Have you heard about ductless mini-split air conditioners? These units are rapidly growing in popularity, and with another hot New England summer looming, you may be wondering if this is the right cooling option for you. But what is a mini-split? How do they work? And most importantly, why are they so popular?
Are you looking for more flexibility and ways to save on your energy bill? Request more information about transforming the heating and cooling in your home with a Ductless Mini-Split from Wattson Home Solutions.
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What is a Mini-Split?
The simplest answer? It’s an air conditioner!
But air conditioning is nothing new. So what sets ductless mini-splits apart from other forms of air conditioning? Well… most notably? They’re ductless!
That’s probably obvious, given their name. But what does it actually mean? Unlike whole-home HVAC units, mini-splits don’t need access to an interior duct system. Instead, a unit is installed on the wall or ceiling of each room that it will be used in. Although a mini-split looks like a single unit, it is actually comprised of an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. A hole is drilled in the wall which allows a refrigeration line to go outside and connect to the outdoor unit. These units work together to keep your home at the perfect temperature.
How Does It Work?
Like other types of air conditioners, ductless mini splits use refrigerant to cool your home. When they compress and expand the refrigerant, heat, and moisture is pulled away from the air in your home, leaving you with a cool, dry environment.
While central air conditioning units pull air through internal ductwork, mini-splits do not rely on this internal system. They use the principles of refrigeration on a smaller scale. The indoor unit directs targeted cool or warm air where it’s needed, while the outdoor unit draws away condensate and warm air – and provides the power source.
What are the Advantages of a Mini-Split System?
There are many different reasons a mini-split might be the right air conditioning system for you. These are some of our favorites.
- Easy to install. All homes are not built in the same way. While many do have internal ductwork, it is very common for a home to have no internal ducts at all. Installing ductwork is possible… but it’s a difficult process, and can be very expensive. Ductless units are very simple to install and can be done quickly by a qualified professional. Want to see what the process looks like? Take a look at this instructional video from This Old House.
- Customize your comfort. Mini-split systems not only cool your home in the summer; they can also warm it in the winter. Mounting a system in each room where it’s needed means that you can heat or cool rooms on a case-by-case basis. Feeling overheated in the living room? Turn down the temperature! No one’s using the spare bedroom? Don’t waste the energy! You can install one unit in the room you use most or multiple units throughout your home. Set schedules or use the remote provided to customize the temperature at any time. Add the fact many mini-split systems are compatible with your smartphone, and you’ll never be uncomfortable in your own home again.
- Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. We’re all about energy efficiency at Wattson Home Solutions. Did you know that up to 30% of your energy consumption comes from duct losses? A poorly insulated or sealed duct system allows air-conditioned air to escape, meaning your HVAC unit wasted all that energy it spent cooling the air, to begin with! A mini-split system eliminates this problem because it has no ducts! Additionally, when you can customize which rooms are cooled or heated, you’re not wasting the energy to keep unoccupied rooms comfortable. You’ll start saving money right away, which will have a big effect on your electricity bill.
- A helping hand. It should come as no surprise that an efficient home cooling solution often comes with a high upfront cost – and mini splits are no exception. Too often, the cost deters homeowners who might have otherwise chosen this great option. The good news? Mass Save’s 0% HEAT loan can help cover the cost!
Is a Mini Split Right for You?
As warm weather approaches, there are a lot of good reasons to invest in a mini-split system. If you’re looking for a home cooling option that is simple to install, easy to use, and won’t cost you a fortune on your energy bills, a ductless mini-split might be the best option for you.
Are you ready to take the next step toward an energy-efficient, comfortable home? Wattson Home Solutions is a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor. We have experience with ductless mini splits – and we’re excited to talk to you about your home cooling needs.
