Every home needs a cooling system for comfort. It feels amazing to walk into a cool house on sweltering summer days. But what type of air conditioner can help you sleep better at night and more importantly keep your electricity bill down? A mini-split AC system may be the ideal solution. Our essential guide to mini-split AC systems can help you discover everything you need to know to make a smart choice.
What Is a Mini-Split AC?
Mini-split air conditioners are energy-efficient cooling systems with two main units: a compressor outside the house and an air-handling unit inside. The reason they’re called mini-splits is that the compressor and refrigerant coils are “split” between the inside and outside of the home. A narrow conduit connects the inside air handlers and outdoor compressor, circulating refrigerant that extracts heat from inside the home, cooling inside temperatures significantly.
The Benefits of Mini-Split Systems
More and more homeowners are choosing zone cooling because of how comfortable it is. A mini-split unit is designed to cool a single room or area. You can link several different interior units in a network, creating a zone-cooling system that lets you adjust each area individually. With a mini-split, you can always keep your bedroom, living room, or kitchen at the temperature you love.
Mini-splits and their ductless cooling are quiet, energy-efficient, and comfortable. It can save you a lot of money on electricity bills, improve your home’s air quality and even help you sleep better at night. Companies can benefit from choosing ductless air conditioners, too, as ductless systems come in a wide range of outputs and prices with cooling solutions for small retail stores, cozy coffee shops, large auto dealerships, huge factories, and many other businesses. Our team has the expertise and professional qualifications for large and complex layouts.
Mini-Splits Vs Central Air Systems: Which Is Better?
Central air and mini-split systems both do a good job of cooling homes. Performance-wise, these HVAC systems are equally up to the task and deliver reliable cooling.
The biggest difference between these two air-conditioning options is that mini-splits are ductless. For central air, ducts take up more space and cost more to install. They can require extra maintenance.
Another reason ducts matter is that they waste a lot of energy. On average, central air systems lose about 30% of energy because of ducts, and even more if your ducts are located in the attic. That means that if you normally spend $400 a year on air conditioning, you can save $120 by going with a mini-split instead.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Mini-Splits?
Ductless units offer many advantages, but they also have a few downsides. For many people, the pros outweigh the cons by a lot, but we’ll let you judge that for yourself:
The Bottom Line: Is a Mini-Split Air Conditioner Smart for Your Home or Business?
To decide if you should get a mini-split, focus on factors such as your lifestyle, home, and current cooling system. Does your home already have ductwork? Are you remodeling your whole house or just looking for a simple solution for indoor comfort?
Mini-splits offer incredible energy efficiency, great cooling output, and unparalleled quietness. That’s a winning combination for many families. If your home doesn’t have ducts, nine times out of ten, mini-splits end up saving you a lot of money on both installation and energy costs. You may indeed need to invest more upfront, but that’s not surprising when you’re getting the best zone-cooling system in return.
Still not sure? Let us help. At Total Home Supply, we’re experts in air-conditioning and heating systems. We can help you find the best type of AC and the right output for your needs. Learn more about mini-split systems by contacting us online or checking out our helpful guides.