Many different
systems can keep your home cool during the summer months, but if you
don't have existing ductwork or if your ductwork is severely damaged,
a traditional central air conditioner may be too expensive to
install. For this reason, a mini-split system may be a better choice.
Learn what you need to know about mini-split cooling.
They Don't
Require Ductwork
Central air
conditioning uses the same ducts as your furnace to transport cold
air to different parts of the home. However, if you don't have
forced-air heating/cooling, you probably don't have ducts. Adding
ducts can severely increase the price and invasiveness of the
procedure, as the ducts will need to be installed in walls, floors,
ceilings, attic, and basement.
A mini-split system,
however, is ductless. Like a traditional central air conditioning
system, it has an outdoor unit, but it also has one or more indoor
units. The outdoor unit expels the hot air, while the indoor units
contain the cold evaporator coils and blow the cold air into your
home. To cool several rooms, you'll likely need to install several
indoor units.
They May Provide
More Efficient Cooling
Because they have no
ducts, mini-split systems are often more efficient than central air
conditioning. Ducts develop many problems. Wear and tear may allow
the segments of metal ductwork to separate, causing cold air to be
lost before it reaches you. Ductwork can also get dirty, causing
allergens and other irritants to enter the living space.
Dust and debris in
the ductwork can also strain the system, causing it to require more
maintenance and repairs to keep it working. If the ductwork is not
insulated properly or if the vents are far from the cooling source,
then you may experience heat gain. Mini-split systems use wires and
tubes, so they don't experience the same complications as central air
conditioning systems.
They Provide
Zoned Cooling
Besides providing
efficient cooling, mini-split systems also offer zoned cooling. Zoned
cooling is the ability to cool certain areas of your home without
cooling unused areas.
Although you may be
able to add zoned cooling to a forced-air system, you should not try
to recreate zoned cooling with a system that doesn't have this
feature. Many homeowners attempt to do this by shutting the doors and
closing the vents of rooms they don't want cooled. However, this can
damage the system.
They Are
Expensive to Install But Cost-Effective to Run
If you already have
ductwork, then mini-split systems may be more expensive to install
when compared to central air conditioning systems with the same
capacity. Depending on where you live, however, your home may not get
too hot in the summer, so you may only need a few indoor units, which
can save you money. Also, keep in mind that even if you spend more on
your mini-split system, you'll easily recoup the savings in reduced
energy consumption.
If your ductwork is
damaged or old, you may need expensive repairs, which can further
increase the cost of a central air conditioning system. On average,
replacing old or inadequate ductwork can cost about $35
to $55
per linear foot. Depending on the overall size of your home and what
features need to be added, you may spend $1,000 to $15,000 just on
ducts.
When it's time to
replace or install air conditioning in your home, consider a
mini-split system, especially if your home is lacking ducts or if the
ducts are old. Mini-split systems are efficient and provide zoned
cooling. For more information about a mini-split system or other
heating and cooling options, contact
us
today at A-1 Finchum Heating and Cooling.
