If you’re looking for a new HVAC system for your Raleigh, NC, home, you’ve likely encountered ductless mini-split systems. Although they’re only now becoming popular here in the US, they’ve existed since the late 1950s. If you’ve never owned one or seen one in operation, though, you may not understand how they work. You may also wonder why you might want one instead of a conventional ducted HVAC system. To help you make the right decision, here’s an overview of ductless mini-split systems. We’ll cover what they are, how they work, and their advantages and disadvantages.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split System?
Ductless mini-split systems are a type of HVAC system designed with flexible installation and quiet operation in mind. They were originally an invention of the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan. After World War 2, the company sought a way to bring air conditioning to the new Japanese middle class. Unfortunately, the country’s densely populated cities and thin-walled buildings posed a challenge. This meant there was no room for the kind of ducted central AC systems popular here in the US.
Eventually, the company devised a solution, and the ductless mini-split system was born. It’s a system that combines a single outdoor unit and wall or ceiling-mounted air handlers. The only connection between the two components is a small bundle of wires and refrigerant lines. The original models offered air conditioning only. Later, manufacturers incorporated heat pump technology to turn mini-split systems into a complete HVAC solution.
How Do Ductless Mini-Split Systems Work?
The outdoor unit of a ductless mini-split heat pump contains five main components. They are a compressor, a heat exchanger, a large fan, an expansion valve, and a reversing valve. Each indoor air handler contains a heat exchanger, a blower fan, a thermostat, and an air filter.
In the summer, mini-split systems work like any other air conditioner. The outdoor unit compresses the refrigerant to heat it to a temperature above the outdoor air temperature. That allows the unit to expel heat using the fan and the heat exchanger. Then, the expansion valve lowers the refrigerant temperature so it can move indoors to cool your home. The indoor air handlers pass the cold refrigerant through their heat exchangers while running their fans. This allows the cold refrigerant to absorb heat before it goes back outside to start the process again.
In the winter, the reversing valve changes the direction of the refrigerant’s flow. In that mode, the cold refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air while passing through the heat exchanger. Then, the compressor amplifies the collected heat by increasing the pressure on the refrigerant. That way, when the hot refrigerant travels through the air handlers, it can transfer that heat to the indoor air. The refrigerant then travels back outside to pass through the expansion valve to begin its work again.
The Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems come with some significant advantages over their conventional HVAC counterparts. Here are the most important advantages.
High Efficiency
Because they are a type of heat pump, ductless mini-split systems are among the most efficient HVAC options. In cooling mode, mini-split systems will typically rank among the most efficient AC solutions on the market. In heating mode, they’re even better. Since they consume no energy to create heat, a ductless mini-split system can have a coefficient of performance as high as 4. Plus, avoiding the use of ductwork helps mini-split systems be even more efficient. This is because conventional ducted HVAC systems can lose 30% of their efficiency due to ductwork issues.
Zoned Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-split systems also offer zoned heating and cooling with no additional hardware needed. With a mini-split system, every indoor air handler becomes its own HVAC zone. Each has its own thermostat and controls. Some even come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can control all of your air handlers from an app.
Quiet Operation
You may think that having an air handler in each room would add up to a lot of noise. However, the opposite is true. Since each air handler only has to serve a limited amount of space, they don’t make much noise at all. Many models are so quiet while running that you may not notice they’re even on. There are even models with specific quiet operation modes that keep their noise below a whisper.
Improved Air Quality
By doing away with ductwork, mini-split systems also improve the air quality in the homes that use them. They avoid spreading dust and contaminants between rooms. Plus, each air handler comes with a washable air filter. So, they end up filtering the air more frequently than the typical ducted HVAC system.
Simplified Installation
Mini-split systems are also easy to install. With no ductwork to contend with, these units need little more than a few small holes drilled in your walls. They make a perfect option for older homes that lack ductwork or those with plaster walls. You can also install a mini-split system in virtually any space since their air handlers come in a variety of BTU capacities.
The Disadvantages of Mini-Split Systems
Mini-split systems are an excellent HVAC option, but they’re far from perfect. Here are a few of their noteworthy disadvantages.
High Upfront Cost
Ductless mini-split systems typically come with higher price tags compared to conventional HVAC systems. On average, you can expect to spend up to twice as much for a mini-split system. Plus, their installation costs are higher as well. However, if you need new ductwork to support a new HVAC system, the cost difference evaporates.
They’re Very Visible
Although most mini-split systems come with stylish and sleek air handlers, they’re far from invisible. You will still have to live with the devices occupying wall space throughout your home. If you’re the type of person who’s loathe to disrupt their décor, that can be a significant drawback.
More Routine Maintenance
You will also have more routine maintenance to complete with a ductless mini-split system. For one thing, you will have to wash each air handler’s air filter every month or two. Plus, with more physical hardware involved, there’s a higher likelihood of needing repairs over the years.
Trusted Local Mini-Split System Specialists
If you think a ductless mini-split system would be a good option for your Raleigh home, Thermo Direct can help. We’ve served the local community here since the year 2000, offering quality HVAC services at fair prices. We offer same-day and 24/7 emergency services.
Our team of HVAC technicians has the latest training and tools. We’re a recipient of the Angi Super Service Award and are accredited with the Better Business Bureau. We can even see to all of your home’s electrical and plumbing needs, too! We even offer indoor air quality, ductwork, and spray foam insulation services. And if you need financing to pay for a new mini-split system, we can provide it on approved credit.
If you’re looking for a new mini-split system to serve your Raleigh home’s HVAC needs, call our experts today.
