In Spring, TX, you have lots of options when it comes to heating and cooling your home. One that’s become increasingly popular in recent years is the ductless mini-split system. Should you choose a mini split instead of a more traditional HVAC unit? There are some advantages and disadvantages to weigh before deciding if this option is right for you.
Better Control Over Individual Room Temperature
Older houses, particularly those without adequate insulation, often have hot or cold spots throughout. Correcting this problem often means running your entire home’s heating or air conditioning more often. Not only is this expensive, but it doesn’t entirely solve the issue.
Ductless units allow you to create various heating and cooling zones throughout. Within the various zones, you can easily adjust the temperature to your own liking. Consequently, this might be the perfect solution for that family member who is always either too hot or too cold.
Offer a Variety of Placement Options
With conventional heating and cooling systems, you have little choice as to the placement of vents, equipment, and air handlers. That’s not the case with mini splits as they can be installed on a wall or directly from the ceiling. In addition, the exact wall or ceiling location is typically negotiable as well. So, if you want greater control over the location of certain components, a ductless system will definitely provide you with more flexibility.
No Ductwork Is Required
You probably never give much thought to your home’s ductwork. However, the fact is that ductwork does have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. Furthermore, ducts can become broken, rusted, or experience other damage, and a leaking conduit could greatly reduce energy efficiency and result in much higher heating and cooling bills.
The fact that mini-split units do not require ductwork means you will never have to worry about duct repair. It also makes them ideal for a number of applications because they can be placed in areas with no existing ductwork. A few places that could benefit from a mini-split system include:
- Room additions
- Basements
- Attics
- Garages and outbuildings
More than One Unit Is Sometimes Necessary
As mentioned, ductless mini splits create various heating and cooling zones within a primary structure. Unfortunately, each unit can only provide benefits in a given area. This means that for whole-house heating and cooling, you will need to have several units. Naturally, the cost of installation increases with each new unit.
The number of appliances needed will depend on the size and layout of your home as well as other factors. Deciding how many mini-split systems to use is sometimes challenging, which is why you should call North Point Air Conditioning & Heating for an in-home estimate.
Requires Regular Maintenance
Mini splits are sometimes thought of as being similar to a window air conditioner that can be placed and then just forgotten about. Even so, that is assuredly not the case. Mini-split systems are a heating and cooling system just like traditional HVAC system. This means that they will also require the same type of maintenance and tune-ups as your regular furnace.
Change air filters at least every two months and then contact us whenever it is time for seasonal maintenance. What happens if you already have a conventional system but desire a mini split to cover an add-on? In that case, we can usually perform maintenance on your new apparatus at the same time we are servicing your existing unit.
Homebuyers Have Differing Opinions on Mini Splits
When selling your home, keep in mind that buyers may have varying opinions on mini splits. Some will see them for the technological marvel they are, while others may feel uncertain about them. So, prepare to answer a lot of questions if you are thinking of placing your house on the market anytime soon. Of course, if you are staying put, this is probably not something you’ll need to be concerned with anyway.
Are Mini-Split Systems a Good Choice for You?
Could your home benefit from a ductless HVAC unit? If you still have questions about mini-split systems, contact North Point Air Conditioning & Heating. As a leading HVAC contractor, we provide ductless mini-split systems as well as commercial heating and cooling services to those in Spring, TX and the surrounding areas. Please contact us to learn more about mini splits, smart thermostats, or our indoor air quality services.