When it Makes Sense to Install a Mini Split

When it Makes Sense to Install a Mini Split. Ductless mini-splits are a popular choice in many homes, particularly those with new additions. And it’s easy to see why: Their high efficiency, zoned temperature control, and easy installation make them very appealing. In fact, it’s hard to find a situation where a mini-split doesn’t make sense.

Whether you’re ready to install a mini-split now or need help deciding if it’s right for your home, SmartHouse can help you out. Whatever your HVAC needs, you can call us at 314-370-1816, text us at 314-310-2242, or schedule an appointment online for assistance.

In today’s post, we’ll look at the basics of how mini-splits function and the homes and rooms where they make sense to install. You can jump ahead with the below links:

• How Mini-Splits Function
• When a Mini-Split Makes Sense to Install
• Call SmartHouse for All Your Mini-Split (or Other HVAC) Needs

How Mini-Splits Function

Mini-splits (also known as ductless systems) come in two categories: Cooling only or heat pump (which can provide both heating and cooling). Both types will include an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units (air handlers), which are connected using refrigeration technology.

When cooling, the system will use the refrigerant to move heat from the air handler(s) inside the home directly to the outdoor air compressor, releasing it and lowering the temperature inside a particular room or zone.

Heat pump mini-splits can also heat your home. At a basic level, they operate in the same way, just in reverse: Heat is absorbed by the outdoor unit and released inside your home through the indoor unit(s). This is opposed to traditional heating systems that use fuel to generate heat.

Another advantage of mini-splits is temperature zones: When multiple indoor units are connected to the same outdoor unit, it creates a “zone” of temperature control. Each indoor unit can be set to its own temperature, so you can deliberately make different parts of your house warmer or cooler. This allows for unparalleled efficiency, as you only cool (or heat) the part of your house you’re using. For heat pump mini-splits, keep in mind that it’s important for every indoor unit in the same zone to be set to the same mode – either heating or cooling.

At SmartHouse, we install Mitsubishi ductless minisplits, which are high-quality options for St. Louis homes.

When a Mini-Split Makes Sense to Install

Mini-splits are right for many home types. Their superb efficiency, quiet operation, and small footprint make them good fits for a variety of situations:

• Homes without ductwork are popular locations for mini splits, because no ductwork needs to be installed. Whether the house is older and lacks ductwork, or it would just be a pain to install, mini-splits get around that.
• Homes where zoned temperature control is desired. This could be due to different people’s preferences, some rooms holding temperature-sensitive materials, or to augment an existing system that struggles in a particular zone.
• Home additions, especially those that go outside of existing ductwork. Mini-splits give you an option to extend your home’s temperature control without needing extensive HVAC work done.
• Families looking to improve energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint. Zoned temperature control is far more energy efficient. Additionally, modern systems can make use of variable speed motors to reduce the energy usage of constant starts and stops.
• Quiet spaces like libraries and offices are great options for minisplits. Their low-noise operation is a natural fit for focus areas. And their zoned temperature control allows these areas to be individually maintained.
• Garages and basements where your traditional HVAC system doesn’t quite get the job done. These areas are notorious for not being effectively insulated, which can affect the rest of your home’s temperature. Minisplits give these areas a heating and cooling source to keep them comfortable in extreme temperatures.

In summary, mini-splits are a good fit for many homes, particularly those that would benefit from zoned temperature control, have ductwork challenges, and/or are looking to improve energy efficiency.

Call SmartHouse for All Your Mini-Split (or Other HVAC) Needs

At SmartHouse, we want to bring the best to our customers, both in our products and our service. Our technicians are NATE-certified, we offer easy financing options, and we thoroughly test your system after our work to ensure everything is running smoothly.

If you need a mini-split installation, repair, maintenance, or anything else HVAC-related, give us a call at 314-370-1816, text us at 314-310-2242, or reach out online to get in touch with one of our technicians. We look forward to serving you!