Are you fed up with your home feeling like an oven? Tired of the creepy crawlies coming through the cracks by your janky window a/c installation? Already dreading having to remove them and reinstalling again next summer? In this blog we will discuss Ductless Mini Splits so you can be informed whether this is the best solution for you.
Ductless Mini Split System in Bucks County | Is it the Right Choice?
When it comes to cooling and heating your home efficiently, ductless mini-splits offer an innovative solution that can be tailored to your specific needs. These systems consist of an outdoor condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units, providing targeted climate control without the need for ductwork. Ductless mini-splits can seamlessly integrate with almost any existing heating system, whether you have electric heaters, oil furnaces, propane heaters, or even a wood stove. This adaptability makes them an excellent choice for enhancing home comfort and efficiency, no matter your current setup.
Cost
Let’s be honest, the first thing we all think about when making large purchases is the price. Whether you’re making the big bucks or a Budgeting Betty, who wants to spend excessive money on things they don’t necessarily need, but want?
The reality is that mini split systems can be more expensive than the more common forced air option. But that’s not the end of the discussion… depending on your situation it could still be a suitable option.
A mini-split air conditioner is similar to a central air unit with an outdoor condenser unit, and a need for an indoor air-handling unit. Each room you want to cool with this type of system will require their own indoor air-handler unit. They are those rectangular units you usually see mounted on a wall in individual rooms. Or, if you want to get fancy, they can be installed flush with your ceiling. One difference with mini split units is that they don’t require any duct work.
A mini split, being installed in a smaller home, say 1200 square feet, with 2 or 3 bedrooms, and an open floor plan for the living space, you’re going to require less indoor units, and without the added cost of ductwork, it could be the least costly installation. And believe me, ductwork installation can be very expensive. Especially in older homes where retrofitting ducts can be disruptive construction wise.
Many times these older homes have limited space between walls and ceilings, requiring them to be torn down for the duct work installation. The process can be lengthy, just racking up the labor costs. Sometimes, if you live in a historically preserved home your township may deny even having the duct work installed. Ductwork is a big enough job that it can potentially alter significant architectural features visually, or the integrity of the structure. A Mini split system may be the way to go.
Needless to say, it can be a little tricky trying to decide if a heat pump is the best fit for you and your home. Then, other times, like when you’re building an addition or want to add a cooling unit to your already existing addition, it’s obvious that a ductless mini split would be the best option. If you’re more of a visual learner here is a chart for you to take a gander at. –
Scenario | Consider Ductless Mini-Split | Consider Other Options |
No Existing Ductwork | ✅ Yes | 🤷♂️ Possibly – Refer to the rest of the chart. |
Historic Home | ✅ Yes (Preserves integrity and aesthetics) | ❌ No (Installing ducts can be disruptive, very costly, and often restricted) |
Small to Medium Home (up to 2,000 sq. ft.) | ✅ Yes (Cost-effective and efficient) | ❌ No |
Large Home (over 2,000 sq. ft.) | ❌ No (Cost may escalate with multiple units) | ✅ Yes (Forced air may be more competitive) |
Architectural Constraints | ✅ Yes (Minimal structural changes) | ❌ No (Ductwork installation can be challenging and expensive) |
Home Addition/Renovation | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Forced air may require system upgrade) |
Although in some instances mini split installations can be more expensive, they are less expensive to have in the long run! Here’s Why –
Zoning Capabilities & Efficiency
Ductless mini-split systems offer distinct advantages when it comes to long-term cost savings, primarily due to their zoning capabilities. Unlike traditional forced air systems that treat the entire home as a single unit, mini-splits allow for individual control over different zones or rooms. This means you can heat or cool specific areas only when needed, optimizing energy use and reducing utility bills. For example, during the day, you can keep living areas comfortable without wasting energy on unoccupied bedrooms or spaces.
Additionally, by avoiding the energy losses often associated with ductwork, ductless mini-splits maintain higher efficiency levels. They deliver conditioned air directly to each zone, eliminating the potential for leaks or heat loss that can occur through ducts in traditional systems.
In essence, while the initial investment in ductless mini-splits may be higher, their superior efficiency and zoning capabilities make them a cost-effective choice over the lifespan of the system. Homeowners can expect reduced energy bills, improved comfort, and minimal maintenance costs, making ductless mini-splits a smart long-term investment for heating and cooling.
Other Things To Consider –
- Better Air Quality
Ductless air conditioning can also improve the quality of the air in your home. When systems rely on ductwork to distribute cool air through the home they can become dirt or clogged over time, leading to poor air quality. With mini splits, they use only a small conduit to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, which leaves no chance for disgusting dust, dirt, allergens and debris to build up and then re release into the air you breathe.
On top of that, most ductless mini split systems have multi-stage filtration. Your mini split will circulate air rid of harmful particles like mold, bacteria, and dust. So if you or someone at home has respiratory issues or is sensitive to allergens, a ductless mini split ac can be a great solution.
- Low Noise
If you currently have window units you know how loud it can get. Between The actual noise the unit makes, and the added noise of it vibrating in your window, it can be unpleasantly loud. Then the eco mode kicks in, the unit turns off, and all of a sudden you’re scrambling for the remote because you had your tv’s volume competing with that annoying window unit. Ductless mini splits can be that fix you need.
The indoor unit of a mini split has a sound level of about 19 decibels. This can be compared to the sound of leaves rustling in a soft breeze, or the noise level of a library, if everyone is following the rules. If the loud, obnoxious humming of a window unit doesn’t bother you any, or if you find almost complete silence disturbing, maybe a mini split won’t be right for you. On the other hand, if you require a quiet environment, like if you work from home and need all the focus you can get, then you should consider a mini split further.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while ductless mini-splits can potentially have a higher initial cost, their long-term benefits, including energy efficiency, zoning capabilities, improved air quality, and low noise levels, make them an excellent choice for many homeowners. However, every home is unique, and selecting the right system can be complex. That’s where we come in. As your trusted HVAC professionals, we can help you determine the best solution for your specific needs, ensuring optimal comfort and efficiency. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and discover how a ductless mini-split can transform your living space. Call us now and let our experts guide you to the perfect HVAC solution!