Is A Ductless Mini Split Worth It?

May 18, 2022

Considering a ductless mini-split system for climate control? Whether you’re looking to cut down on the space used for duct-work, take advantage of improved precision in your climate control on a room-by-room basis, cool additions not currently served by your duct-work, or just curious about the technology, there are plenty of reasons Cape Cod home and business owners are looking into this increasingly popular technology. Today, we’ll cover the basics of ductless mini-split systems, the benefits of ductless minis-splits, drawbacks and other concerns, and how to ultimately decide. Continue reading this blog post to learn the answer to the popular question, “Is a ductless mini split worth it?”

Is A Ductless Mini Split Worth It on Cape Cod? The Experts Weigh In

Basics of Ductless Mini-Split Heating & Cooling Systems

Ductless mini-splits, also referred to as ductless air conditioning, ductless mini-split A/C, or ductless min-split heat pumps, refers to a type of heat pump system in which duct-work is completely forgone in favor of using refrigerant lines. In case you’re unfamiliar with heat pumps, let’s start from the related technology of air conditioning.

An air conditioner has heat exchangers inside of your home and outside of it connected with refrigerant lines, with an air handler to blow the cooled air from the interior heat exchanger through your home.

A heat pump is similar but can reverse the movement of heat to instead blow warm air inside of your home with incredible efficiency.

A ductless mini-split system is a heat pump, but instead of having an air handler blow warm or cool air through ducts, the refrigerant line instead goes all the way to the room you want to keep comfortable, where you have a ‘mini split’ with its own fan that blows across hot or cold refrigerant to product warm or cool air.

Pros of Ductless Mini-Splits

There are a few immediate benefits of a ductless mini-split system—the most obvious being that you don’t need ducts and that refrigerant lines take up a lot less space.

Because they use heat pump technology, ductless mini-splits are also highly efficient for cooling and extremely efficient for heating, cooling as well as a high-end air conditioner and heating 3-5x as efficiently as a high-end furnace under the right circumstances.

You might also find that a ductless mini-split system allows you to maintain greater comfort throughout your home or business by allowing each room to have a different temperature, though the specifics of control like this vary with the system in question; more interior units and more precise control will cost you more on your initial investment.

Cons of Ductless Mini-Splits

For drawbacks, mini-splits share the normal caveats about heating efficiency that heat pumps have; namely, that as temperatures approach and drop below freezing, their efficiency falls to match a furnace, then falls behind a furnace. Heat pump heat is also slow and gentle warm air, not the intense and immediate heat of a furnace, though this is often considered more comfortable.

The initial installation of a complex ductless mini-split system should be expected to cost more than a comparable forced air heating and cooling system, though you might come out ahead over time thanks to improved efficiency and the relative longevity and reliability of heat pump technology.

How Long Do Ductless Mini Splits Last?

Ductless mini split system installations are known as a great investment for your home, partly due to their longevity. However, the length of time that a ductless mini split air conditioning system will last depends on a number of factors:

Will the ductless mini split be maintained properly each year?

When properly maintained, most experts estimate that ductless mini split air conditioners last for about 20 years. However, you are responsible for scheduling regular maintenance with an HVAC company, such as Hall Oil Gas and Electric. As with any appliance in your home, your AC system can only reach peak performance when cared for and repaired as needed on a yearly basis. How do you maintain a mini split? Make sure you get an annual A/C tune-up once per year.

Will the system be used part of the time or consistently?

Will you be using the ductless mini split system year-round at your Cape Cod home? Or, are you only using it during those hot Cape Cod summers? The amount of wear and tear on the system will obviously be a big factor in how long the ductless mini-split lasts. Should a mini split run all the time? A mini-split system uses less energy and keeps temperatures most consistent when it runs continuously, as in, 24/7.

What model or brand of ductless mini split did you purchase or have installed?

As with any product, ductless mini splits have multiple manufacturer options. Please consult with your A/C contractor to determine the most appropriate ductless mini-split A/C system brand for your home.

How Many Rooms Can A Mini Split Cool?

With a ductless mini split air conditioning system, you can add evaporator units (up to 4) to one condenser unit. As a result, you could technically cool up to 4 rooms. In this case, it would be a multi split air conditioner, which offers true zone control. Each unit can be set to a custom temperature, but all the units can be controlled using a single remote control.

To size your mini split air conditioning system, the most important thing you need to know is the square footage of the room you’re looking to cool and/or heat. Each indoor mini-split unit will be capable of providing a set number of BTU’s of power. In order to size your mini split correctly for your Cape Cod home, you will need to know the square footage of the room and consult with your local HVAC company on the best mini split system.

So, Is A Ductless Mini-Split Worth It?

Is a ductless mini split a good investment for your Cape Cod home? For most people considering ductless mini-splits, the strongest question to consider is the initial investment: if you’re able and willing to invest in going ductless, you’ll find that in the vast majority of cases it means making better use of space, lower energy bills, improved comfort and convenience, and a reduced chance of breakdowns. It’s a wonderful piece of technology that you’ll enjoy using if you can make the upgrade. So, is a ductless mini-split worth it in the end for your Cape Cod, MA home? The experts at Hall Oil Gas and Electric think so. Of course, every home and situation are different. Always consult with your local heating and A/C contractor, such as Hall Oil, on if a ductless mini-split system is right for you.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of investing in ductless mini-splits, contact the experts at Hall Oil Gas and Electric today at 508-398-3831, visit us at our South Dennis, MA office, or contact us online.

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Is A Ductless Mini Split Worth It?

May 18, 2022