Pros Of A Mini-Split System

For a number of reasons, mini-splits have become very popular in retrofitting existing buildings. It’s much easier to put them in than traditional ducted HVAC units. And they are able to produce more comfortable air. Tim De Stasio of Southern Comfort Consulting and Service, Greensboro (North Carolina) says that ductwork can lose heat. In fact, attics in our South can attain up to 150 degrees. However, mini-splits are easy to install. It consists of one outdoor condenser as well as the individual-controlled indoor units that deliver air. At most, you will have two of them (or maybe four). They are connected by a refrigerant and drain line. The indoor units are sized according to the needs of the room. They can be mounted on a wall high and about the length of a duffel bag. Others can be mounted to the ceiling, or flush into the ceiling. While ceiling units look more discreet than the floor models, they can also be installed more easily. An outdoor unit could be as small or as large as a suitcase, but the greater number of indoor units, the bigger the outdoor one must be in order to accommodate them. Smith stated that if you plan to have more rooms, the outdoor unit should be able to hold more.

These mini-splits can also be programmed to control the temperature. These models sense who is in the room, adjust the temperature according to their preferences and direct the air away or towards you. The majority of models have a wireless remote, wireless wall-mounted controller and/or wireless remote. Many can be controlled using a smart phone or integrated with larger systems like Nest and Alexa.

We tested some standalone devices which act as thermostats within the different rooms in which the indoor units reside.

Don’t forget to buy a Portable Ac or Window Unit!

These are all great benefits of mini-splits, particularly when you consider the more cost-effective options available for single rooms such as portable ACs or window air conditioners. One, mini-splits can be quieter. With the system split between an indoor and outdoor unit, the only noise in the room is the fan needed to move air. You won’t hear the compressor hum typical to a window unit. Quality mini-splits are also equipped with variable speed compressors. These motors work in the same way as whole-house units. De Stasio said, “A mini-split can run at a lower speed on mild days than it will on hot ones and will save you energy. Whereas a window unit just cycles on and off and on, it consumes a lot of energy. It’s like pushing a car forward from a stop to 5 MPH instead of trying to pull it along as it is already moving.” What one uses more energy? What one consumes more energy?

Beyond variable speed, a mini-split is comparably more efficient than a window unit due to its different construction. Smith at Mitsubishi Electric described that the AC unit’s window AC houses the same components as the mini-split, which are an evaporator or condenser. He explained, “Those two components of the system are separated by very thin walls, and those thin walls are not doing a good job of keeping heat out.” A mini-split is better than either a window unit, or portable AC. Smith explained, “When you’re trying to blow cool air into a hot room, the cool air will fall, so a window unit has a tougher time driving that cool air across the room because of the position of the window.” A mini-split is typically mounted high on a wall or even in a ceiling, giving it a much better throw of that cool air, with the ability to disperse it in a sweeping motion from side to side, up and down, or even directed towards a wall, if you want some circulation without a direct blast of air.

A mini-split does not occupy any room’s electricity outlet and doesn’t affect the operation of your windows. A window AC completely blocks a good chunk of the window, obviously. Even a portable AC can occupy a lot of window space. It requires that the window be closed tightly against the vent hardware.

There are cons to a Mini-Split system

Splitting is expensive. De Stasio told us a typical single-unit install costs roughly $3,000-$5,000, but if you’re looking to create a whole-house system which needs multiple indoor units and a larger outdoor unit to support them it can start getting cost-prohibitive. A friend from Los Angeles built a Mitsubishi Electric one-zone system in 2017 with only one indoor unit. The total cost was approximately $4,500. In 2019, a friend in Hawaii installed a Mitsubishi Electric system with four indoor units (of three varying sizes) and a 42,000 btu, 5-zone outdoor unit to serve his entire house. The cost of the entire system was less than $17,000. That’s a lot, but it may still come in under the cost of a comparable ducted system; on the other hand, the best window units and portables range from about $200 to $700 apiece.

Also, indoor units can only be used in one location. Ideally, the pipes go through the wall directly behind the unit, where they’re hidden. It is possible for the unit to appear off-center in relation to the wall depending on how they are constructed. The mini-split owner of one unit we interviewed said that the wall may cause it to be off center. A mini-split unit in our bedroom is too close to the wall. The coupling could not be reached without moving the unit. We were told by two people who have recently placed them that they aren’t the most appealing things on the planet. You get a rectangle-shaped unit, or as the owner said, “a huge stupid plastic giant lunchbox thing” on your wall. LG is one of these manufacturers. An alternative is to install the units in recessing holes in your ceiling. But a ceiling installation will likely be more expensive and invasive.

In extreme temperatures, mini-splits may also have trouble. According to Mitsubishi Electric , their best systems can operate at 100 percent capacity all the way down to an exterior temperature of about 23 degrees and will even operate at 75 percent at negative 13 degrees. It’s worth considering when installing a home system.

A related (more avoidable) downside is winding up with a system that feels undersized for your needs, even in less extreme weather, which happened to our LA friend. To play it safe, an installer might suggest going with a bigger outdoor unit, which has the flexibility to serve multiple indoor units. Although the equipment can get expensive quickly, it’s tempting to keep the system as simple and cost-effective as possible. This could prove costly if your system isn’t powerful enough. “I have to run the heat at 90 degrees for it to feel comfortable,” she says. Then, it has to go on all day.” It required a dedicated 40A fuse to power the unit’s 230-volt service. Our Hawaii friend used an experienced electrician as a subcontractor, increasing cost.

Mini Split Buyers Guide

How to Select the Perfect Mini-Split Installing mini-splits in your home will be the best decision you ever make.

They can be discreet and quiet. We’ll help you choose the right strategy for you home and provide links to the equipment that you might need.

What’s a Mini Split?

A ductless mini-split system, named for its split design is an HVAC solution that’s used in countless installations around the globe.

The mini split unit consists of an outdoor unit as well as one or more indoor units. Mini Splits can either be used alone, as a supplementary system, or in dedicated rooms. They are ideal for any type of application because they have a ductless design that allows them to be compact and flexible.

Sometimes, a mini split can be brought into unconditioned spaces like garages or additions. It is also possible to place them in rooms that are not well-served. Mini Splits will work in historic homes, even if there is no ductwork.

You can have mini splits that produce noise levels less than one watt. Your mini split unit will therefore be discreet and you may not notice that it is running.

Mini-splits are an efficient way to save energy and keep your home cool all year. Condensers driven by inverter technology reduce waste and deliver the exact amount of heat or cool needed to maintain your home’s comfort. This helps minimize energy consumption.

Compared to conventional central-air equipment, mini splits use advanced control algorithms, intelligently-designed heat exchangers, and inverter-driven compressors to save you 30% or more on energy bills and achieve incredible efficiency ratings over 28 SEER.

Inverter technology makes mini splits more efficient than conventional HVAC systems and keeps them at more consistent temperatures.

Advantages

Their primary drawback is the high price. The cooling capacity of such systems is approximately 12,000 Btu/hour, and can be purchased for between $1500 and $2,000 each. This cooling capacity is almost 30% greater than that provided by central systems and does not include ductwork. It may even be twice the amount of units similar in size.

Each indoor unit should be properly sized by the installer and placed at its best. The incorrectly-placed or oversized air-handlers are often a cause of short-cycling. It wastes energy and causes poor temperature and humidity control. An expensive system will also cost more to install and manage.

Some individuals may not enjoy the design of the indoor system. Although they are less intrusive than window air conditioners, central systems often have a more streamlined appearance. You must have a way to drain the condensate water from near your outdoor unit.

Learn more

Smokers Mini Split Systems

26 states have banned smoking from enclosed work places. Another twelve ban smoking at all-occasions in their state, with some exemptions for restaurants and bars. While this may be an inconvenience for smokers while in public places, there are no bans or ordinances that prevent people from smoking in the comfort of their own home. Smoking indoors is a choice you make. You should take all precautions necessary to maintain a healthy environment. For example, you must install the proper HVAC system.

A ductless ductless miniature split HVAC system is best for smokers. This type of HVAC offers numerous benefits, including superior performance to central ducted systems. ComfortUp stocks ductless mini-splits from the most respected brands. Read below to learn more about why mini splits are the best HVAC system for in-home smokers, and then browse our selection and pick one out for your home today!

These are The 5 Best Mini Split Systems

1. Mitsubishi MUZ-FH:#
2. Fujitsu’s General Halcyon Wall Mounted RLF/RLX Series -#
3. Gree Crown+
4. LG Art Cool Premier:#
5. Daikin Aurora/20 Series Wall Mount

Which Brand Of Ductless Ac Is The Best?

Best Overall: Senville SENL-30CD Mini Split Air Conditioner.Best Budget: Della Mini Split Air Conditioner Ductless Inverter System.Best for Large Rooms: Cooper & Hunter Single Zone Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner.More items…*Apr 9, 2021

Why Mini Splits Are Bad?

However, it has been shown that mini-split installation can also have serious “leaks” as long line sets on the outside of the house can pick up heat in the summer and lose heat in the winter. The result can be significantly higher energy costs than would be expected based upon the rated efficiency of the system.Sep 28, 2016

Are the Mitsubishi Mini Splits The Best?

Mitsubishi’s ductless heat-pump has been an extremely popular choice for residential and commercial purposes over the past five decades.