For decades, traditional forced-air systems have been a staple in homes across the United States. While these systems can often be the best choice depending on the application, there has been an increasing shift toward the use of ductless mini-splits. This change in preference can typically be attributed to the system’s remarkable energy efficiency, the ability to create custom comfort zones, and a more peaceful operation.
They are also incredibly versatile, working in a wide range of living situations. However, before you decide to install one in your home, you need to consider a few things. Specifically, you need to recognize that there are both pros and cons of ductless mini-splits. We cover both in detail so that you can make the right choice for your living space.
The Pros of Ductless Mini-Splits
When homeowners begin researching their HVAC options, the pros of ductless mini-splits often stand out. Some of these benefits include:
1. Exceptional Energy Efficiency
Traditional ducted systems are notorious for energy loss. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the typical house loses about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. This is conditioned air — air you’ve paid to heat or cool — that never even reaches its intended room. It escapes into attics, basements, and crawl spaces, wasting energy and driving up your utility bills.
Ductless mini-splits eliminate this problem. Instead of relying on ductwork, these systems use a small outdoor condensing unit connected to one or more indoor air-handling units via refrigerant lines. By delivering conditioned air directly into the designated space, they operate with incredible efficiency and do not waste precious conditioned air, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills month after month.
2. Zoned Heating and Cooling
In a home with a central air system, you typically have one thermostat controlling the temperature for the entire house. This often leads to thermostat wars, where one family member is too hot while another is too cold. It also means you’re paying to heat or cool rooms that are rarely used, like a guest bedroom or formal dining room.
Ductless heat pumps solve this with their multi-zone capability. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat, allowing you to set a different temperature for each specific zone or room. This level of control not only maximizes personal comfort for everyone in the household but also adds another layer of energy savings. For example, you can cool your living room to a crisp 72 degrees while keeping the unused upstairs bedroom at a more economical 78 degrees.
3. Better Indoor Air Quality
The ductwork in conventional HVAC systems can become a breeding ground for allergens, dust, and other airborne contaminants. Eventually, these particles will be circulated throughout your home every time the system kicks on. While regular duct cleaning can help, it’s an added expense.
Ductless mini-splits, on the other hand, don’t even have air ducts. This means you don’t have to worry about months or years of dust, pollen, and pet dander building up and then circulating throughout your home whenever the mini-split runs. For families with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, this is a game-changing benefit.
4. Quiet Operation
Traditional window units are notoriously loud, and even central air systems can create a noticeable amount of noise when they cycle on and off. Ductless mini-splits are engineered with your family’s peace in mind. The loudest components, the compressor and condenser, are housed in the outdoor unit. The indoor air handler, which is all you’ll hear from inside, operates at a level comparable to a gentle whisper. This creates a much quieter indoor environment.
5. A Non-Invasive Installation Process
Retrofitting a home with ductwork is a major construction project. A ductless mini-split system, however, only requires an A/C installation technician to make a small, three-inch hole through an exterior wall to connect the indoor and outdoor components. This makes them an ideal solution for older homes without existing ductwork, new home additions, garages, and sunrooms.
Don’t Forget to Weigh the Cons of Ductless Mini-Splits
No system is perfect, and it’s important to realize that not every one will suit the specific needs of your home. While the advantages of ductless mini-splits are numerous, there are a few potential “cons” that homeowners should consider.
1. Higher Upfront Cost
A ductless mini-split system can have a higher initial investment compared to a new central air unit, especially if you are installing multiple indoor air handlers for a multi-zone system. However, the cost is actually a long-term investment — when you factor in the money saved on your monthly utility bills, the total cost of ownership for a mini-split is often lower than that of a less efficient system.
2. The Appearance of the Indoor Units
The ceiling- and wall-mounted air handlers are clearly visible, unlike the discreet vents of a central air system. For some homeowners, this is one of the cons of ductless mini-splits. Fortunately, manufacturers have made great strides in designing sleek, modern units that can blend into a room’s decor, and with the right product choice and strategic placement, you can keep the aesthetics of your home intact.
3. More Frequent Maintenance
As with a forced air system, it is recommended to schedule preventative maintenance on your ductless mini-split twice per year to ensure the coils and other internal components are free of buildup and operating correctly. However, unlike a forced-air system (which requires filter changes every 90 days), ductless mini-splits require their air filters to be cleaned every month or more often, depending on usage and household conditions (such as whether pets or smokers live in the home). While cleaning the air filter is something you can do yourself, it’s best to also have an HVAC professional deep clean the system every two years.
Of course, the differences in maintenance between a forced-air system and a ductless system are minimal. And the monthly cleanings of the filters can easily be managed.
So, Is a Ductless Mini-Split System Right for Your Home?
After weighing the pros and cons of ductless mini-splits, the ultimate question remains: is this the right system for you? The answer depends entirely on your unique home and lifestyle.
A ductless mini-split system might be the perfect solution if you:
- Live in an older home and don’t already have ductwork.
- Are planning a home addition and don’t want to extend your existing ductwork.
- Have persistent problems with hot and cold spots.
- Want to save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Would like to cater to your family’s different temperature preferences.
Let Alltemp Air Help You Decide
If you’re intrigued by the energy efficiency and comfort that a ductless system can provide, reach out to the experienced team at Alltemp Air. We will thoroughly evaluate your home’s layout, discuss your family’s specific heating and cooling needs, and help you determine if a ductless mini-split installation is the right fit for your space. With our experts on the job, it’s never been easier to experience the perfect indoor temperature!