Mini-Splits

What is a Mini Split?

Mini splits are heating and cooling systems that allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms or spaces. It’s most often used in a situation where a window AC unit or baseboard heating would be considered, such as a new addition to a house. But unlike window units, ductless units require only a very small hole to be drilled into the wall, making them less vulnerable to air leakage problems. Mini splits make good retrofit add-ons to houses with “non-ducted” heating systems, such as hydronic (hot water heat), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane). They can also be a good choice for room additions where extending or installing distribution ductwork is not easily achieved, and energy efficient new homes that require only a small space conditioning system. Additionally, they produce minimal noise compared to window A/C units and can also be concealed within walls and ceilings in some cases.

Energy efficiency saves you money

Experts in the HVAC field can agree that on average, homeowners lose 25% or more of their energy to ductwork. By eliminating the ducts, you immediately end up with a more energy efficient system. Ductless models also have inverter-driven compressors, which speed up and slow down based on the needs of the system instead of shutting off entirely, like traditional HVAC compressors do. A lot of energy is spent in simply starting up the standard compressor.

Ideal situations for installing a Mini Split system

While Mini Split systems can serve you well in several applications, including whole home heating and cooling, there are a few situations in which installing a Mini Split system can be a clear choice.

New additions

Garages, sunrooms, man-caves, bonus rooms, and even mother-in-law suites can all benefit tremendously from Mini Split systems. The main benefit of ductless here is that it will be properly sized for the new space and won’t steal air from other rooms or overload your current HVAC system, while also allowing for independent control of each space.

Reducing energy use for large homes

For those who have larger homes, but only utilize a small portion of the home, or have periods of minimal use in certain areas, Mini Splits can serve to reduce energy waste by allowing to independently heat/cool specific areas, such as a master bedroom, dining room, or living room, while using their traditional units at far less capacity. This can reduce energy costs by 30% in ideal situations.

Giving support to a room with specific heating/cooling problems

Let’s use the kitchen as an example; if you have a smaller kitchen, with a high-tech oversized stove, and large windows that draw in light from the southwest, then you no doubt have suffered through the discomfort of cooking for a crowd, surrounded by heat that doesn’t seem to escape. Installing a Mini Split in this space can eliminate the need to crank your A/C unit up to the max.

As you can see, there are plenty of situations in which the addition of a Mini Split system could benefit your home, and your wallet. Contact Action Mechanical today to see if installing a Mini Split in your home or space is the right choice for your home. Our licensed HVAC professionals are on standby to help answer any questions you may have, and to assist you in finding the perfect solution for all your home heating and cooling needs.