Do you live in an older home without central air conditioning or plan to build an addition or convert an attic or basement? Or maybe you’re having a new home built. If any of these are true, you may be looking at options for installing a new central air conditioning system.
For an existing home, you may hesitate to have someone tear into the walls to install ductwork. For a new home, you might want to invest in the most energy-efficient system possible. A ductless mini-split system may be the best option for ease of installation and maximizing efficiency. Below are some things you need to know about ductless mini-splits to help you decide.
What Is a Mini-Split
Before getting into the advantages of a mini-split, you may be wondering what it is. This type of system comprises a single outdoor unit and one or more indoor air handlers. There’s no need for air ducts. Each indoor unit is connected to the outdoor condenser via small tubes that carry refrigerant. These air handlers have their own sensor and thermostat to offer temperature control for that area.
1. A Mini-Split Minimize Wasted Energy
Because different areas of your house have their own thermostat, you can keep rooms you mostly occupy at a comfortable temperature. You don’t have to waste energy on rooms you don’t usually use. Additionally, you avoid having conditioned air leak out of the ducts, thus saving energy.
2. Mini-Splits Provide Maximum Flexibility to Cater to Everyone’s Comfort Needs
Since the mini-split system allows you to control the temperatures in different rooms, it provides maximum flexibility. Each household member can set their thermostat to their preferred comfort level. If you prefer a frigid room when it is hot outside but one of your children likes it warmer, you can both set the temperature to your liking.
3. Ductless System Helps to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
Holes or cracks in the ductwork can allow dirt, insects, dust, pollen, and other allergens into your home. As it blows these particles around, the air quality in your house can adversely affect family members with asthma and other respiratory problems.
However, with a ductless system, these outdoor allergens are not introduced into your home’s cooling system. This helps to improve your home’s air quality and makes it easier for you and your household members’ respiratory systems.
4. Mini-Split Ductless Systems Are Faster and Cheaper to Install
Mini-split ductless cooling systems are faster and cheaper to install than traditional central air systems. You may require substantial remodeling to install the air ducts for central systems. This can be costly, take up valuable space, and detract from your home’s aesthetics.
5. Ductless Systems Need Less Maintenance than Traditional Ones
When your home has a ducted central air conditioning system, the ductwork must be cleaned every few years and checked for tears or gaps in the network. You also won’t have to worry about the large blower fan and other parts of a central system. The lesser need for care helps to save you money in the long run.
6. Ductless Mini-Split Systems Can Be Set Up for Heating and Cooling
While ductless mini-split systems are commonly associated with cooling, they can also be set up for heating. Since a mini-split is often powered by a heat pump, the installer can easily set up the system to provide heating and air conditioning.
With this combined system, you do not need to worry about installing a separate furnace or heating system, greatly decreasing your initial costs and increasing your home’s heating and cooling efficiency levels.
Along with offering ductless mini-split services, we provide installation, repairs, and maintenance for all types of heating and air conditioning systems. We can also install whole-home air purifiers to help improve your indoor air quality. In Downers Grove, IL or the surrounding area, contact us at Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling, Inc. today to speak with a representative to find out how we can help you.
