The Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini Splits

What a Ductless Mini Split Is

Many homes since the 1970s were built with ductwork to accommodate central air conditioning, and heat pumps can be used in conjunction with that ductwork system to provide both heating and cooling. A ductless mini split is a way to use a heat pump in a home that was built without ductwork. A simple switch reverses the flow of refrigerant through the system so that it can either carry heat out of the home or bring heat in. Air handlers mounted high on the walls in multiple places in the home direct the heated or cooled air to where it is needed.

Pros of Ductless Mini Splits

Simplicity: Having one system that both heats and cools your home makes things easy for homeowners.

Flexibility: These systems can be installed in homes without ductwork, homes with ductwork that is damaged or deteriorated so that new ductwork does not need to be installed, and even in new additions or when space such as a garage is enclosed and insulated to become part of the living space of a home.

Control: The individual air handlers each have their own thermostat, so you can have different parts of your home set to different temperatures.

Efficiency: The motors in ductless systems are smaller and use less energy than those in traditional air conditioners, and utility bills are lower for homes that use heat pumps and mini splits.

Cons of Ductless Mini Splits

If you are only in the market for one part of an HVAC system, for example if you need a new heating system but your air conditioner is relatively new, you might not want to invest in a mini split that replaces both.

If you have ductwork that is in very good condition, the modifications to your home that are required to install air handlers might not seem like a reasonable trade-off for the efficiency and effectiveness of a ductless system.

And because they work year-round, there are some things, like the fan motor, that get a lot of wear and tear. The risk of something going wrong with that, or with the drainage systems required to carry condensate away from the air handlers, can be significant. However, regular maintenance can mitigate those risks—and for these systems, regular maintenance means twice a year, because they work all year long.

To get the clearest possible understanding of how a ductless system could be integrated into your home and what the costs, risks, and benefits would be, you should consult a professional in air conditioning in Denton, TX.