5 Advantages of Mini-Split Air Conditioners

While ducted central air conditioners are still the most popular home cooling option, these are not the only systems you should consider. Ductless mini-split air conditioners offer several advantages for homes of any size. Here is an overview of five reasons to install a mini-split air conditioner.

1. Zone Cooling

Central air conditioners are designed to balance the flow of cooled air throughout your home so that every room is cooled evenly. While this ensures that your entire home stays comfortable, some energy is wasted in cooling parts of your home that aren't in use. Even if you close vents in unused rooms, the system will simply work harder to deliver the same amount of air, which will potentially shorten the life of the unit.

Mini-split air conditioners are designed for a concept known as zone cooling. Every room to be cooled is equipped with its own air handler and thermostat. This allows you to control the temperature of each room individually and turn off cooling for rooms that aren't occupied.

2. Versatile Installation

There is a wide variety of designs for the air handlers of a mini-split air conditioner that can match the interior of any room. Air handlers can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and free-standing in any part of most rooms so that cooled air can be directed exactly where it's needed. Most air handlers are low-profile so they do not stand out compared to any other fixtures in the room.

3. Less Energy Loss From Leaks

Leaky ducts are one of the main causes of poor energy efficiency in ducted air conditioners. In a typical central air conditioner installation, 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air is lost due to duct leaks. These leaks can result in hundreds of dollars in extra energy costs per year without providing any benefit to your home.

Instead of ductwork, mini-split air conditioners use copper tubing to transfer cooled air from the condenser to the air handlers. Copper tubing is much harder than ductwork and is unsegmented, allowing it to be much more resistant to leaks and tears than ducts.

4. Improved Air Quality

In addition to lost energy efficiency, poorly maintained ductwork can pose another problem for your home: reduced indoor air quality. The inside of your ductwork is dark and often damp, creating a perfect environment for mold growth. Dust and dirt will also accumulate in your ducts over time. Unless your ducts are regularly cleaned, these contaminants will find their way into your home's air.

Mini-split air conditioners provide a level of indoor air quality that is unmatched by duct systems. Outdoor air is drawn into the condenser, immediately filtered, and then sent directly to the air handlers. The copper tubing involved inhibits mold growth and contaminant buildup, so you can expect less frequent allergy flare-ups and respiratory problems after installing a mini-split system.

5. Silent Operation

You will likely hear your central air conditioner when it turns on, no matter how well insulated the blower is. Window air conditioners are even louder because the blower is located in the room with you, and many homeowners cannot stand to have these units installed in bedrooms due to the distraction they cause.

A mini-split air conditioner is the quietest type of air conditioner you can install today. The blower is located outside in the same package as the condenser, so you are not likely to hear it unless you are in the adjacent room. The copper tubing that transfers air in a mini-split system eliminates the banging, whooshing sounds that ducts will often create. There are no moving parts in the air handlers themselves, so these systems are whisper-quiet.

If you are looking for a new air conditioning solution for your home, ductless mini-split air conditioners are one of the first options you should consider. Contact us at Henry's Service All to work with experienced HVAC professionals who can help you find the perfect air conditioner for your home!