advantage for maintenance. Ductwork can have leaks and become dirty or damaged over time, so it’s an additional maintenance need.It’s one less thing that homeowners need to worry about properly maintaining and keeping clean. Therefore, the main things that homeowners should check for to maintain a ductless AC system are any leaks, physical damage, or eroded components that should be replaced.
About TR Miller Heating & Cooling
TR Miller Heating & Cooling is a family-owned 3rd generation HVAC and plumbing company committed to keeping Chicagoland area homes safe and comfortable all year long. They believe their customers deserve the best quality indoor comfort and plumbing services possible and they take pride in being the name so many of their friends and neighbors know they can count on.
