When considering options for air conditioning units, the choice is usually framed as window unit versus central air. But there is a third option: a mini-split AC system. In this blog post, we will cover what a mini-split is, why it’s a good option, and what to know about installing one. 

What is a mini-split AC system?

A mini-split AC system is a type of permanently installed, ductless air conditioning unit. 

While they do split the difference between a window unit and a central air system, their name actually comes from the fact that the two pieces of the system are split between the inside and the outside of the home. One unit is mounted inside and one unit mounted outside. The “mini” comes from the fact that these systems are much smaller than a central air unit. 

What are the benefits of a mini-split ac system?

Mini-split AC systems are also called ductless air conditioners. Instead of blowing air through the entire home via a system of ducts built into the walls, mini-splits cool the air in a single room. This provides a lot of advantages over central air units and window units. 

Lower cost 

Mini-split ac units are generally less expensive to operate than traditional duct-based central air conditioning systems. The main reason for this is that mini-split ac units are more efficient. Central air conditioners cool every room where there are ducts. This means they lose about 30% of their efficiency due to duct losses because they have to move cold air to every room in your home all from a single intake. 

Mini-split ac units, on the other hand, only take warm air and humidity out and blow cold air into the room they’re cooling without having to bring it through long stretches of ducts. This more efficient method of moving and cooling air means they are less expensive to operate because they require significantly less power. 

Room-by-room temperature control

A central air conditioning system keeps every room of your home more or less the same temperature. But what if you need to keep different rooms at different temperatures? You guessed it: mini-splits. 

Because a mini-split is designed to cool one room, installing multiple units means you can set multiple temperatures depending on a given room’s needs. For example, if you have a room with plants that require warmer temperatures and more humid air and another room with computer equipment that needs to be kept cool, installing mini-splits allows you to ensure that both rooms are always at the optimal temperature. 

Better air quality 

A central air conditioning system moves air to each room in your home through a network of ducts. Even when cleaned regularly, those ducts can collect dust, bacteria, and other harmful substances, which brings those nasty bits to each room your central air conditioning system cools. 

The conduit for a mini-split ac unit is much shorter than the yards upon yards of ducts used by a central air conditioning system. It circulates the air from your room out and brings fresh, chilled air in. This not only avoids a build up of dust and other irritating materials, but it also helps send those things where they belong: out of your house. 

No safety concerns 

Window AC units have been a popular option for homes without central air conditioning for decades. However, these units require a window to be open whenever the unit is in operation. If the open window is on the first floor, this presents a potential security risk. 

A mini-split system, on the other hand, circulates air through a small conduit that runs inside the wall. Since there is only a small hole for the conduit to pass through between inside and outside of the room, any would-be criminals would have to be pretty small to squeeze through. 

Expand air conditioning to a new room

A ductless air conditioner isn’t just for ductless homes. Even if your home has central air, there may be areas where ducts were never built, such as in an unfinished attic. If you finish that attic or build an addition to any other part of your home, a mini-split is a much faster and less expensive option compared to adding ducts. 

Can I install a mini-split AC system myself?

While we generally believe you can do anything you set your mind to, we do not recommend installing your own mini-split system. 

Installing a mini-split AC system is among the most difficult DIY projects you can take on. If you are not an experienced HVAC technician, it is almost always the fastest, least expensive, and—most importantly—safest choice to have a professional install your mini-split system. The installation process involves creating an opening between the inside and outside of your home, running conduit through the wall, and installing relatively fragile components.

The risks of improper mini-split installation are:

1. Water leaking inside your wall. If the conduit is not installed properly, it could clog. When this happens, the unit no longer circulates cool air into your room. Instead, it circulates water into the interior of your wall. This can lead to rotting wood and mold. 
2. The unit could fall off the wall. Installing the units themselves can be a tricky process. If not mounted properly, the unit could fall off the wall. If you are enjoying your mini-split’s efforts when this happens, you could be seriously injured. The unit itself could also break irreparably. 
3. Refrigerant leak. The refrigerant in a mini-split is kept at extremely high pressure. If handled improperly, it could leak. This has the dual effect of ruining your mini-split unit and getting a hazardous substance everywhere. 

Contact Welter for mini-split installation and service 

If your room is too hot, a mini-split is a great option to cool it down. Just make sure to leave the installation to a trained professional, so you can enjoy the benefits with minimal risk. Contact us to get started on your mini-split ac unit journey today.