A central air system sends cool air throughout your home with the same ducts that move warm air through your home. A window air conditioner is a temporary, portable unit that can be put in place during the hottest part of the year. A ductless mini-split AC unit mounts permanently and has an internal air blower and an external coolant compressor and condenser.
Energy Efficiency
If your current central air unit is just not keeping up throughout your home, adding a mini-split to an especially sensitive area of your home may be of help. For example, adding a mini-split to the southern end of your home or to a room on the western side of your home that really heats up during the afternoon.
Bedrooms in particular need to be cooled to help you sleep well. Adding a mini-split to your bedroom might be a wise investment. Talking with an AC expert who can help you place the right unit in the correct spot for your needs.
Zoned Heating and Cooling
Mini-splits can also be used with a heat pump to help heat your home. Adding a mini-split to boost your access to heat or cooled air can be a wise choice if your home is
- Large, but portions of it are unused
- Drafty, and you’re working to improve insulation, windows and doors
- Loaded with windows and short on shade
If you don’t use areas of your home during extreme temperatures, you can invest in fans to move air around your home and focus on the rooms where you sleep and relax.
Easy Installation
If your home currently doesn’t have central heat and air, or if your central AC unit has failed completely, adding ductless mini-split AC units in particular can be quick. A house-sized central AC unit can be quite costly; running new duct work will take time.
Your ductless mini-split can be mounted directly through the wall or up to 50 feet from the exterior compressor mounting.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
If you have health issues around dust, the ductwork in your home can be quite hazardous. Your mini-split doesn’t have to route any air through dusty ducts; your bedroom or family room can be cooled with freshly filtered air.
Quiet Operation
When the blower motor on your central HVAC unit powers up, the noise can be quite disruptive. Your mini-split will be quieter and you can pre-cool your sleeping area or relaxation space before you need to use it. Once you enter the room, simply use the remote to turn off the mini-split and enjoy the cool, fresh air!
Mini-splits are an ideal choice for a small home; with fans, you may not need a central AC unit at all. They’re also extremely helpful for those who sleep on the second floor of their home. Even with great shade, those upstairs bedrooms can get extremely hot. Talk with an AC professional about the best way to supplement your central HVAC unit.