A Mini-Split AC Might Be Right For Your Home

For homeowners that lack a central air conditioning system, they need to find other ways to cool their space in the summer months. One solution is the window unit, but it can be a hassle to install and uninstall every year, plus needing to find the space to store it during the winter. It also isn’t very efficient. Instead, why not settle for a ductless HVAC system?

Ductless HVAC systems, also called mini-split systems, are an efficient way to make your home more comfortable. Mini-split systems are considered for rooms that a window unit might occupy, but is mounted on the wall instead. The unit itself is inside, while the compressor is outside. Ductless units require a small hole to be drilled into the wall and thus are less vulnerable to air leakage as opposed to a window unit.

The mini-split system is much more energy efficient, too. For the standard house with ducts, there is a roughly 25 percent loss of energy because of the ductwork. Without the ducts, the cool air is directed straight into the room. Ductless systems also use an inverter-driven compressor, which will speed up or slow down based on the system’s needs instead of starting up and shutting down like traditional HVAC compressors.

However, the up-front cost of installation might turn some homeowners away. They may end up costing several times more than window units or baseboard systems. Yes, you will see a substantial difference in monthly energy usage, but that is only after the purchase and installation that precedes.

There is also a certain amount of upkeep and maintenance required for your ductless system. The mini-split system will need its filter cleaned every month, which is more often that the suggested amount for other systems. By ignoring maintenance, you might end up spending hundreds of dollars more for fixes, and you could shorten the life of the unit.

Mini-split systems work best in certain situations and settings. Smaller spaces that see a lot of use, such as a garage or sunroom, make ideal rooms for a mini-split system. Or, if one room in your home has had issues with heating or cooling, a mini-split system can take over and make that space habitable once more.

In a home with no ductwork at all, the mini-split system works great. Again, installing a ductless unit comes with a price, but it is less expensive than adding complete ductwork to an existing house.

You have a lot to consider when finding the best and most efficient way to cool your home during the summer. For more information about ductless air conditioning, call Sunrise Heating and Plumbing at (616) 293-9326. We pride ourselves in providing nothing but exceptional customer service.