Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini Splits

Are you looking into HVAC systems for your home? Whether you want to replace your current system or install an entirely new one, you have two options: a central air system or a ductless AC unit. And if you want to learn about ductless AC units, you’ve come to the right place! When it comes to choosing between central air and ductless mini splits, there is no better or worse option. However, based on your home and budget, there will be a better solution for you. This article will discuss the pros and cons of ductless mini split systems. Hopefully, we can help you figure out whether ductless mini splits are the better choice for you. But if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Quick Serve Pro!

Pros

Efficiency

Ductless mini split systems are incredibly energy-efficient and require very little energy to operate. Inverter technology is used in these devices to convert high-voltage electricity into DC voltage. The results are SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings that reach over 30 for cooling and heating! And when it comes to a SEER rating, the higher, the better. Additionally, a ductless AC unit uses a variable-speed compressor, which is an intelligent drive system that continuously alters the motor speed to match the air demand. This means that mini split units will fluctuate the amount of power used to perfectly match the output required. Central air units, on the other hand, usually have just one or two speeds and operate at full throttle, resulting in increased energy loss.

Built-in Zoning

With multiple mini split units in your home, you will be able to control the temperature in various rooms, creating a zoning system. For instance, one area of your home with a ductless AC unit will be considered one zone, while the area around a second unit will be considered another. Each zone can have a different temperature, depending on your needs. This is extremely beneficial since you can avoid heating or cooling your entire home when you’re only using part of it.

Ductless

Buying a ductless AC unit (or several) is a great option if you don’t already have ductwork in your home. Although adding ductwork is always a possibility, unless you don’t have the room for it, it can be quite an investment. If you don’t have space in your home for ductwork, buying a mini split unit is a necessity. If you already have existing ductwork, modifications for new equipment, cleaning, and maintenance will cost money and time.

Flexibility

If you already have a central air system, you have the option of pairing a single ductless AC unit with it. This can help make your home more comfortable if you don’t have ductwork in certain rooms like garages and finished basements.

Cons

Filtration

While mini split units have air filters of their own, they aren’t as powerful as central air systems that get rid of your home’s dust, allergens, and odors. Carbon inserts can be added to ductless AC unit systems to alleviate some of these issues, but note that they must be changed frequently. You also have the option of fitting an air purifier to your mini split unit, although this will be limited by the system’s inherent zoning.

Unattractive Line

Mini split systems contain a line that includes condensate drainage and electrical connectors. This line connects the inside unit to the outside unit, and because these units are often placed in odd locations, the line tends to run down the side of or around corners of homes and can be seen from a distance.

Drainage

Ductless AC units regulate humidity by collecting moisture through the condensate line. In most cases, the line will use gravity to transport the condensate outside to the drain. However, depending on your location, this may not be the case. You might have to purchase a condensate pump to move the moisture outside. Condensate pumps can be noisy and will need to be maintained from time to time.

Maintenance

While most homeowners neglect their HVAC systems until something goes wrong, like all HVAC equipment, mini split systems need to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Without regular maintenance, your ductless AC unit will lose efficiency, increase your energy costs, and not last as long as it should. Mini split systems need their filters cleaned out every few weeks. If this sounds like too much of a hassle, be sure to call a reputable HVAC service company in your area.

Initial Price Is Higher

If you already have ductwork installed in your home, it can be more expensive to buy a new ductless AC unit. But if you don’t have ducts in your home, getting them installed can be around the same price. Nevertheless, you will save more on your utilities with a mini split system since they are more energy-efficient.

Looking for a Ductless AC Unit?

Whether you’re looking for a single ductless AC unit for a room in your house without ductwork or don’t have room for ductwork in your home and need several units, Quick Serve Pro has got everything that you need. And we can take care of everything from the installation to filter changes. Give us a call today if you live around the New York or New Jersey area!Stay tuned for an upcoming article about the pros and cons of central air systems!