Mini-Split HVAC Units: Pros and Cons

The concept of cooling indoor air during summer heat and humidity has been around as far back as ancient Egypt and Rome, but with primitive technology, cooling could only be accomplished at a great expense.

Soon after producing electricity on demand was possible, inventors began experimenting with how to cool a room. Central air conditioning became common in the 1970s and today 99% of homes in the south are built with AC.

If your home was built prior to 1970, air conditioning was not standard equipment; if you have central air, it was installed as a retrofit, probably at a great expense. In addition to HVAC components, walls were likely opened to install ductwork, both supply and return air vents.

If your home does not have central air conditioning, installing it may seem like a daunting, expensive proposition. If so, you might consider a mini-split ductless heat pump as a solution. This relatively new option might be ideal for an older home with no or limited ductwork.

Mini-split HVAC units are also attractive options for home offices or remote rooms that need additional heating and cooling. They work in a way similar to central air systems, but on a smaller scale and without installing ductwork throughout the home. Since they do not require ductwork or large components, they are easy and fast to install—most of the time installation takes one day.

Key advantages of the Mini Split Ductless Heating & Cooling System

1. Small profile. Mini-split heat pump systems heat and cool small spaces, so they don’t take up a lot of room. They are installed in an out-of-the-way space, usually high on a wall. A low profile interior, the attractive interior unit is attached to an outdoor heat pump through a 3” opening, just enough to connect electricity and a drain for condensation. The sleek unit will blend with the design of any décor.
2. Whisper soft. Not only are mini-split systems small and attractive, but they are also incredibly quiet, unlike a typical window air conditioning unit. If you have lost sleep listening to a loud window air conditioner or had to choose between AC and a phone call, you will be delighted with the quiet operation of the mini-split system.
3. Clean air. The air filtration for the mini-split system is a multi-stage filter; each stage filtering smaller particles and the activated charcoal layer trapping odors. Since the air is filtered directly, cleaning ducts is never necessary; this is a great advantage over central air conditioning. As an added bonus, the various filters can be cleaned and reused.
4. Since each room is served by a different unit, room temperatures can be controlled independently, customizing comfort to the occupant’s preference. For instance, you can heat a home office on a cool morning and keep a bedroom cool for a good night’s sleep.

   Changing from heating to cooling instantly is very helpful. Hospitals, offices, hotels, and schools find this versatility useful. In addition, a mini-split provides both air conditioning and heating. A mini-split ductless system gives year-round temperature control room-by-room; no more freezing winter mornings or humid summer nights.

5. Energy efficiency. Ductless systems are more energy-efficient than using window AC units and more efficient than central AC. Installing mini-split heat pumps in your older home or remote space is not only a cheaper installation option but also saves money monthly on the utility bill. You will realize incredible cost savings by heating or cooling only what you need, with surprising comfort.

Interested in a Mini-Split HVAC Unit for Your Home?

Our four decades of experience as a Mini-Split HVAC Unit contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to install, repair, or maintain a Mini-Split HVAC Unit.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.