Are you looking for a new HVAC system for your Playa Vista, CA, home? In your research, you might have heard of the term ductless mini-split. This piece will explain what makes a ductless mini-split HVAC system unique and explore the advantages of using one in your home.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?
A ductless mini-split is a heating and cooling system that is becoming more popular in modern homes. As the name implies, these HVAC systems don’t require any sort of ductwork to distribute air throughout your home. The main parts of the system include:
- A single outdoor condensing unit
- One or more indoor units
- Refrigerant lines connecting indoor units to the outdoor unit
- Electrical wiring
Because airflow and temperature are controlled individually by each indoor unit, they function slightly differently than traditional HVAC systems. This difference in functionality is the foundation of the various advantages explored below.
Installation Flexibility
One of the great advantages that ductless mini-split HVAC systems have over traditional HVAC systems is that installation is easier and more flexible. When traditional HVAC systems are installed, they usually require extensive ductwork that takes a while to install. This process can be disruptive to the home. With ductless mini-split HVAC units, only a small hole needs to be cut in the wall for each indoor unit to connect to the main outdoor unit. Depending on the size of your home and the existing infrastructure, ductless mini-split systems are usually affordable to install.
Zone Comfort Control
With traditional HVAC units, you can usually only set a single temperature for the entire home. The only way to regulate it is by opening or closing vents in particular rooms. While this gives you the freedom to choose which rooms need cooling, it doesn’t allow you to choose specific temperatures for each room or area. Closing vents can also put strain on your HVAC system.
Ductless mini-splits give you the freedom and control to regulate the temperature in different areas as you see fit. Each indoor blower can be set to its own temperature setting for that zone of your house. This flexibility means that people with different temperature preferences can have the air as cool or warm as they like. When sleeping at night, you can turn the unit in the main living space off so that units are only running in the bedrooms, set to your preferred sleeping temperature.
Energy Efficiency
Ductless mini-split units tend to be more energy efficient than traditional systems. Part of this is because of the small energy requirement needed when you are only warming or cooling certain zones of the house. Also, traditional HVAC units lose energy through the ducts. Since mini-splits are ductless, they don’t have this same energy waste problem.
Most ductless mini-split systems have an outdoor unit with an inverter that can regulate the compressor’s speed to automatically align with your warming and cooling needs. This further reduces energy consumption. This equates to a system that is environmentally friendly, reducing the carbon footprint of your home.
Easier Maintenance
Ductless mini-split HVAC systems feature easier maintenance compared with traditional systems. The high-quality filters inside indoor units can be removed and cleaned easily by hand. The unit that is outside usually requires very little maintenance due to its efficiency. Whenever you do need to contact a professional HVAC company for maintenance of your system, the process is much easier for the HVAC technician because of the lack of ducts.
Cost-Effectiveness
Another welcome benefit of ductless mini-splits is how much they lower your energy bills compared to traditional HVAC systems. Because of their efficiency and easy maintenance, ductless mini-splits tend to need less frequent and costly repairs. The lifespan of a ductless mini-split system tends to be longer, assuming maintenance is performed regularly. While the initial equipment purchase of a ductless mini-split system might be higher than a traditional HVAC system, the cost-effectiveness of mini-splits makes them a better deal for many homes.
Reduced Noise
A vital yet often overlooked benefit of ductless mini-split systems is the reduced operational noise. Because these HVAC systems run so quietly, they are ideal for:
- Home offices
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
The noise reduction is especially noticeable if you are upgrading from a much older traditional HVAC system that may be loud near the main unit.
Space Saving
Since ductless mini-split systems don’t require any extensive ductwork, they save a lot of space compared to traditional systems. In comparison, the refrigerant lines are much smaller than large ducts. While there are indoor units that take up a little space, these are mounted high up on walls or on ceilings, so they won’t be in the way of furniture. You also don’t have to worry about furniture placement blocking the vent like you would with traditional systems.
Improved Air Quality
Ductless mini-splits have a multi-stage filtration system that will help block things like dust, pollen, or other allergens. Traditional HVAC systems tend to accumulate contaminants inside ducts, which clog up the filters faster. This results in less than ideal air quality. The higher quality of air that ductless mini-splits are able to produce means they are great for people who suffer from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.
Consistent Airflow
Since traditional HVAC systems blow through all the vents, this can cause issues with airflow consistency. Rooms further from the main unit might have less conditioned airflow. With ductless mini-split systems, each indoor unit blows its own air. Airflow and circulation around the home are much more consistent, which helps improve the overall comfort of the home.
Remote Operation
With ductless mini-split HVAC systems, each indoor unit will come with its own remote control. You don’t need to go to a thermostat on the wall to adjust. You can simply pick up the remote and adjust the temperature in that room from where you are sitting. Certain models of ductless mini-splits also allow you to control your system from an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Numerous Design Choices
There are a variety of styles and designs to choose from when picking a ductless mini-split HVAC system. You can find indoor units that meet your comfort needs while also matching the decor of your home. Different finishes and color choices mean that your interior unit can blend in the way that you want it to.
Do you need HVAC services in the greater Playa Vista area?
If you’re interested in a mini-split system for your home, contact an HVAC company with professional mini-split experience to ensure a smooth and proper installation. Belle Air Services offers services in Playa Vista, Mar Vista, Hawthorne, Culver City, Ladera Heights, Torrance, Westchester, and other We handle the maintenance, repair, and installation of heating and air conditioning systems, including ductless mini-splits. We also perform indoor air quality assessments and make recommendations for ways you can improve the quality of your indoor air. Financing options are available for your next HVAC project. Contact Belle Air Services today for more information.
