If you’re looking for an economical way to cool your home without retrofitting it with the ductwork you need for central air, you may wonder whether a ductless mini-split offers a solution. But while mini-splits are often praised as an economical and energy-efficient way to cool a small space, they’re not always right for every home. Below, we discuss some of the pros and cons of a mini-split to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is a ductless heating and cooling system that serves as an alternative to radiant panels, window A/C units, space heaters, and other heating and cooling devices that control the temperature of a small space.
Benefits of a Mini-Split
The primary benefits of a mini-split are its increased temperature control and energy efficiency.
Increased Comfort and Control
Unlike central air conditioners that are controlled by one central thermostat, a mini-split has its own temperature controls that allow you to set the temperature on a room-to-room basis.
You can place your mini-split in any room of your home you’d like. For example, if one room of your home gets strong morning sun and tends to be much warmer than the rest of your home, adding a mini-split to this room can help maintain a lower temperature without requiring any extensive ductwork additions.
Quiet Operation
Traditional A/C units can be loud and distracting if the indoor unit is nearby; on the other hand, a mini-split provides a much quieter experience.
Energy Efficiency
Today’s mini-splits are incredibly energy-efficient, helping decrease your carbon footprint and lower your energy use. You can increase this efficiency even further by strategically installing your mini-splits in the areas of your home that need them the most.
Drawbacks of a Mini-Split
Some of the potential drawbacks of a mini-split include cost and appearance.
Cost of Installation
One of the primary drawbacks of a mini-split system is the cost. These systems aren’t significantly cheaper than conventional A/C systems even though they’re designed to cool smaller spaces. However, if your home doesn’t already have the ductwork it needs to support an A/C system, a mini-split could be cheaper than installing this ductwork.
It’s also important to choose the right size system for your home. Oversized or improperly installed equipment can short-cycle more frequently, wasting energy and affecting the unit’s performance. This isn’t a job you can DIY; you need a professional to install a mini-split or you risk early system failure.
Appearance
Mini-splits take up space on your wall and can be obtrusive. Installing your mini-split in an out-of-the-way part of your home to make it less noticeable could negatively affect its performance.
Contact North East Air Conditioning for Your A/C Needs
Whether you’re still in the market for a ductless mini-split or are considering your other A/C options, North East Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing can help. Our experienced technicians can review your needs, your energy consumption, and your budget and help develop a comprehensive A/C plan for your home. Give us a call today or visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.
