Do you have a room in your house that’s always too cold or too hot? If so, then ductless mini-splits may be the solution for you. These compact systems are a great alternative to controlling your home’s temperature. In this article, we’ll discuss how ductless mini splits work. We’ll also offer some tips for choosing the right unit.
What is a Ductless Mini-Split?
A ductless mini-split is a heating and cooling unit that doesn’t require air ducts. As the name suggests, it’s a split system that has one outdoor and one indoor component. Each unit services
one room or area and has a separate fan and evaporator coil. Unlike traditional HVAC systems,
it’s compact and made for use in smaller spaces, not an entire house.
Since they’re so flexible, ductless mini-splits are a popular heating and cooling solution. They
can either be used on their own or as a complement to your current HVAC system. They’re
commonly used in garages, attics, and finished basements. Since they’re ductless, they’re easy
to install in almost any area in your house.
How do ductless mini-splits work?
Ductless mini-splits operate just like a heat pump in that they function off of electrical power.
The system consists of an outdoor compressor and an indoor evaporator. The system absorbs
heat from the outside (yes, even in the winter) and circulates it into your home. Mini-split
systems can have numerous units operating in different indoor spaces. One outdoor unit can
usually support several indoor units. Installing an extra compressor can scale the system up to
meet the needs of larger spaces.
What are the Benefits of Mini-Splits?
Ductless mini-splits have several benefits that are worth mentioning. For one thing, they’re
extremely energy-efficient. Since they use variable-speed compressors, they run as much or as
little as you need. Without the limit of the binary on/off switch, you’ll cut down on energy
usage. Ductless mini-splits also give you granular control of your home’s temperature. That
means you can customize your space, room by room.
Choosing the Right one for your Home
As you can see, there are lots of good reasons to consider ductless mini-splits for your home.
The hard part is deciding which system is best. Consider the following factors when making
your decision:
1. Energy efficiency and savings
All ductless mini-split systems maximize savings by lowering energy usage. When comparing
models, consider the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Some models qualify as
LEED zero, which means they operate with net-zero emissions from energy consumption.
2. Aesthetics
Since HVAC systems focus on performance, their appearance takes a back seat. Since
mini-splits are situated in the home, several manufacturers offer discreet options. These include
installation in the ceiling or floor, hiding the bulk of the unit itself.
3. Performance
Although all ductless mini-split systems offer cooling, some offer both heating and cooling.
Depending on the type of solution you’re looking for, this is an important factor to consider.
Conclusion
Do you have questions about ductless mini-splits or anything else HVAC-related? Our licensed
technicians at K&S can help you out. Give us a call today, or schedule your appointment online .
You can reach us at (507) 282-4328 for our Rochester location, and (952) 697-4328 for our Twin
Cities location.
