Ductless mini-split systems have risen to prominence as one of the preferred ways of heating and cooling homes across the country, and for good reason. Unlike standard central heating and air conditioning, mini-splits allow you to heat or cool individual rooms to whatever temperature you’d like, independent of one another. This can be incredibly useful in homes with additions, garages, basements, or anywhere else where the temperatures tend to be different than the rest of the house. They are also useful in homes that did not previously have ductwork or never really got ductwork in the first place.
With that being said, however, there are some considerations to be made before jumping into the process of installing a mini-split system. Zoning, thermostats, and controls all play a big role in how useful and how expensive the system you end up buying ends up being.
What Is Zoning, And How Does It Apply To Mini-Splits?
Zoning is the backbone of ductless systems. Instead of a single indoor unit regulating the temperature of the entire house, mini-split systems make it so that a single outdoor condensing unit can be paired with a number of indoor air handlers. These air handlers can be placed strategically throughout the house in order to cool or heat specific rooms as needed. Mini-splits can also be installed as single-room systems if the requirements call for it.
The main decision to be made is whether or not you want a single-zone or a multi-zone system. Single-zone systems have one outdoor unit and one indoor air handler, while multi-zone systems use the same outdoor unit to power two or more air handlers. Due to the fact that multi-zone systems only have a single outdoor unit, they are sometimes more desirable in terms of both space and price, especially for systems that require cooling or heating in multiple rooms. It is important to note, however, that multi-zone systems require a larger outdoor unit in order to adequately power the larger system and therefore incur extra costs due to the larger size.
Choosing The Right Thermostats, And How Controls Work
One of the main differences between standard central air conditioning and mini-splits is the controls. Every standard indoor unit comes with a remote, which most of the time allows you to set the temperature, fan speed, and other related settings. Remotes, however, are not always the most convenient way to control your system, especially if you have multiple air handlers scattered throughout your home.
Many homeowners choose to install smart thermostats or even wired thermostats for greater convenience and control, which allows for greater ease of use and scheduling. Smart thermostats also allow for greater connectivity, enabling you to control your system from your phone and view the temperatures of all of your air handlers from a single, convenient location.
Things To Consider When Deciding On Placement
Indoor unit placement is one of the most important parts of the ductless mini split installation process. Having them placed too close to doors can cause the conditioned air to bleed out into other rooms and negate some of the benefits of the system. Placing them on ceilings with poor airflow can lead to uneven temperatures throughout the same room or cause the air conditioner to put out more cold air than is necessary in order to heat or cool the room properly. Professionals will consider airflow, ceiling height, and furniture placement before determining the best location to position your air handler so that it can properly heat or cool the desired room.
Outdoor unit placement is also important, as they need to be in a location that allows for unrestricted airflow but also needs to be placed in such a way as to limit outside interference or noise getting into your home. It should also be noted that line sets, the tubes that carry refrigerant between the outdoor condensing unit and the indoor air handler, should also be taken into consideration during the placement process.
Why Getting a Professional Installation Is Important
Although mini-splits are often heralded as being much more flexible than standard central air conditioning, the installation process is not something that should be taken lightly. Mini splits require a complex series of steps to be taken in order to properly charge the refrigerant lines, install the necessary electrical equipment, and program the system so that it can communicate with the thermostat in a meaningful way.
Refrigerant charging, in particular, can be an issue if a homeowner attempts to install the system themselves, as most people are not intimately familiar with the intricacies of mini-split systems. A professional installer is the only person qualified to ensure that the mini-split system has been charged to the correct specifications and is operating safely and efficiently.
Putting It All Together
Installing a ductless mini-split is more than just placing a few air handlers and an outdoor condensing unit around the house. Zoning considerations, thermostat choice, and control compatibility all have to be taken into account in order to ensure that the system will end up being as useful and convenient as possible. Proper unit placement can also greatly increase the efficiency of the system by eliminating unnecessary waste of energy.
For homeowners considering ductless systems as an alternative to standard central air conditioning, a professional installation can make all the difference in the world. All-Pro Heat Pump Solutions works with homeowners to decide on the best way to install a ductless system, considering all factors in order to end up with an efficient and effective system that meets all requirements.
