Tag: Ductless Mini-Split Installation

A mini-split air conditioner is a solid alternative to standard AC systems. While a standard system has one air handler that moves cool air through your ducts, a mini-split system has multiple air handlers and one condenser. The condenser moves air from the coils to the air handlers, which then move it through your home. You don’t need to spend a lot of time worrying about how to install it yourself. Check out how a professional installer ensures success when they install one of these systems.

Choosing the Right Spot

When you opt for a standard AC, you just need to decide where to place the exterior unit. A mini-split system requires you to pick the right spot for the AC unit as well as the air handlers. One of the ways in which a professional can help is by choosing the correct location. You have many options as to where to install all of the components like your basement and bedroom. Using one in an addition, bathroom, or kitchen is easy, too. A professional can also help when you want to use one on an exterior wall.

Number of Air Handlers

One of the hardest parts of choosing a mini-split system is deciding how many air handlers you need. You need to consider both the region where you live as well as your house’s square footage to determine this figure. A professional will measure the width and height of each room and look at how many windows you have, along with the types of windows installed. They’ll use these figures with other details to tell you how many air handlers you need. This ensures that every room feels as comfortable as the next during the dog days of summer in Spring, TX.

Secure Mounting

Improper mounting of the unit and the air handlers can result in a variety of injuries. All it takes is one screw to come loose for the unit to fall off of your home and strike a friend or loved one. Working with a professional allows you to get the secure mounting you need to prevent accidents. The installer will use brackets to secure all parts to your walls. They’ll leave a minimum of 20 inches of free space around the unit and keep some space between it and the wall.

Manufacturer Standards

No matter what type of mini-split system you buy, you’ll find that each manufacturer has specific standards that they require others to follow when they install the systems. The installation manual that comes with it may have some confusing language that you can’t understand. With professional installation, you don’t need to worry about following those directions. The installer will use their experience and the manual to follow standards such as how much clearance the unit needs and how high they can mount it. This also ensures that you don’t void your warranty.

Proper Condensation Pipe and Drain Installation

The condensation pipe is one of the top components of a mini-split system. Many systems use a gravity condensation pipe. It uses the natural force of gravity to move water through the pipe. A professional installer will know both how and where to install this pipe. Choosing the wrong spot can result in your system not keeping your home cool or actually causing the temperature to rise. You may also need a condensation drain or trap that collects any excess moisture that comes from the pipe. Your installer will know whether you need a permit for any of these parts, too.

Necessary Upgrades

Not all houses can support a mini-split system as-is. If you worry that you might need one or more upgrades, call a professional for help. One of the more common upgrades you may need is new wiring. This wiring powers the system and ensures that it gets the right voltage. Some of the newer systems may also require an upgraded electrical panel. You don’t want to install a new system and find that it trips your circuit breaker the first time it runs. A professional will help you to obtain all of the permits you need when your home requires an upgrade.

Work With the Pros

Don’t assume that you can install a mini-split system on your own just because you read through the included manual. DIY installation can cause damage to your home, break parts of the system, and even void your warranty. Call North Point Air Conditioning & Heating to find out how our professionals can handle the mini-split installation you need. In addition, we offer heating and cooling repair and maintenance, along with smart thermostats and indoor air quality services.

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.