Danny Larcom Heating & Air Inc

Is a Mini Split Right for you?

Are you planning on building a new addition to your house, or do you have an existing room that you wish you could control the heat and air just to that room? Maybe you have a workshop that you would like to heat and cool. In all of these situations a Mini Split HVAC system may be what you need.

What Is a Mini Split?

A Mini Split system is a ductless HVAC system that can heat and cool one room or multiple rooms. There is one part that is indoors and is usually hung on the wall, and there is another part that is outside. Each indoor unit is connected to an outdoor unit by copper lines and power. The inside part blows heated or cooled air into a room and contains a filter that in many units is washable. The outside part is the condenser which houses all of the components that a traditional split condenser has inside it. The condenser for a single room is about the size of a small suitcase. If you choose to have multiple indoor Mini Splits, the condenser will have to be larger. The biggest difference in Mini Split systems and central HVAC systems is that the air doesn’t have to travel through any ductwork to reach your room. For this reason and others, Mini Splits have grown in popularity in the US in the last few years.

What are the Benefits?

First, a Mini Split system is very efficient. In a central HVAC system, the cooled air comes out of an air handler then blows cool air throughout all the ducts of your home. Mini Splits transfer air directly from the condenser into your room or rooms. Since you are controlling the comfort level to just one room, you will also use less energy.

Second, Mini Splits provide a higher air quality. With traditional HVAC systems, technicians have to clean your ducts from time to time to limit the buildup of dust and dirt which can aggravate people who suffer from asthma and seasonal allergies. Since Mini Splits are ductless, your air will remain much cleaner as long as you keep the filter clean. The filter can be checked every month to see if it is in need of cleaning or replacement.

Third, Mini-Splits are generally quicker to install. Your system only consists of two major parts-an outdoor condenser and the individually controlled unit inside. You will still need a trained expert to install your system, but nobody will have to crawl through your attic or under your house to install ductwork. Both parts of the Mini Split system are considerably lighter than the parts to a central air system which aids technicians in a timelier installation.

Questions about Mini Splits
(Q)Are Mini Splits the same as portable or window air conditioners? (A) No. Mini Splits can’t be moved from room to room like a portable air conditioner. Mini Splits do not sit in a window either; they are usually mounted on a wall. Mini Splits are also much quieter than portable or window units which are usually quite noisy.
(Q) How large are the indoor units? (A) They are about the length of a large duffle bag.

(Q) Can you still use a Mini Split if the rest of your house is using a traditional HVAC system? (A) Yes. Many people will use a Mini Split for a new addition, their garage, or a sunroom. In this way a homeowner doesn’t have to buy a bigger system for the entire house just because of an additional room or have some rooms’ comfort jeopardized because of your system being overused.

(Q) If the Mini Split is up on the wall, how will I turn it on or off? (A) Most Mini-Splits come with a remote control, a smart thermostat, and some can even be controlled using an app.

(Q) Are Mini-Split systems loud like window units? (A) No, they are actually very quiet.

(Q) If I buy a Mini-Split system to cool a room, do I need to purchase a different method to heat the area? (A) No. Mini-Split systems can heat and cool an area.

(Q)What are some popular brands of Mini-Split systems? (A) Mitsubishi, LG, Tempstar, York, Samsung

When you are ready to purchase a Mini-Split system, or you have additional questions about whether this option fits your needs, call LarcomAir at 731-885-1021. Our friendly technicians will be able to give you a free estimate and additional information about this HVAC option. Also, visit our gallery at LarcomAir. com for the latest pictures of HVAC units installed.