Ductless mini-split systems have become an incredibly popular heating and cooling option for homes across the globe. To ensure that ductless mini-splits are the right option for your home, it’s important to weigh the benefits and the disadvantages.
Pros
There are many reasons why ductless mini-split systems provide stiff competition to HVAC systems.
Easy Installation
Unlike the complex and invasive process of installing an HVAC system, installing a ductless mini-split system is a breeze. No major construction projects are necessary in your home, and the process is much more straightforward.
Energy Efficient
One of the major downsides of HVAC systems is that they’re not very efficient. Most HVAC systems only aim to get the general temperature in the house to your desired setting. Even zoned HVAC systems typically cover multiple rooms and areas per zone. If there are unoccupied rooms, you wind up wasting energy to cool or heat them. In addition, air ducts frequently have problems with leaks, forcing the system to work harder for longer to make up for the air loss.
Ductless mini-split systems allow you to easily turn each room into a zone. You can precisely control the temperature in every room to avoid cooling or heating empty rooms. Without ducts, there is very minimal air loss to worry about.
Maximum Comfort
Since ductless mini-splits allow you to control the temperature in each room, you can make your home as comfortable as possible for everyone. You can crank up the air conditioning in the living room after a jog without bothering someone in the bedroom who prefers to be warmer.
High-quality Air Filtration
HVAC systems have one basic filter to clean out contaminants from the air. You can purchase higher quality filters for your system like HEPA and carbon filters, but the main issue lies in the air ducts. Dust, pet fur and dander, mold spores, pollen, pest debris, and more settle in your air ducts and blow back into the rooms as the air circulates. No matter how good your filter is, dirty air ducts will constantly have a negative impact on the air quality in your home.
Each wall unit in a ductless mini-split system has its own high-quality air filter. There are no ducts to collect dust and grime, and the filters are easily changed whenever necessary.
Cons
While ductless mini-split systems have many advantages, they come with some drawbacks that you should consider.
Higher Initial Cost
The primary concern many people have when debating HVAC and ductless mini-split systems is the cost. Getting a full HVAC system installed is a hefty bill. The unit itself is pricey, but having ductwork installed increases the cost dramatically. When coupled with ductwork, it’s cheaper to get a ductless mini-split system than an HVAC system.
However, many homes have existing air ducts in working condition. With the ducts already in place, the only costs for an HVAC system are the unit and installation. These costs are usually slightly less than the costs of purchasing and installing a ductless mini-split system.
While the initial cost may be higher, the energy savings from the ductless mini-split system may balance it out enough to be worth the expense in the long run.
Aesthetics
HVAC systems are very good at blending in. The vents and returns are small and look fairly normal on floors and walls.
Ductless mini-split wall units are much larger and may be considered unsightly when compared to vents and returns. The units can be concealed with specially made cabinets and boxes, but they can only be hidden so much while maintaining proper airflow.
Not Ideal for Extreme Temperatures
HVAC systems are usually powerful enough to properly heat and cool homes in any climate. Ductless systems struggle in intense climates. If you get a ductless mini-split system in a climate that regularly experiences intense temperatures, you may have to supplement the heating and cooling with fans and portable heaters.
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