Ductless mini-split systems have garnered a lot of attention for their effectiveness and efficiency the past few years. While they offer many advantages, such as zoning, flexibility, easy installation, and quiet operation, selecting the right system for your home or business requires careful consideration. In this blog, I aim to simplify this process for you and create a starting point for those who are considering a new mini-split system.
Mini-Split System Basics
The Mini-Split Heating and Cooling Process
Like all heat pumps, mini-splits gather heat from the air outside, circulating refrigerant between the outdoor compressor and an indoor air unit, then distributing the air throughout your home. The process is reversed during spring and summer months where heat is extracted from your home and sent outside, providing a cool and dry indoor climate.
A mini-split is comprised of an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and the refrigerant lines and electrical wiring that connects the two. Inside the outdoor unit, refrigerant circulates. Refrigerant is the substance that absorbs heat (from outdoors or indoors) regardless of the temperature (which is why it works even in winter!). Here, it is compressed and condensed to intensify the heat or reduce it in preparation to expel it indoors or outdoors. Inside, the indoor unit takes care of circulating the climate-controlled air through the space. The indoor unit also doubles as a thermostat.
How they work
Mini-splits are a type of heat pump and operate similarly to traditional heat pumps but without ductwork. For more information, I wrote a deep dive on what a heat pump is and how it works earlier this year.
What distinguishes a ductless mini-split from a heat pump?
While all mini-splits are a type of heat pump, not all heat pumps are mini-splits. Mini-splits operate similarly to traditional heat pumps but without ductwork. All ductless systems provide air conditioning while many provide both cooling and heating.
Mini-Split Deciding Factors
Here are some questions to consider before making a decision:
- What are the climate conditions in my area?
- How much insulation does the space have?
- What is the size and layout of my room(s)?
- Do I want to heat and cool rooms independently from one another?
- How long of an installation process can I tolerate?
- How will this unit impact the resale value of my home?
- Is indoor air quality important to me?
- Do I want a quiet system?
Please add any other aspects of an HVAC system that are important to you when making your assessment. This information helps determine what system is suitable for the space and, importantly, creates an indoor environment that you are happy with.
What level of efficiency do I want?
Ductless mini-splits are renowned for their efficiency, with heat pumps being among the most efficient HVAC systems available. Efficiency saves you money on energy bills and is alluring to those prioritizing climate-friendly systems. Regardless of what type of system you choose, you can easily check the efficiency ratings by looking at the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. The higher the rating, the better the efficiency. Another way to quickly identify efficient systems is by looking for Energy Star-certified models.
What size system do I need?
A mini-split system allows up to four indoor units for every outdoor unit. Having the correct number of units for the space is crucial for optimal performance and energy efficiency. An HVAC professional will create a load calculation to determine the appropriate size system and the cost variations between system types, helping you make an educated decision.
Will a mini-split impact the aesthetic of my space?
Some find the look of a mini-split’s wall-mounted indoor unit less seamless than that of ducted systems. This setup has a simplistic installation and provides excellent air distribution, but there are other options as well. Some possibilities are ceiling cassettes, under-window and floor-mounted units.
Is inverter technology important to me?
If a system utilizes inverter technology it is kept in continuous, albeit minimal, motion to reach the desired temperature. The compressor accelerates until it reaches the optimal temperature and then maintains the minimum speed necessary to keep it there. This allows the system to use the least amount of energy/electricity while maintaining optimal comfort.
What are the cost considerations?
Some mini-split systems can be quite affordable compared to ducted systems, especially after rebates and incentives, but there can still be a significant upfront cost. However, the investment comes with lower utility bills and fewer maintenance visits when it is made by a reputable manufacturer and installed and serviced by licensed technicians.
Benefits of a Mini-Split System
- Energy efficiency
- Quiet operation
- Improved indoor air quality
- Simplified installation
- Long lifespan
- Flexible zoning
- Heating and cooling capabilities
- Simplified maintenance
- Long-term cost savings
- Design flexibility
- An effective ductless option
- Environmental friendliness
- Remote control operated
- Smart technology options
- Rapid heating or cooling
- Compact compared to traditional systems
- No ductwork maintenance
- Suitable for many commercial spaces
We hope you found this article helpful and look forward to continuing to ensure your comfort and safety. Thank you for choosing CPS.
If you are in need of more information or would like to schedule a free consultation, you can reach us at 508-460-6691 or click here.
