By Choosing the Best Mini Split AC
The main components of a ductless mini-split system include an outdoor compressor/condenser unit, an indoor air-handling unit that mounts on your wall or ceiling, and refrigerant lines that connect the two. Look for models with programmable timers that let you set your system to turn on or off up to 24 hours in advance, adjustable airflow, and washable air filters that catch unwanted allergens and debris.
A ductless system is perfect for rooms where traditional HVAC ductwork is impractical. Garages, sunrooms, home additions, attics, and guest rooms all make excellent candidates for a ductless system. Because they deliver heated or cooled air directly into your room, they save energy that would have been lost through old, leaky ducts.
Ductless systems also eliminate the cost and hassle of installing new ductwork. And because they don’t depend on ducts, these systems are a great choice for older homes with no existing ductwork, as well as slab homes and apartments.
Most ductless systems Mini Split AC can cool up to 3,000 square feet of living space, although you’ll need to have the appropriate BTU rating for your specific home (see our sizing guide). For example, you’ll need more BTUs to effectively heat a room that’s larger than a typical bedroom or kitchen.
To determine the correct BTU rating for your home, consider your geographic location, ceiling height and insulation level, as well as how much sunlight each room receives. We recommend you talk to a professional installer about your specific needs.
One of the most common reasons people choose a ductless AC is for energy efficiency. These systems are typically rated by their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Rating (EER).
SEER ratings focus on how efficiently your equipment can operate, while EER looks at the energy it takes to actually run the machine. Look for SEER ratings higher than 13 to ensure you’re getting the best performance possible from your ductless system.
Other ways that a ductless system can help you cut down on your energy costs include remote-controlled operation and customizable settings. You can use a mobile app to give your mini-split commands from anywhere, and you can set it to cool a particular room only when it’s occupied. This helps to keep your energy costs low while still keeping your whole house comfortable. Many ductless ACs also have variable speed compressor technology that adjusts to match the exact temperature of your room, rather than blasting full power all the time. This can reduce your energy usage by up to 30%.
