Ductless mini-split systems are an efficient and flexible heating and cooling solution. Homeowners who already have these systems often sing their praises. However, if you have never used one, it can be hard to understand what makes them so special. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain how ductless mini-splits work and what makes them different from central air systems.
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Understanding Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems are a popular solution for heating and cooling homes in Southern California. In the Murietta area, homeowners often choose ductless mini-split heat pumps because they do a great job of providing year-round temperature control. During winter, the system will pull in heat from the air outside and use that to warm your home. In the summer, the process reverses. The mini-split unit pulls in heat from the inside air and then releases that outside.
Ductless mini-splits have two main parts. There is an outdoor compressor and an indoor unit. The indoor unit requires a minimal amount of space. The indoor unit and outdoor compressor connect with a conduit. This includes refrigerant tubing, a condensation drain, and an electric power cable. Typically, a hole of approximately 3 inches in diameter is required to connect the outdoor and indoor units.
The main outdoor compressor connects to up to four different indoor units. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat. This makes it possible to create different cooling zones within a house. For example, your office can be set to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while your bedroom is 72 degrees your kitchen unit is turned off. These three rooms have their own indoor unit connected to the same outdoor compressor.
A traditional forced-air heating and cooling system also has an outdoor compressor/condenser and connections. They use ductwork to cool the home and have one thermostat for the whole house.
A ductless mini-split system does not require any existing ductwork. This results in a heating and cooling system that is versatile and allows for zone control options. Because ductless mini-split systems are easy to place in a wide variety of locations, they work very well for small spaces, add-ons without existing ductwork, and older homes without existing ductwork.
Before the popularization of ductless mini-splits, your only options for cooling were to install ductwork or use a window unit. Anyone who has used a window air conditioner is familiar with the high noise level they make. Fortunately, ductless mini-split systems are known to be very quiet.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
A ductless mini-split is an energy-efficient solution. One of the reasons for this is that they use electricity. Many traditional ducted heating and cooling systems use fuel to control home temperature, which is not particularly eco-friendly.
Traditional central forced air systems suffer energy losses associated with ductwork. In fact, energy losses inside ductwork can account for 30% of energy consumption with traditional air conditioning. This rate increases when the ducts are in areas of the home that do not have air conditioning, like in the attic.
Additionally, ductless systems make use of variable-speed compressors. This allows the system to better keep up with the house’s heating and cooling demands. A traditional system works in cycles of turning on and off. This requires higher energy consumption and results in temperature variations in a home. The variable speed compressors make it easier for a ductless mini-split to work consistently and at a lower energy consumption rate.
Ductless mini-splits can also lead to energy savings due to cooling zones. If you have a room in your home that you rarely use, you do not need to cool that space. Instead, you can close the door and run the mini-split in the spaces you are actively using. This can lead to lower utility bills.
Enhanced Comfort
There is no doubt that a ductless mini-split system provides a long list of advantages that make homes more comfortable.
First, there is the personalized comfort of being able to adjust the temperature controls in each zone of your house. If you have a large family, this means you can stop fighting over the thermostat settings.
This is also advantageous if you have one room in your home that tends to be hotter than the others. For example, if you have a kitchen with large sun-facing windows, it can be terrible trying to cook during the middle of the day in California. With a ductless mini-split, you can cool the kitchen without risking the whole home freezing.
These systems also run at a whisper-quiet volume. This makes for a peaceful living environment. If you work from home and need to take work calls, you will not need to turn off the air conditioning to minimize noise. You will never have to turn up the volume on the television while your ductless mini-split is running.
Installation and Maintenance
Your professional HVAC technician will carefully evaluate factors like the size of your house, the size of your rooms, and available placement options for the ductless mini-split units. They will then discuss the ductless mini-split equipment to help you reach your home comfort goals.
Once you have your equipment chosen, installation can happen fairly quickly. No ductwork is required, so there is minimal disruption during the installation process. A skilled technician will handle the process in approximately four to six hours, depending on how many indoor units they are installing.
Once installed, our team at We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air will talk to you about the best maintenance practices for your model. Our routine maintenance tips will help ensure optimal performance and longevity. We will also answer questions about running the system and what is normal. These units are durable and long-lasting, but if you ever have any issues, we will be here to help provide professional repairs and maintenance.
Trust the Pros for a Seamless Installation
One of the great things about ductless mini-split systems is that there is a lot of room to personalize the installation. Our team of expert ductless mini-split installers will help you choose from various installation options that work for your unique space.
At We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we provide homeowners in Murrieta, California with ductless mini-split installations, repairs, and maintenance. We have a tune-up service to keep your unit optimized for efficiency. We also provide traditional air conditioning and heating installation, repair, and maintenance services. Additionally, we have expert plumbers providing repair and maintenance services. We can help you with your water heater, water treatment, or even with your bathroom remodel. Additionally, we provide comprehensive indoor air quality services. These include air filtration, air purification, and humidity control services.
Ductless mini-split systems have become one of the best ways to provide homeowners with a flexible and efficient heating and cooling solution in the Murrieta area. If you are considering an installation, our experts would be happy to answer your questions. Contact We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Author Bio: Rusty Cochran
Rusty Cochran is the President of We Care Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We Care began humbly, operating in his family’s living room. Under Rusty’s strong leadership, We Care has grown from 2 employees to over 200 employees. We Care Plumbing, Heating and Air has gained recognition across the HVAC industry, receiving numerous awards and certifications, including being named the ACCA Contractor of the Year, The Map Presidential Award several times, Angie’s List Super Service Award, NATE certification, and multiple Dave Lennox Awards. LinkedIn Profile
