What Are Ductless Mini-Splits And When Are They Appropriate?

What Are Ductless Mini-Splits And When Are They Appropriate?Ductless mini-split heat pumps are a space-saving yet powerful alternative to traditional ducted heating and cooling systems. When properly sized for your home, ductless mini-splits provide the same level of indoor comfort and temperature control as larger heat pumps but with smaller and more versatile air handlers. They are useful in new construction and remodeling where space is limited or where an HVAC system with a large, bulky ductwork arrangement would not be feasible.

Ductless mini-splits are made up of a large outdoor unit and up to four smaller indoor units. Just like a conventional home air conditioning system, the outdoor unit contains system components such as the condenser, fan motor and compressor. The indoor units contains a very quiet blowers that provides the air movement. The indoor units are connected to the outdoor elements by an approximately 3-inch conduit through the wall of your home. This conduit contains power cables, refrigerant lines and a condenser drain.

The mini split allows up to four smaller indoor units can be put in individual rooms or zones for focused heating or cooling. They can be made to attach to a wall or suspended from a ceiling. Each unit can be operated separately when needed, which reduces the unit’s overall energy consumption. Because there are no ducts involved in this system, there is no energy loss from loose-fitting duct sections, joints and elbows. Since this energy loss can amount to as much as 30 percent of what you spend on seasonal heating and cooling, ductless mini-splits also provide real savings on your utility bills.

A ductless mini-split system is more expensive than other heating and cooling options, sometimes as much as 30 percent more than central systems and twice as much as window air conditioners. However, their convenience, efficiency and money-saving operation quickly make up for the higher initial investment.

Since 1983, Overland Park Heating & Cooling has provided reliable residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling services to customers in the greater Kansas City area. Contact us todayfor more information on ductless mini-splits and to find out if one is right for your home heating needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ductless mini splits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Overland Park Heating & Cooling services Overland Park and surrounding areas in Kansas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!      

Weighing the options photo via Shutterstock