You don’t have to tear apart your home to get intelligent cooling. An electric ductless mini split air conditioner installation is the perfect solution for adding air conditioning to homes that aren’t compatible with traditional HVAC systems or window units.
Ideal for additions, finished basements, sunrooms and bedrooms, Ductless mini split AC units are gaining popularity for their ability to provide an unlimited number of climate zones via remote control, as well as their remarkably quiet and extremely efficient operation. Ductless mini split air conditioner installation is quick and easy, making it ideal for the many home situations where a ductless air conditioner is needed.
Looking to ditch your window unit? Ductless systems are a flexible and cost-effective solution to replace electric baseboard heaters and inefficient window units.
How it Works
Similar to traditional air conditioning units, a ductless air conditioner operates with two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handler. However, true to their name, mini splits differ from traditional heating and cooling systems by operating without ductwork.
Working similarly to larger HVAC systems, ductless mini split air conditioners work with an indoor and outdoor unit. The outdoor unit pulls in air through one of its vents, and then sends the air to the indoor units through a small tube. The indoor unit then electrically heats or cools the air and delivers it directly to different zones in your home.
Requiring minimal installation work compared to most HVAC units, the indoor components of a ductless mini split AC system are mounted to a wall anywhere that has access to electricity. Typically, mini split AC units are installed in specific zones or rooms of the home and each unit is controlled by remote.
Ductless Systems are Perfect For:
- Smaller, or historic homes with limited space for ductwork
- Homes with limited outdoor space for placing central air units
- Homes without ductwork already installed
- Supplemental cooling of additions, sunrooms, or newly finished basements
Why Ductless Mini Split Installation?
Multiple Climate Zone Controls
Because each indoor unit has its own individual thermostat, a ductless mini split AC system allows you to control each zone in your home independently and turn off zones that are not in use. Many models can pair up to four indoor units to one outdoor compressor, with each one individually controllable for optimal comfort.
Efficiency
Because ductless air conditioners operate without bulky ductwork, they are less susceptible to leaks that account for up to 30% of energy consumption in traditional systems. Additionally, the multiple indoor units allow you to control which rooms are being heated or cooled, maximizing efficiency by turning off airflow to rooms you aren’t currently using. This makes mini split ac systems up to 40% more efficient than conventional HVAC.
Ease of Installation
For many homes with space constraints or plaster walls that don’t allow them to fit larger ductwork used in traditional systems or window units, ductless mini split air conditioner installation is a flexible, minimally-invasive alternative. The small, simple connections from outdoor to indoor units mean homeowners have choices when it comes to the interior design of their system.
Before making any decisions, make sure to read our Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps Blog.
Considerations for Your Home
Output and Location
Getting the correct size mini split model for your home is essential to maximizing its efficiency. If a unit is oversized or poorly located within a home it can result in short-cycling, which drastically decreases a system’s efficiency. For proper ductless mini split installation, be sure to consult with a professional.
Installation Costs
Due to their more intricate design and need for a trained professional, the initial setup costs of a ductless mini split AC system are typically higher than that of window units or other non-traditional air conditioning systems. However, these costs are generally offset long-term by lower operational costs, efficient design, and ease of maintenance to mini split air conditioner units.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DUCTLESS MINI SPLIT AC MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, & INSTALLATION?
Have questions, or interested in installing a ductless mini split air conditioner unit in your home? The experts at Unique Indoor Comfort would love to help!