Should I Switch to a Ductless Mini Split System?

Ductless mini split systems are a type of electric HVAC system. You can use them as a primary source of heating and cooling in your home, or as a supplement to central HVAC.

These heating and cooling systems evenly distribute heat throughout your space and do it at a fraction of the cost. When compared to baseboard heaters, furnaces, and central ducted systems, ductless mini splits are efficient HVAC options that save energy and money.

So How Does It Work?

Mini split heating and cooling systems have 3 main components: an outdoor condenser unit, an indoor air handler, and a remote control.

A ductless air conditioner or heater has two-way heat pumps that transfer heat between the indoor and outdoor unit. Refrigerant lines connect the two units, compressing and expanding liquid refrigerant in a repeating cycle. The changes in pressure create and dissipate heat, which then transports into or out of the building.

By collecting heat from outside, the condenser can deliver that air inside the house to provide heating. For cooling, the reverse happens, with the condenser dissipating heat from inside the house to the outside. The indoor air handler fan circulates both cool and warm air throughout a space.

Just like every type of heating and cooling system, ductless mini splits have their own pros and cons. Consider these if you're thinking about buying or upgrading to one for your space.

PRO

Can reduce your electrical heating cost by 25-50%

Ductless mini splits are cost-efficient, meaning they use an optimal amount of energy to save money over time. While they do have high initial installation costs, mini split systems eventually pay for themselves long-term. Without the possibility of duct losses or the necessity for inefficient fuel, mini splits are operationally inexpensive. And if your mini split is your primary source of heating and cooling, you avoid central HVAC or furnace fuel costs.

CON

Costly to install or replace

Though ductless mini splits are easy to install, the process is quite expensive up front. First, you must get an initial quote from a contractor for both the unit and installation expenses. This includes costs for the system itself, the labor for installing the unit, and the logistics and extra components.

In total, the costs of your mini split include its size, the quality of its components, and how many units you install. Mini splits can cover either a single room or multiple. Single zone mini splits have one outdoor unit and one indoor air handler. Multi zone mini splits have one outdoor unit and multiple indoor units that you can place in individual rooms.

Other elements that can affect your bill are climate, frequency of use, and local electricity rates. The larger and more complex the system, the more expensive it will be to upgrade to one or replace it.

PRO

Ideal replacements or supplements for baseboard, wall and ceiling heaters, wood stoves, electric furnaces, and electric plug-in heaters

A mini split AC system is a perfect addition to any house. You can add them to new construction or replace an old system for a more safe, durable, and quiet alternative. They do not require the complex and expensive labor that it takes to install ducts, nor the obstruction of your space.

For example, baseboard heaters are often a safety concern for children and pets because of their low placement. But you can install mini split air handlers high on the wall or ceiling to be out of the way. In addition, mini split air conditioning systems distribute air evenly regardless of where you place the unit.

CON

Requires regular maintenance to run smoothly

A struggle you might have after installing a mini split air conditioner or heat pump is the maintenance time and cost. To keep everything running smoothly, you will have to clean the units and the air filter monthly. If you smoke or have pets who shed, you may have to clean the filter more frequently. Cleaning between the outdoor condenser coils is also important since they are most exposed to weather elements.

Accumulating dust and debris can damage a mini split system, and neglecting maintenance risks shortening the unit's lifespan. However, routine maintenance is fairly easy to do yourself without the need for a professional.

PRO

Has optimized airflow and is less vulnerable to air leakage

Especially during summer and winter, air losses can increase energy costs and decrease the performance of your HVAC system. But because mini splits do not use ducts, the concern of air losses is obsolete. This is a great advantage to have because you will have no warm or cool air loss in extreme seasons.

Despite being a localized source of heating and cooling, mini split technology optimizes their circulated air flow. This allows for the air handler to distribute warm or cool air just as well as ducts do in central HVAC systems.

CON

Mini split systems have heating and cooling limits

As your primary HVAC system, mini splits are not going to be as powerful as central ducted systems. Mini splits are great for covering individual rooms, but not for entire homes or commercial buildings. Ductless mini splits also have a limit to their heating and cooling capacity in more extreme climate zones.

Some mini split systems have either air conditioning or heat pump capabilities, while others have both. Depending on the type you get, you may end up needing a backup HVAC system to cover what the mini split cannot. This could be a fuel-powered furnace, and indoor fan, or baseboard heater, which will all add to your energy bill.

PRO

Room-by-room temperature control with multi zone mini splits

Multi zone ductless heating and cooling systems have incredible temperature control in individual rooms. This allows you to remotely adjust the temperature of different spaces independently to suit various comfort levels. For larger spaces that would benefit from more customizable HVAC systems, multi zone mini splits have great advantages.

Overall, ductless mini splits have more pros than cons when chosen as your primary or supplementary HVAC system. When you upgrade from a baseboard heater or other wall heater, you will see enormous benefits in your savings. Ductless mini splits also have more efficient performance than central HVAC systems, as well as less obstructive installation.

If you think a ductless mini split system will fit your needs, buy or upgrade to one today with a unit from HomElectrical! Browse our selection here.