Best Uses for a Ductless Mini-Split

Although ductless mini-split HVAC systems have been around for over 50 years, many homeowners are still unfamiliar with them. If you’ve added a new room to your home or are struggling to keep a specific space comfortable, a mini-split might be the solution you’re looking for. Read on to discover more about how these versatile HVAC systems can work for your home comfort needs.

What Is a Mini-Split and How Does It Work?

A ductless mini-split is a heating and cooling system that consists of an outdoor condenser unit (similar to a traditional heat pump or AC unit) and one or more indoor air handling units. These units are connected by a small conduit that houses the refrigerant line, electrical wiring, and a condensate drain. The evaporator coil in the indoor unit absorbs heat from the air, while the refrigerant moves back and forth between the evaporator and condenser to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

As the name suggests, mini-splits don’t require extensive ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. Instead, they use the indoor air handling units that are installed on the walls or ceilings of individual rooms. Each unit has its own thermostat, allowing you to set the temperature for each room individually.

While multiple air handlers can be connected to a single condenser to heat and cool several rooms in your home, mini-splits are often used in rooms with specific temperature needs, such as garages, bonus rooms above garages, or areas where ductwork is unavailable.

Common Applications for Ductless Mini-Splits

New Home Additions

Planning a home addition? One important decision is how to keep the new space comfortable. Extending your HVAC system’s ductwork is one option, but it can be costly – ranging from a few thousand dollars for a small addition to $10,000 or more for a larger one. An alternative is installing a mini-split, which can be more cost-effective and simpler to install.

Sunrooms

Nothing’s better than relaxing in a sunroom with a good book and soaking in the sun, but they can be difficult to keep comfortable, especially in the summer. A mini-split lets you set a separate temperature for the room, ensuring it stays cool and comfortable, no matter how hot it gets outside.

Bonus Rooms Over Garages

Bonus rooms over garages can serve as home offices, guest rooms, playrooms, or even gyms, making them a versatile space. However, because these rooms typically don’t have much insulation between them and the garage, they can suffer from heat gain or loss, depending on the season. A mini-split helps keep the room comfortable year-round.

Garages

A garage can be an ideal spot to extend your living space and create a workshop, game room, or man cave. Unfortunately, garages can quickly become either too hot or too cold, depending on the weather. While space heaters and fans can help, a mini-split will keep your garage comfortable even during extreme temperatures.

Home Offices

A mini-split is also a great option for a home office because it lets you set the temperature just the way you like it. Unlike central HVAC systems that control the whole house, a mini-split gives you the freedom to create the ideal work environment. As an added bonus, it runs quietly, so you can stay focused on the work at hand without any distractions!

Guest Houses

If you have a guest house separate from the main house, a mini-split is an ideal solution for heating and cooling. It lets you set the perfect temperature for your guests without affecting the rest of your home. Plus, you can save money by adjusting the thermostat appropriately when the space isn’t being used, ensuring energy isn’t wasted and saving money on your utility bills.

What Are the Benefits of Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System?

• Energy Efficiency: Mini-splits are extremely energy efficient because they let you heat or cool only the rooms you’re actually using. This helps cut down on energy waste, which can lower your utility bills compared to traditional HVAC systems that heat or cool the whole house, even areas you’re not using.
• Precise Temperature Control: With a mini-split, you get to control the temperature in each room or zone separately. This means you can create the best climate for every space without messing with the settings in other parts of the house.
• Space-Saving Design: Since mini-splits don’t need ductwork, they take up way less space than traditional HVAC systems. This makes them a great option for homes with limited space or for rooms where adding ducts would be tricky or too expensive.
• Improved Air Quality: Mini-splits come with built-in filters that can help remove dust, allergens, and other particles from the air. That means cleaner air for your home, which is especially helpful for anyone with allergies or breathing concerns.
• Flexible Installation Options: Mini-splits are super flexible when it comes to installation. Whether you have a room without ductwork or an addition where running ducts would be tough, these systems can fit in a variety of spaces and layouts, making them a great option for almost any home.