Mini splits are a popular type of air-conditioning system that’s compatible with various property types and installs easily. However, like any other appliance, they have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that users should be aware of before making a purchasing decision.
While a mini-split AC system is energy-efficient, it also has cooling limitations that may not be ideal for every property owner. Our guide details the pros and cons of mini-split AC systems so you can decide whether you should buy one.
The Pros of Mini -Split AC Systems
Whether you live in a cozy studio apartment or need extra cooling for specific rooms in a bigger house, you can rely on a mini split to keep you cool. Below, we’ll uncover their most appealing advantages.
Energy-Efficient Performance
A mini split is more energy-efficient than central AC systems because it’s more compact, meaning it requires less power to function. Likewise, mini splits don’t use ductwork, so there are no energy losses as air moves through the ducted system throughout the home. Instead, mini splits use small tubes to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor air handler, reducing energy waste and lowering utility bills.
Independent Zone Control
When you buy a mini split, you gain total control over the temperature of the room through adjustable settings. If you have multiple mini splits, this means more customization of the climate throughout your entire home. For example, if you prefer keeping your bedroom cold but want your living room to be warmer, you can adjust the temperature of the mini splits in those respective rooms.
This greater degree of temperature control also ties into a mini split’s energy efficiency. By focusing energy usage only where it’s needed, you can eliminate waste and reduce utility costs while maintaining a comfortable environment tailored to your preferences.
Simple Installation Process
Since mini splits don’t require ducts, installing them is easier than traditional HVAC systems. During installation, a professional only has to mount the indoor and outdoor units, then drill a small hole through the exterior wall to connect the units with refrigerant lines. Typically, this process only takes one day, but timing can vary depending on the complexity of your property.
Easy Maintenance
The absence of ductwork means you have one less thing to worry about when caring for your system. Maintaining a mini split requires basic tasks like cleaning the filters and wiping down the indoor unit. For busy homeowners, this low-maintenance design means you can enjoy efficient cooling without the hassle of frequent, time-consuming cleaning.
Space-Saving Design
One of the top reasons many homeowners gravitate toward mini splits is because they require far less space than traditional options. Central ACs have large indoor and outdoor units as well as ducts. Most mini splits have indoor systems that measure 30 to 40 inches wide and mount to your wall near the ceiling.
Generally, the outdoor unit is around the same width as the indoor one, but only around nine to 12 inches deep. This compact size makes mini splits perfect for small homes, apartments, or even offices where you have limited space.
The Cons of Mini-Split AC Systems
Despite their advantages, mini-split systems have certain limitations that may impact their suitability for specific applications. Here’s what you need to know as you narrow down your options.
Cooling Capacity Limitations
While mini splits give you more control over cooling specific areas of the home, they aren’t ideal for large spaces. Single indoor units typically handle cooling for 150 to 1,500 square feet effectively, depending on the system size and room characteristics. If you live in a multistory home, one mini split will likely not be big enough to cool the entire property.
The cooling capacity limitations of mini splits can be especially problematic in regions like Texas or Florida, where extreme heat and high humidity levels are the norm. High outdoor temperatures force the system to work harder to maintain indoor comfort, especially if insulation is inadequate or outdated.
Humidity adds another layer of strain, as the system must also dehumidify the air, which can reduce overall efficiency. Excessive heat and humidity can force your system to work harder to cool your house, adding extra wear that often leads to premature damage.
Visual and Aesthetic Impact
Usually, a traditional AC unit connects to the furnace, and most homeowners have theirs installed in a storage room or another uninhabited area of the house, such as a storage closet. This placement makes traditional ACs virtually invisible in living spaces, preserving the aesthetic appeal of your interior spaces.
Mini-split systems, however, are a different story. HVAC professionals install the indoor units on walls or ceilings, making them visible in every room they’re placed in. While mini splits are small, they’re still easy to spot and can hinder household aesthetics, especially if you have limited wall space or prefer a minimalist look.
Higher Upfront Cost
One notable drawback of mini-split AC systems is their higher upfront cost. Surprisingly, buying a mini split can have higher upfront costs than other HVAC systems (such as a window unit or central AC), especially if you purchase multiple units for your home. This is due to the technology involved and the need for specific placement and electrical work during installation.
Is a Mini Split Worth the Investment?
As you weigh the pros and cons of mini-split AC systems and make your choice, consider your budget, home characteristics, cooling requirements, and personal priorities. For example, if you live in a large home and want to convert your garage into an additional living space, you may place a mini split in there to cool it. Likewise, if you live in a small home that doesn’t have ductwork, then buying a mini split will cost less than getting central AC and ducts installed.
Consult an Expert
Work with an HVAC professional if you’re still on the fence about whether a mini split is the right option for your property. During a consultation, a technician will talk to you about what you want, then they’ll analyze your home’s layout and energy needs to determine if a mini-split system would be effective. From here, the mini split installation company can help you choose the ideal mini split size, type, and placement.
Style Crest’s team can help you maximize comfort and efficiency in your home. Contact us today for expert advice and mini split installation tailored to your needs. With our trusted reputation and dedication to customer satisfaction, you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice for your home cooling needs.