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Ductless mini-split HVAC systems have increased in popularity due to the benefits over traditional HVAC systems. However, many homeowners still wonder if they can both heat and cool a home adequately. Today, we will examine mini-split systems, explore their benefits, and explain their heating and cooling capabilities.
Mini-Split HVAC System Explained
Traditional HVAC systems are centered around a large outdoor unit with large ducts carrying air throughout the home. Ductless mini-splits are different. The outdoor unit tends to be smaller. Additionally, interior blower units are strategically placed around the home. In place of ductwork, these interior units connect to the outdoor unit by much smaller refrigerant lines.
Do Mini-Splits Both Heat and Cool?
The short answer is, yes, many ductless mini-splits can both heat and cool a home. However, some models of mini-splits are only designed with the ability to cool. When choosing a model, ensure you pick one that can both warm and cool your home for year-round comfort.
How Mini-Splits Cool a Home
To cool your home, refrigerant is pumped between the outdoor condenser unit and the interior blower units through copper tubing. When warm air is blown over the coil in your interior unit, the refrigerant absorbs the heat. The newly cooled air then circulates back into your home while the outdoor unit releases the heat that was absorbed. The refrigerant is then sent back to the interior units to begin the cycle again.
How Mini-Splits Heat a Home
Mini-split HVAC systems can heat your home by essentially reversing the process that they use to cool your home. They typically have a reversing valve that allows them to switch from cooling mode to heating mode. Because a mini-split can both cool and heat your home, it can replace both a conventional furnace and a conventional air conditioning unit.
Mini-Split Benefits
Because of their unique design, ductless mini-split HVAC systems offer numerous benefits over traditional HVAC systems. Understanding these benefits will help you decide if a ductless mini-split is the right choice for your home comfort.
Energy Savings
Mini-split HVAC systems are designed to operate more efficiently than traditional HVAC systems. This increased energy efficiency means that upgrading to a mini-split system can help you save significantly on your energy bills. Homeowners often notice the savings the most during the warmest parts of summer when their energy usage typically spikes.
Easy Installation
Compared to traditional HVAC systems, mini-splits are usually easier to install. This ease of installation means that professional installation can be faster and cost less than traditional systems that require time and effort on extensive ductwork.
Reduced Noise
Traditional HVAC systems tend to be prone to noisy operation. This can be a problem for people who work from home or any light sleepers in the home. Mini-split HVAC systems are designed to operate quietly, making them much less noticeable to sensitive ears.
Zone Control
Because multiple interior mini-split units are installed in your home, occupants can adjust the temperature and airflow in different zones to their specific preferences. Unoccupied zones can be completely turned off to further save on energy consumption. Traditional HVAC systems don’t have zoning capability unless dampers get installed in the ductwork.
Indoor Air Quality
Pollen, dust, and other contaminants lead to poor indoor air quality. Ductless mini-split systems have multiple levels of air filtration, increasing the indoor air quality of your home. Homeowners can even clean the filters in each interior unit instead of having to replace them.
Maintenance and Repairs
Due to the efficiency of mini-split systems, there is much less stress on the system compared with a traditional HVAC system. This reduced stress means repairs aren’t needed as often. Additionally, maintenance for mini-split systems is easier since they don’t have ductwork.
Extended Lifespan
Another added benefit of the reduced stress from efficient operation is that the lifespan of a mini-split HVAC system tends to be longer. While the initial cost of a mini-split system may be a little higher than a traditional system, the energy savings and longer lifespan can make it more cost-effective in the long run.
Environmentally Friendly
If you are a homeowner who takes pride in lowering your carbon footprint, a mini-split system is a great choice. The reduced energy usage with these systems makes them more environmentally friendly. When choosing a model, pay attention to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Models with higher SEER ratings are more efficient and better for the environment.
Remote Operation
When you need to adjust the temperature of a traditional HVAC system, you usually have to get up and walk to wherever the thermostat is in the house. Mini-split interior units usually come with remote controls so that you can more easily adjust the temperature, airflow, or other settings.
Space Efficient
If space is limited in your home, a mini-split HVAC system is much more flexible and takes up less space than traditional systems. The refrigerant lines are significantly smaller than ductwork. The wall space that the interior units take up is comparable to the space requirements of traditional vents. The smaller outdoor unit takes up much less space than the outdoor unit for traditional systems. A ductless mini-split system can even be mounted on a balcony for an apartment or condo.
Aesthetic Choices
Mini-split systems come in many aesthetically pleasing designs and color choices. When choosing a model, you can select one that best matches your home decor. Additionally, it eliminates the need for unsightly vents, especially large ones that are on the floor or lower walls.
Smart Home Compatible
Both traditional HVAC systems and mini-split systems can be compatible with smart home technology, depending on the model. However, modern mini-split systems tend to be easier to integrate with smart home systems.
Additional Mini-Split Considerations
As you can see, mini-splits are a great choice for year-round comfort in your home. However, there are a few extra things to consider with mini-split HVAC systems:
Number and Size of Rooms
You need to figure out how many interior units you will need and what size they will need to be. Typically, you will need to put a unit in each bedroom, the living room, and any other room that is frequently used. The size requirement of the interior unit depends on the size of the room.
Interior Unit Placement
Interior units should be placed strategically to maximize airflow and circulation. The blowers should be facing the center of the room. You also need to make sure not to obstruct the airflow with furniture or fixtures.
Experienced HVAC Technicians
Even though mini-split installation is easier than traditional HVAC units, you don’t want to do it yourself. Skilled and experienced HVAC technicians must handle the installation for you to ensure your mini-split HVAC system works at optimal performance.
Do you live in Knoxville, TN or the surrounding area and want a ductless mini-split HVAC system in your home? 865 HVAC has you covered. We offer installation, maintenance, and repair services for many types of HVAC systems, including mini-splits, Pending approved applications, we offer financing options for your next project. Ask us about our maintenance plans too! If you’d like more information about mini-split installation or one of our other services, contact 865 HVAC today.
