Going Ductless? What You Should Know
You may be considering a ductless air conditioning system, or mini-split system, for your home. Perhaps you added a room and need cooling for it, or perhaps there’s an outbuilding, such as a garage or shed, that your central AC naturally cannot reach. Below are some of the advantages of mini-splits in addition to one of the concerns that potential buyers may have.
Easy to Install
Mini-splits are composed of two units: the indoor air handler and the outdoor condenser. Between them is a conduit with the condensate drain line, refrigerant line, and all the necessary electrical wires. This conduit can be fed through a three-inch hole in the wall.
The two units can be as much as 50 feet apart from each other, allowing for the discreet placement of the outdoor unit, and the indoor unit can be placed on the wall or even on the ceiling, allowing for flexibility with regards to interior design. Mini-splits, then, are much less of a hassle to install than central AC units.
Great for Zoning
A single mini-split cools a single room, but you can hook up a maximum of four mini-splits to one condenser, which means convenient zoning for those without any ducted cooling. Each room will have its own thermostat, letting each occupant adjust the temperature according to his or her own liking. Another benefit is that by shutting off the mini-split when a room is unoccupied, it saves money on one’s overall energy bill.
Installation Is an Investment
We would be remiss, though, if we did not mention that installing a mini-split costs about the same as installing a central AC. Nevertheless, the initial cost can be offset by long-term savings. Mini-splits don’t have ducts, so there’s no worry about air escaping through duct leaks. Second, mini-splits transfer heat rather than generate it electrically or through the burning of fuel, which is more expensive.
Almost 30 Years of Experience at Your Service
McKinney Heating & Air Conditioning has nearly 50 years of experience to put to work for you. For a consultation about AC installation in Fieldale, VA, contact us today. We would be proud to assist you with your home climate comfort needs.
