Ductless mini-split HVAC systems are gaining popularity due to their flexibility and energy efficiency. However, some homeowners interested in these modern marvels still don’t understand where the different units can be installed. This piece will explore mini-split benefits, installation options, and other considerations.
Ductless Mini-Split Explained
Traditional HVAC systems usually involve one outdoor and one indoor unit that heats and cools air. This air is then blown to rooms in the house through a system of ductwork and vents. Ductless mini-splits, as the name suggests, don’t require any ductwork. Instead, these systems involve an outdoor condenser unit and multiple indoor blower units. Each indoor unit connects to the outdoor unit by a refrigerant line. Each indoor unit has independent temperature and airflow control so occupants can adjust a room or area to match their desired comfort level.
Installation Location Options
While there isn’t as much variety for the outdoor units of a mini-split system, there are numerous indoor unit choices and areas where they can be installed. Which interior unit you want will depend on factors like the available space in the room and your style preferences. You can have different interior units throughout your home depending on the needs of specific areas.
Wall-Mounted
A wall-mounted unit is one of the most common types of interior units for a ductless mini-split HVAC system. Typically, these would be installed on a wall close to the ceiling. They would blow warm or cool air down into the room.
Ceiling-Recessed
Another common mini-split type is a ceiling-recessed unit. These can be installed flush with the ceiling, which can help save additional space and look more discreet. These units are ideal if the room has limited wall space or a drop ceiling with unused space above it.
Floor-Mounted
Floor-mounted mini-split units are installed on the floor near a wall. These units aren’t as common as wall or ceiling units. However, they are useful in rooms where space is particularly limited. These units can be small enough to fit under a window or against the wall in an area where you wouldn’t want to place furniture.
Ducted Unit
Although the ductless version of mini-split HVAC systems is more common, ducted mini-split systems also exist. Instead of mounting these units inside the room, they are typically installed above the ceiling and connected to existing ductwork in the house. These units are useful if your home already has extensive ductwork you would like to continue using.
Outdoor Living Space
If a home has a covered outdoor living space like an enclosed patio, porch, or garden area, a mini-split unit can also be installed here. This can help provide warm or cool air so you can enjoy your outdoor area without the discomfort of hot or cold weather. However, without sufficient insulation, they may not be as effective or efficient as the interior.
Additional Considerations
In addition to choosing the right type of interior mini-split unit for the different parts of your home, other things are important to consider. These considerations can affect how well your HVAC system warms or cools your home, its energy efficiency, and other critical factors.
Placement
When placing an interior mini-split unit, the type of unit will dictate whether it is on the ceiling, wall, or floor. However, you also want to place the unit in a way that optimizes airflow. Interior units facing the center of the room are ideal to warm or cool that room properly. However, if you’d like to keep room doors open for better airflow throughout your home, it’s a good idea if your units also face the doorway. You also want to avoid placing your unit near obstacles that could hinder the flow of air.
Sizing
You need to choose an interior unit that is large enough to adequately cool or warm the intended area. The poor performance from choosing a unit that is too small for a larger room can result in unnecessarily increasing energy bills and adding stress to the components of your HVAC system. This added stress can reduce the lifespan of your system.
Maintenance
Another essential part of keeping your HVAC system running smoothly and your energy bills low is maintaining it regularly. The air filters in your interior units are something that you can easily clean yourself as needed, usually at least every two weeks. Additionally, you will want to schedule routine HVAC system maintenance with a professional HVAC technician.
Number of Units
A home with an insufficient number of interior units can have the same inefficiency and system stress as a unit that isn’t large enough. Larger homes with more rooms will require more interior units. At a minimum, homeowners would typically install a unit in their main living space and one in each bedroom. Home offices and other frequently occupied supplemental rooms would also be good places for an interior unit.
Ductless Mini-Split Benefits
Ductless mini-splits have many benefits that are contributing to their growing popularity. Here are just a few of the advantages of installing a ductless mini-split system over a traditional HVAC system:
Energy Efficiency
Because of how they are designed, mini-splits are typically more efficient than traditional systems, which can save money on your energy bills. This efficiency makes them an ideal choice for more environmentally conscious homeowners as well as those who like to save money.
Space Saving
Because mini-split HVAC systems don’t need extensive ductwork installed in a home, they can save space over traditional systems. While the interior units can take up some space, the fact that they’re typically mounted on the ceiling or high up on a wall means they aren’t limiting furniture placement.
Zone Control
Each mini-split unit has a remote control to adjust that specific unit for that area. This means you can close doors to unoccupied rooms and only turn on the units you require. This ability to control the zones of a home further adds to its efficiency.
Indoor Air Quality
Traditional HVAC systems have air filters to help with air quality, but HVAC ductwork can accumulate dust and other particulates over time, reducing the air quality in your home if the ducts aren’t professionally cleaned. The lack of ductwork with most mini-split HVAC systems means this isn’t an issue. Additionally, ductless mini-split systems have a multi-stage air filter system with HEPA-level filtration to further block contaminants from entering your home.
Quiet Operation
Overall, ductless mini-split HVAC systems run quieter than traditional HVAC systems. This reduced noise can make them ideal for light sleepers or people who need to concentrate when working from home.
Do you live in Frederick, MD, or the surrounding area and want a ductless mini-split HVAC system installed in your home? Markool Heating & Cooling is here to help. We offer installation, repair, and maintenance of all types of heating and cooling systems. We also work with air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and more. Beyond our HVAC services, our company offers commercial services, including property management, remodels, maintenance, and refrigeration. If you’d like more information about our services, contact Markool Heating & Cooling today.
