The Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Consider the value and comfort of a ductless mini-split system if you live in a home that doesn’t have or doesn’t accommodate air and heating ducts and a larger HVAC unit. Ductless mini-split systems deliver plenty of cool or warm air during the hottest and coldest days respectively. They’re a wall-mounted alternative to larger HVAC systems, and they might be the perfect choice for your home or apartment. But before you decide to invest in one, consider the following pros and cons of ductless mini-split systems. Everyone’s home and lifestyle are different, and while a ductless mini-split system might work in one place, it might be less effective in another. Review this list and make the right choice for you!

Mini-Split: Pros

Ease

While ductless mini-split systems may not be as easy to install as a window unit, it’s a relatively fast build when professionals install it. The only major change to your home is a medium-sized hole drilled into the wall and a mount installed inside to hold the device. The unit doesn’t require any elaborate duct system installation. More importantly, there’s no major disruption to your life. Technicians arrive and they can install a single unit within a few hours. More units will take longer, but even then, they should be up and running within the day.

Cost

Again, no ducts mean fewer hassles and a lower price. Rigging up a home with ductwork and a larger HVAC system can run anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Setting up a mini split won’t cost more than $2000 to $3000. Your costs may vary, but generally, mini-split ductless systems are a good deal for 20 or more years of comfort and justify the investment.

Clean Air

Like any HVAC system, a ductless mini-split system works to filter impurities from the air. You will literally breathe easier as it removes dust particles, allergens, cigarette smoke, bacteria, and other materials that can affect your breathing while ensuring a continuous flow of cleaner warm, or cool air. We recommend purchasing an air purifier for even cleaner air. However, a ductless mini-split system alone can keep the air cleaner than ever before.

Efficiency

Ductless mini-split systems use less energy overall than other HVAC systems, and they carry the added benefit of allowing you to heat or cool individual rooms, versus running a larger system to heat or cool the entire house. During a particularly unpleasant time of fluctuating temperatures, you can stick to one or two rooms, shut the doors, and concentrate on making them more pleasant versus wasting gas or electricity heating or cooling the entire house.

Accommodating Tastes

Are you in a relationship where your partner is always cold and you’re always hot, or vice versa? Do you have family arguments about the right temperature for the entire house? Argue no more! Ductless mini-split systems allow room-to-room temperature adjustments, versus a uniform temperature that pleases no one. Give your family options with a ductless mini-split system.

Quiet

Few people like to live in a place with the constant cacophonous clatter of a mechanical device running overhead. Older radiators and HVAC systems can make a heck of a racket. Ductless mini-split systems are known for their silence, keeping quiet in the background as you read, sleep, and generally live. They are quieter and look better than window units. You can also position them higher up without blocking the windows, should you prefer the option of fresh air and sunlight.

Mini-Split: Cons

Beauty

While ductless mini-split systems do have window air conditioning units beat regarding aesthetics, not everybody likes the sight of a mini-split unit jutting from the wall. While designed to be sleek and unobtrusive, some folks prefer the bare walls offered by ducted units or units that offer vents or flush installation. Keep in mind, however, that you can keep ductless mini-split units out of sight and out of mind by installing them closer to the ceiling, painting them, covering them with screens, or creating recesses in the walls where vents can hide them.

Basic Maintenance

Every HVAC system requires a level of attention to ensure it runs smoothly. Filter replacements or cleanings are the norm for every system. Ductless mini-split systems require more regular cleanings and replacements, whereas you may need to clean or replace the filter of other system types only once a season (depending on the manufacturer’s requirements). Otherwise, you run the risk of the unit breaking down, burning out, or delivering unhealthy air into your home. While maintenance isn’t that hard to keep on top of, you must stick to a schedule.

Going to Extremes

As mentioned, ductless mini-split systems are good for keeping individual rooms and parts of the house cool or warm. Still, drastically fluctuating temperatures are sure to put your system through its paces. Again, every system will run a little slower the harder it has to work. Mini splits will do their best but try not to overtax them!

Space…the Final Frontier

As mentioned, mini splits have a knack for sticking out of walls. They’ll take up even more space in and around your home if you accompany them with extra outdoor devices like condensers. The tradeoff, of course, is that mini splits just make sense if you don’t have the space to hide ducts and other elements. After calculating a traditional heating and cooling unit’s expenses—duct work, drop ceilings, and a plenitude of holes cut into your walls, ceilings, and floors—the noticeability of ductless mini split system units and their cost won’t seem as big a deal.

The Next Steps

Those are just a few of the pros and cons of ductless mini-split systems. Ready to install one of our ductless mini splits? Have questions about the units and the process? Contact us today to schedule a consultation! We’ve been in business since 1995 and are one of the biggest sellers and suppliers of ductless and multi-mini split systems in the country. Though our service area is quite large, we’re ready to take your order and ship our products anywhere by the following day. We offer low prices, a wide selection of items, warranties, and a 30-day return policy. We look forward to hearing from you!