Ductless, minisplit air conditioners (minisplits) have versatile applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. They are commonly used in multifamily housing and as retrofit add-ons for homes with non-ducted heating systems like hydronic, radiant panels, and space heaters. Minisplits are also an excellent choice for room additions and small apartments where extending or installing ductwork for a central air conditioner is impractical. Additionally, minisplit heat pumps are popular in high-performance, net-zero energy homes.
If you are considering a minisplit heat pump for your home, look for the ENERGY STAR® label to ensure you get the most energy savings from your new cooling system. For more information, visit Ductless Heating & Cooling on the ENERGY STAR website.
How Minisplit Systems Work
Like central systems, minisplits have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units.
Advantages of Minisplits
- Small Size and Flexibility: Minisplits are compact and flexible, allowing for zoning and cooling individual rooms. Some models support up to four indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit, enabling efficient cooling tailored to specific areas.
- Easy Installation: Installing a minisplit system is simpler than installing whole-house air conditioning systems. It typically requires only a small hole through a wall for the conduit. The outdoor unit can be located up to 50 feet away from the indoor unit, offering flexibility in placement.
- Energy Efficiency: Without ducts, minisplits avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork in central forced air systems, which can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for air conditioning.
- Design Flexibility: Indoor air handlers can be suspended from ceilings, mounted flush into drop ceilings, hung on walls, or be floor-standing. They have sleek, high-tech designs and often come with remote controls for easy operation.
- Dual Functionality: Unlike other cooling systems, heat pumps can run in reverse to provide heating during colder times of the year. With a minisplit heat pump, you can efficiently cool your home in the summer and heat your home during the winter, all with one system.
Disadvantages of Minisplits
- Higher Cost: Minisplit systems are generally more expensive than central systems (excluding ductwork) and can cost twice as much as window units of similar capacity.
- Installation Challenges: Correctly sizing each indoor unit and choosing the best installation location is crucial. Oversized or poorly placed air handlers can lead to short cycling, wasting energy and failing to provide proper temperature or humidity control.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Some people may not find the appearance of indoor units appealing. Although less obtrusive than window air conditioners, they lack the built-in look of central systems.
- Lower Air Filtration: Minisplits generally have lower MERV filters that are not typically able to capture small particles that greatly affect indoor air quality. If greater air filtration is desired, a separate filtered air cleaner device may be necessary.
Take Action
Consider a ductless minisplit system for flexible, energy-efficient cooling in your home or business. Consult with a professional to ensure proper sizing and installation for optimal performance. For more information, explore ENERGY STAR® certified products to help you save energy.
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