Are Ductless Mini-Splits Worth It?

Is it time to replace your home’s heating and cooling system? Although centralized HVAC units are the top choice for many homeowners, others are turning to ductless mini-splits thanks to their many benefits. Still, understanding the pros and cons of mini-split systems will help you make the best decision regarding your property’s heating, cooling, and indoor comfort.

Read the guide below for more details about ductless mini-splits and their benefits. 

What Are Ductless Mini-Splits?

A ductless mini-split is an HVAC system with one outdoor unit and two or more indoor units. Instead of using one thermostat to control the temperature in the entire house, the indoor air handlers create zones with individual thermostats. Refrigerant flows between the indoor and outdoor units on a closed loop to remove warmth and excess moisture from indoor air.

Since the equipment provides individualized temperature control without dispersing chilled or heated air through ductwork, spaces reach their temperatures quickly. The risk of air loss through leaky ducts is nonexistent unless you install a ducted mini-split system.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Ductless mini-splits are gaining popularity with property owners due to their energy efficiency. These systems use less energy than central HVAC units but have excellent outputs. It takes less energy to heat or cool a room or two than it does for a whole house, so you don’t have to worry about wasting energy and raising your monthly utility expenses by running your HVAC for rooms that don’t need it. 

Advanced mini-splits also use inverter technology, which also contributes to energy efficiency and savings. This technology alters power consumption and compressor speed to produce consistent indoor temperatures without frequently cycling on and off. As a result, the system works more efficiently without causing unnecessary wear to its components.

The improved energy efficiency helps reduce energy bills over time despite the system’s high upfront costs. Additional features that can make your HVAC more efficient and increase the potential for substantial savings include programmable thermostats and Energy Star certification. 

Installation Flexibility and Ease

Though HVAC installation should never be a DIY project, installing a ductless mini-split is easier than installing a central heating and cooling unit. Mini-splits don’t need ductwork, which makes their installation process more straightforward. You can also install multiple compact indoor units in different rooms and spaces where traditional ductwork and window air conditioners wouldn’t typically work like a home addition or garage.

Since air ducts are unnecessary for ductless mini-split systems, installing them doesn’t disrupt the property much. For most properties, the only time an HVAC technician will do any drilling besides mounting the indoor units is to create a small hole in a wall for the conduit to go through, making the installation process minimally invasive. 

With such an easy installation, these systems are ideal for anybody who wants to save time and money with their HVAC installation without altering their home. 

Zoning and Comfort Control

One of the top benefits of ductless mini-splits is the ability to create zoned heating and cooling. You can purchase and install indoor units in strategic areas depending on your home’s size, layout, and household members’ comfort needs.

That means you can enjoy a specific temperature in one part of your home, and someone else can adjust a separate thermostat to improve their room’s climate according to their preferences. You could also program the thermostats to accommodate different schedules for optimal indoor comfort.

A centralized HVAC system doesn’t allow this type of climate control. You also can’t solely heat and cool the rooms you use, which is something a ductless mini-split offers.

Maintenance and Longevity

Though all heating and cooling units need regular maintenance, ductless mini-splits require less maintenance than other systems. The main reason for the reduced maintenance requirement is the lack of air ducts. 

Ductwork is notorious for collecting dust, dirt, and other debris that can degrade your home’s air quality. Instead of cleaning air ducts, you can regularly change your air filters and schedule yearly HVAC tune-ups.

Discover the Benefits of a Ductless Mini-Split for Your Home With Big Fish Cooling & Heating

If you’re considering a ductless mini-split for your home in or around Lumberton, Texas, rest assured our expert HVAC technicians at Big Fish Cooling & Heating can manage the installation flawlessly. As a trusted, award-winning heating and air conditioning company, we have the expertise necessary to ensure a seamless mini-split installation with additional repair and maintenance services to ensure long-term performance.

Experience the energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, and low maintenance of a top-tier mini-split system — call (409) 658-7037 today to make an appointment for expert installation with us. Let us help now.