All About the Ductless Mini Split
When it comes to heating and cooling, most homeowners are familiar with traditional central heating and cooling systems. After all, these central HVAC units have been around for decades and are the standard for heating and cooling in most homes. However, the past few years have seen the rise of an alternative to the centralized system, the mini-split system.
As its name implies, a mini-split is a smaller machine than a central HVAC and is “split” into two component units - an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor connected minimally by electrical wiring and tubing for the refrigerant. This design is what allows the mini split to enjoy the following advantages over traditional central heating and cooling systems:
Reduce Cost of Energy Consumption
Doing away with the ductwork removes much of the heat loss inherent in centralized HVACs. Lengthy ductwork inside the home is where most leaks come from, allowing heat to escape and significantly lowering an HVAC’s energy efficiency. Because a mini split does not have that kind of area of vulnerability, it is more energy efficient. Consequently, it consumes less energy, and we all know that greater energy efficiency translates to greater savings in monthly energy bills.
Another way that mini splits can save homeowners money in energy bills is because of the mini split heat pump. While some systems are only categorized as mini split air conditioners, most are equipped with both heating and cooling systems powered by a heat pump. Heat pumps are considered energy-saving because they don’t generate heat; they only move it from one place to another.
Hassle-free Mini Split Installation
The absence of ductwork also means that a mini split AC can be installed in less time than it takes to install a traditional ducted HVAC system. For simpler mini-split installations involving only one pair of indoor and outdoor units, the process can be done in a few hours, with more complex, multi-room system setups requiring up to two days.
In comparison, a full, ducted HVAC installation can take up to five days, with two days set aside just for the ductwork for an average-sized house - more for larger homes.
Seeing how these two stack up against each other in terms of installation time gives homeowners a good option for situations such as retrofitting old homes that don’t have ductwork or those without adequate space for ducts. Mini-splits are also great for additional spaces that are used sparingly, such as sunrooms or three-season rooms.
Flexible And Customizable Temperature Settings
Another appealing feature of the ductless mini-split system is how it can accommodate more than one temperature setting for different parts of the home. Centralized systems usually set one temperature for the whole house, which might not always meet the needs of each room.
With mini splits, each room can have a different indoor handler with a separate temperature setting from other rooms with other indoor handlers. This creates more comfortable zones that respond to the needs of individual people in different rooms.
About AirWorks Heating & Air
AirWorks Heating & Air are the trusted heating and AC experts in Wake Forest, NC, and throughout Wake County. This family-owned and operated company has been in business since 2007, offering a full menu of heating and cooling repair, maintenance, and installation, including duct and vent cleaning. Their technicians are NATE certified and ensure a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for HVAC services in Wake Forest, NC.
