As residents of Fishers, IN, know, the area’s summers can be surprisingly hot and humid. They’re happy to say goodbye to snow, but know that once spring rolls around, it’s time to make sure their families will have a cool, comfortable oasis to retreat to on hot summer days. In most cases, that means making sure the AC unit is in good working order.
Whether homeowners are looking to upgrade from older, less energy-efficient systems, or this is the first time their families have had an AC unit to keep them comfortable throughout the hottest month of the year, there are plenty of options to investigate. For now, let’s focus on one specific type of cooling system: the mini-split HVAC system.
What Is a Mini-Split HVAC System?
Mini-split HVAC systems operate on many of the same principles of traditional central air systems, but with a few key differences. Before talking about what makes them different, let’s take a look at how central air conditioning works. After all, it’s largely considered the most efficient way to keep modern homes cool, so it’s still worthy of some recognition.
Central air systems use separate furnaces and air conditioners to heat and cool homes. The AC unit can usually be found outside the home, while its evaporator coils are located indoors. Not sure where to find them? They’re usually in the attic or the basement.
The outdoor portion of the AC system contains refrigerant, a compressor, and pipes to circulate the refrigerant to the indoor evaporator coils. The unit pulls the warm air from the home through ducts to the evaporator coils, which remove the excess heat and humidity and redirect the treated air back through separate ductwork for distribution throughout the home.
Mini-split units are similar in that they’re also composed of outdoor compressors and indoor air-handling units. However, they operate a little differently. Instead of drawing the refrigerant inside to cool the air, a series of pipes connects the indoor and outdoor parts of the system so that the hot air can be carried directly to the condenser and cooled directly. It then reenters the home via the air handling unit.
One happy result of this change in design is that mini-split HVAC systems don’t require ducts. The air-handling units are small enough that they can be mounted to floors and walls, or even be recessed into the home’s ceilings. Multiple units can be connected to the same compressor, making it easy to provide customized temperature control for different rooms of the home.
The Benefits of Making the Switch to a Mini-Split System
As has already been noted, central air systems remain the most popular option for US homeowners. However, ductless mini-split HVAC systems are rising in popularity, and the technology has already eclipsed central air in several ways. Here are just a few of the largest benefits of making the switch.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Central air systems lose as much as 30% of the cooled air that travels through their ducts. A combination of leaks, holes, and improperly secured connections leaves the air leaking into attics, basements, and other areas of the home that don’t need to be cooled. With mini-split systems, there is no ductwork, which means the air can’t leak. The resulting energy efficiency improvements are great for both homeowners’ finances and the environment.
Easy Installation
Installing ductwork is a comparatively lengthy and complex process. Of course, many modern homes already have ducts, and if they’re in good shape, it may make sense to stick with a central air system for now. If the ducts are in poor shape, or the home never had a central air system, to begin with, it’s much easier to install a ductless mini-split system.
More Customized Controls
Ductless mini-split systems make it much easier to maintain different temperatures in each room of the house that is receiving treated air. With central air systems, all vents are attached to the same ducts, which means all the rooms are at the same temperature. With ductless mini-split systems, each room or zone has a separate air handling system, giving residents the ability to set individual thermostats for each of them to maximize personal comfort.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Traditional ductwork often provides a perfect breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other pathogens. Mini-split systems are much more effective at catching contaminants before they enter the living areas of the home. The difference in indoor air quality can confer benefits to both allergy sufferers and healthy inhabitants.
Who to Call for Mini-Split Installation in Fishers
While mini-split systems are comparatively easy to install, it’s still a job best left to the pros. The experts at Mister Quik Home Services have all the experience, equipment, and expertise required to provide top-notch work. Give them a call today.