Considering a Ductless Mini-Split System?

We’re Sharing the Pros and Cons

Renovating a room or rooms? Building an addition? Transforming the upper level of your garage into a home office or gym? One of the difficult decisions you might have to make is how to cool and heat this space. Should you go with a traditional HVAC system, or a ductless mini-split AC and heating system?

Mini-splits are becoming more and more popular these days. But they’re not for everyone. So, we’ll share some of the pros and cons with you.

The Pros

1. They’re easy to install. You don’t need ductwork or a large central unit. All you need is a small indoor unit (or units), an outdoor unit and conduit that connects them.
2. They’re extremely energy efficient. While traditional units can lose up to 30% of their cooling or heating power through ductwork, ductless mini- splits are much more efficient. Plus, less energy waste can mean you’ll spend less on your monthly energy bills.
3. They result in better air quality. Traditional AC systems rely on ductwork, which collects dust, dirt and other debris that can end up in your indoor air. Mini-splits don’t rely on ductwork, eliminating the chance for dust and debris to enter the air circulating in your home. As added protection, most mini-splits have multi-stage filtration systems that trap and remove particles from air before it leaves the unit.
4. They’re very quiet. When we say these units are whisper quiet, we mean it. Most operate at a 19-decibel noise level, which is similar to the sound of a whisper.
5. You’ll enjoy built-in zoning. With mini-splits, you can easily control the temperature of each room or each zone individually. This is a great option when you have different heating and/or cooling needs for different rooms or areas of your home. Plus, zoning can help lower your energy bills.
6. They’re a great choice for a renovation or addition. Adding ductwork to expand a traditional HVAC system can be very expensive and messy. Installing a mini-split can be quicker and less expensive.

The Cons

1. Upfront costs can be higher. Buying and installing a mini-split can cost more than a traditional HVAC unit. However, mini-splits can save you money over time because they are more energy efficient, which means lower monthly bills. (You also might quality for tax credits or energy rebates, saving even more money.)
2. The “look” might not be right. A mini-split indoor unit is compact, but it still must be installed on a wall or ceiling. Some homeowners might not like how these units look based on their home aesthetic.
3. They’re small but do need their space. When space is at a real premium, especially in smaller rooms of your house, a mini-split might not be the answer because the indoor unit still requires space on a wall or ceiling. In addition, the outdoor unit requires specific space with access to electrical and refrigerant lines.
4. Maintenance is a must. Even though mini-splits are small and have fewer moving parts, they still require regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing the air filter.
5. They don’t perform well in super cold temperatures. Fortunately, this is not a problem in our area.
6. Installation costs can be high. If you have a large home, you’ll need several indoor units to heat and cool specific rooms or areas, which will increase your installation costs.

The team at Blue Ribbon can help you weigh all of these factors to determine if a ductless air conditioner mini-split system or ductless heater mini-split system is the right choice for you. Our technicians have the training and experience to help you carefully consider all of the pros and cons. To schedule a consultation, call us at 512.866.9161 or contact us through the convenient form on our website.