Chances are you know whether you need an air conditioner for your home. If you’re hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, it’s time to replace or repair your AC, right?
But do you know what kind of AC unit you need? Homeowners in the Raleigh, North Carolina and Chesapeake, VA areas have a few options to choose from. One such option is the ductless mini-split AC unit.
Understanding Ductless Mini-split Air Conditioners
Ductless mini-split system air conditioners can be used for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. However, they’re most popularly used in four applications:
- In multifamily homes
- As a retrofit add-on to homes that have non-ducted heating systems
- For room additions
- In small apartments (where installing ductwork is just not likely)
Mini splits, as they’re often called, are similar to central systems in that they feature two main components:
Mini splits also feature a conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, which links both outdoor and indoor units.
Why Would Someone In Raleigh Or Chesapeake Want To Have A Ductless Mini Split Ac?
One of the biggest advantages of a mini split is that it’s a pretty compacted size (great for small spaces) and offers zoning.
Zoning is the ability to heat or cool rooms individually. Some units that we install throughout NC and VA feature as many as four indoor air handling units connected to one outdoor unit, meaning you can individually control the temperature of four separate rooms.
Many of our clients also turn to mini splits because of the ease in installation. Not only do most installations require as little as a three-inch hole in the wall for a conduit, but most models we offer allow you to locate your outdoor unit as far away as 50 feet from the indoor evaporator.
That means these systems work well in a variety of settings. In fact, mini-split ACs are extremely flexible when it comes to interior design consideration. The system can be hung from the ceiling, mounted within a drop ceiling, or hung from a wall.
You can also choose a floor-standing model if you prefer.
Avoiding Energy Loss With The Mini Split
Mini-split ACs don’t have ducts, meaning they won’t experience the type of energy loss that’s associated with ductwork (as much as 30% of energy consumption).
That, alone, might make you extremely interested in turning toward a ductless mini-split system, but there are some disadvantages you should be aware of.
One of the potential downsides of installing a ductless mini-split AC in your Raleigh, NC or Chesapeake, VA home is that their initial cost can be intimidating.
Some people may not be particularly thrilled with the appearance of the indoor unit, either. Sure, these systems are less obtrusive than a window unit, but they’re not as seamless as a central system.
However, if you work with a qualified installer with experience specific to mini-split ACs, then you might be able to find workarounds to get the cool air you need, without enduring these disadvantages.
Learn More With Comfort First
Whether you need a tune-up for your mini-split AC, emergency service, or are looking to see if this is the right AC unit for you, our Comfort First team can help.
We service our neighbors throughout Chesapeake, VA, Raleigh, NC and beyond and provide unparalleled heating and cooling services backed by our 6-point guarantee.
Contact us today to regain your comfort now!
