
A ductless mini-split system works on the same principles as larger HVAC systems. The exterior unit draws in air through one or two vents. Some units have vents on the side and back, so the unit may need to be installed a foot or two from the exterior wall of your home. The unit also has an air outlet vent on the front.
What's the ideal situation for ductless mini split systems?
What is the Ideal Situation for Mini Split Systems (Ductless)? Depending on your home's construction, ductless systems can make sense in a variety of applications, including whole-house heating and cooling. But there are certain situations where ductless has a clear advantage: New additions: garage apartments, bonus rooms, sunrooms and man caves.
Why should I use a ductless mini split?
When should I consider a mini-split system?
- Room Additions and Home Renovations. If a new space has been added on to your original home, it can be difficult to redirect your ductwork to the new room.
- Replace Your Window Unit. In the past, the solution to low airflow spaces has always been a window AC unit, but window units pose many problems!
- Tricky Situations. ...
What is the best rated mini split system?
Top-Rated Brands
- Pioneer is a manufacturer of mini-split heat pumps and air conditioners, for both ducted and ductless houses. ...
- Senville, founded in 2005, make mini-split and multi-zone air conditioners and heat pumps. ...
- Daikin is an air conditioner company that was founded in 1924, originally focusing on electrical equipment. ...
How much does a ductless mini split system cost?
Cost of a Mini-Split. The total cost can vary significantly depending on the factors above, but you should expect to pay between $5,000 to $8,000 per zone. If you have more than two zones, you can expect to pay $11,000 and up. For a full house of ductless units, expect to pay $20,000 or more.

What are the disadvantages of a mini split system?
The primary disadvantage of mini splits is their cost. They are generally priced around traditional AC systems. Correct sizing of the system is important. Over-sized or incorrectly installed equipment often result in short-cycling; wasting energy and unable to properly control the temperature or humidity.
Are mini splits both heat and AC?
Mini-splits are heating and cooling systems that allow you to control the temperatures in individual rooms or spaces. Mini-split systems have two main components -- an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit(s) (evaporator).
Do ductless mini splits use a lot of electricity?
Ductless mini split systems are extremely efficient. Compared to conventional room air conditioners like window units and portable ACs, using a ductless mini split cooling system can cut energy costs by 30 percent.
What are the pros and cons of a mini split system?
The Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini-Split ACPros. Its small size and flexibility make it a great choice for single rooms or add ons, especially where ducts may not be an option. ... Cons. As an initial investment, they're not cheap. ... The Long Run. Sure the price tag is steep, most initial investments are like that.
How much does it cost to run a mini split per month?
Most people who install a mini split see a significant drop in cooling costs. A mini split can cost anywhere from below $12 to above $500 (in extreme cases) to run per month. A great majority of mini splits cost less than $100/month to run.
How long do mini splits last?
10 to 30 yearsLike heat pumps, ductless mini-splits can provide both heating and cooling, with a typical life span of 10 to 30 years, except in coastal areas.
Do mini splits raise your electric bill?
Mini-splits use electricity to keep a home's temperature comfortable. Overall, they are efficient HVAC systems and don't use much energy, keeping running costs low. Though there are many factors to consider, running a mini-split instead of a central ducted HVAC can save up to half or more on your bill.
How big of a mini split do I need for 1000 square feet?
BTU Sizing Chart for Mini Split SystemsArea To Be CooledCapacity Needed (BTUs Per Hour)400 to 450 square feet10,000 BTUs450 to 550 square feet12,000 BTUs550 to 700 square feet14,000 BTUs700 to 1,000 square feet18,000 BTUs7 more rows•Jul 18, 2016
How many rooms can a mini split cool?
4 roomsBoth can be used to cool a single room without ductwork. But a mini-split can add more evaporator units (up to 4) to one condenser unit. So technically it can cool up to 4 rooms. Mini-splits are also much more energy efficient than window units and last longer, too.
What is the difference between mini split and ductless?
A ductless heat pump is called a mini-split because it is made up of two parts, one for handling indoor air and the other that acts as the outdoor compressor. Here's everything you need to know about a Ductless Heating and Cooling System.
How many square feet will a mini split heat?
Average Cost for Mini-Split Installation One of the most often installed sizes is a 12,000 BTU mini-split. This will heat and cool approximately 450–550 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment.
How much does it cost to install a ductless mini split?
A ductless mini-split installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average. A mini-split AC system costs $1,500 to $8,000 on average, depending on BTU size in tons, SEER rating, mount type, and number of zones. The average labor cost to install ductless air conditioning is $500 to $2,000.
Do split air conditioners also heat?
Most ductless mini-split systems are heat pumps. That means they can both heat and cool your home, eliminating the need for a separate heater. Of course, you can get central air heat pumps, but it's an upgrade.
Are all split systems heating and cooling?
Some split systems have only a cooling mode. Reverse cycle split systems, on the other hand, can do both heating and cooling. Split systems come in two units. A split system is an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that is usually mounted on the wall.
Can Split AC be used for heating?
When running an air conditioner in the winter, the unit reverses its function and fills your space up with warm air instead of cold—saving you the cost of getting a separate heating system. So yes, air conditioners do indeed work in winter.
Can mini-splits heat as well as cool?
Ductless mini-splits can indeed provide both heating and cooling.
What is a mini split system?
Most ductless mini-split systems are heat pumps. That means they can both heat and cool your home, eliminating the need for a separate heater.
Where is the refrigerant in a split system?
The refrigerant running through these coils absorbs the heat from the air and brings it to... The outside unit is where the refrigerant dumps all the heat it pulled from your home’s air. Now in a regular split system air conditioner, the indoor unit is in the attic or closet.
Is a mini split ductless system in the room?
But in a mini-split ductless system, the smaller indoor unit is actually in the room it’s cooling.
Is a ductless air conditioner more expensive than a central air conditioner?
In general, ductless systems are about 30% more expensive than a central air conditioner—but that’s not including ducts. The basic units also aren’t super attractive, though you can upgrade to the recessed versions.
Can mini splits lose air?
Ductless mini-split systems won’t lose any cooled air due to duct leakage. And duct leakage is a real problem with central air conditioners.
What is ductless mini split?
It is a unique type of heating and cooling system that will not require any ducts to provide heating or cooling to the air in the home.
How Does the System Work?
The indoor unit will generally be located high on a wall, where it is out of the way while sending the air into the room. The unit is connected to the compressor through a power cable and a refrigerant system, eliminating the need to have any ducts.
Do you have to worry about ductless systems?
You don’t have to worry about that when you have a ductless system. Just make sure that you have it installed properly by the pros.
Do ductless units work?
This type of unit can work well for homes that don’t have any ductwork already installed , as well as for additions and renovations. They could also work for homes that may have ducts, but the owner wants to have more control over the heating and cooling. It can help to save money since the owner can heat or control only certain rooms in the home rather than the entire property.
Is a mini split HVAC system good for the winter?
Are there rooms in your house which are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter? A duct less mini-split HVAC system can provide the perfect temperature in every season. There's no ductwork involved, making installation easy and cost effective. Best of all, their energy efficiency will save money on electric bills.
Can you have multiple HVAC units in a room?
When you have multiple indoor units, you can place them in different rooms or zones in the home. Our team of HVAC professionals can talk with you about creating these zones and where to have the units installed for the best results.
Do mini split AC systems need a hole?
They will only require a small hole in the wall for the conduit. This is better than having a window unit for your AC, which presents a security risk. Thieves could simply remove the window unit and have easy access to your home. You won’t have that problem with a mini-split system. The hookup only requires a hole that’s about three inches.
