What you need to know about mini-splits before installation

Posted: May 18, 2024 at 12:10 pm
By: Lakes Region HVAC

The search for the perfect heating and cooling system doesn't need to be tedious. The key is to have enough foundational knowledge to better assess whether a specific system is right for you. Mini-splits attract considerable attention due to their efficiency and adaptability. However, that doesn't mean they're suitable for every residential and commercial application. Because mini-splits can be installed virtually anywhere, quickly and easily, it's easy to get excited about the prospect of committing. But evaluating a system, beyond its enticing features, is essential to avoid dissatisfaction or compatibility issues. Let’s investigate mini-splits further so you can confidently decide if they are the best fit for you.

Mini-Split Technology

Understanding how mini-split technology works helps to see how it can work for you. Mini-splits use air-source heat pump technology but operate without ductwork, unlike a traditional heat pump. A typical HVAC system relies on ductwork to distribute air, but a mini-split achieves this via its indoor air handler. This air handler is also strategically placed to operate as the thermostat for the system and is controlled by a remote or sometimes smart device. One or more indoor air handlers connect to an outdoor unit via refrigerant lines, electric cables, suction tubing, and a condensate drain.

What makes mini-split technology fascinating isn't just its ductless structure. As part of the heat pump category, mini-splits work uniquely. They use refrigerant that circulates throughout the system, gathering and moving heat. In fall and winter, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air, even in freezing temperatures, and transfers it indoors. During the warmer months, this process reverses: the heat is absorbed from the indoor air and moved outside, leaving the indoor air handler to circulate only cool air.

Critical Considerations

Space Requirements

One of the most critical installation steps for HVAC systems is sizing. Choosing a system suitable for the building's square footage, layout, and insulation is essential for energy efficiency and optimal temperature control. A building's infrastructure must be compatible with the system's capacity and configuration. A licensed HVAC technician can assess the space and provide the necessary specifications. For instance, a mini-split system with multiple indoor air handlers requires higher capacity and is limited to a certain number of units. Large-scale buildings might find installing multiple mini-split outdoor units overly complex, negating many positives, and opt for an industrial-sized system. Conversely, the size of mini-split units makes them suitable for properties with limited space or structural constraints.

Installation and Maintenance

It can be easy to jump straight to a system's results and overlook the installation's complexity and how significant ongoing maintenance will be for ducted systems. One of the upsides of mini-splits is the speed and ease of installation. Because you don't have to worry about installing ductwork, you circumvent a significant portion of a traditional HVAC installation. In addition to that, the system is overall less complex, making the process faster. Maintenance is straightforward as well, particularly if you choose a mini-split that heats and cools, as you only need to have one system serviced.

Zoning and Customization Goals

Consider how you would like your system to function daily. Would you prefer to control the whole building at one temperature, or have the climate customizable by room? A zoned system allows different areas of the home or office to be at different temperatures. Zoning increases comfort for all occupants and reduces energy bills by only heating or cooling the spaces being used. While many HVAC systems can be zoned, mini-split systems offer hyper-specific flexibility in adjusting temperature settings according to room requirements.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Choosing an energy-efficient system benefits your wallet and reduces fossil fuel usage. Mini-split systems are known for their energy efficiency because they use heat pump technology, the most efficient on the market. Check for high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings to gauge efficiency. Another easy way to spot an energy-efficient unit is by looking for Energy Star-certified models.

Aesthetic Integration

Integrating a system into your home or business means considering how it will fit into the interior and exterior design of the building. Investigate how seamlessly you can place an outdoor unit into the property and how well you can conceal it if desired. Ducted systems excel at integrating into indoor aesthetics but often require a basement or other unoccupied area to house equipment. Mini-splits tend to be more noticeable inside the living space but can be adjusted or concealed in certain circumstances where airflow isn't impeded. Standard mounting solutions include wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, and floor-mounted installations.

Technology Features

Look for features that increase efficiency and effectiveness, such as smart thermostats for remote control and scheduling, variable-speed operation, and air purification. Mini-splits inherently offer excellent filtration, making them appealing for enhancing indoor air quality. You will want to assess these additional functionalities based on their relevance to your comfort, health, and convenience preferences.

Operation Noise Levels

Mini-splits are exceptionally quiet systems, making them suitable for maintaining peace in the space. However, not all systems boast the same quiet operation, so research before investing.

Longevity

Proper installation and consistent use of maintenance best practices can extend the lifespans of any HVAC system, but lifespans vary. Mini-splits often last over 15 years if maintained properly. When planning, consider when you'll be ready to upgrade your system.