As the major installation involved makes centralized A/C units less popular, ductless mini-split systems are making a big name for themselves in Big Bear homes and throughout the country. Ductless mini-split air conditioners come in three different types, and each has its own pros and cons to consider.
Whether you choose a single-zone system for basic cooling in a large room, a multi-zone system to cool the entire space or even a WiFi-enabled mini-split system for smart features and more, you’ll be sure to love the comfort that results. Read on to learn more about each type of system, their features, and how to find the perfect fit for your cooling needs. And when you’re ready, ask Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating for an estimate on your new ductless mini-split system.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split System?
Ductless mini-split systems are similar to other systems in that they have an air handler and a condenser, but as the name suggests, these systems lack one key element: ducts.
Instead of using ducts to pump cool air through the home from a single origin point, A mini-split system is installed in the room where it is needed for cooling. If you have multiple rooms you want to control, you’ll need a multi-zone system (more on that in a little bit).
There are four main components to every ductless mini-splits system:
- Condensing Unit: This is the part of the system that is located outside of the home. It has a condenser coil that pumps air through refrigerant lines to cool it.
- Refrigerant Lines: These small lines run from the condenser to the indoor unit, usually through a wall, and help cool the air that is forced into and out of the system.
- Indoor Unit(s): These units are usually mounted on the wall, but they can be mounted on or suspended from the ceiling. This is the unit that blows cool air into the home. You may have one or more of these based on the system that you choose.
- Wall Monitor or Control: Finally, you’ll have the remote control or wall panel that provides you with access to your system. This will give you the chance to adjust temperatures and other settings. If you choose a WiFi system, you may also have access to an app.
The other details of your system will depend on whether you choose a single-zone system, a multi-zone system, or an enhanced WiFi-enabled ductless mini-split.
Let’s take a closer look at each type so that you know what your home needs.
Single-Zone Systems
A single-zone mini-split system works in one area of your home. It consists of one outdoor condenser and one indoor unit that circulates the cool air into the room. These systems are popular in bedrooms, additions, and other rooms that aren’t attached to central A/C units. These systems are sized based on the square footage of the room, so you’ll need to make sure that you select one that fits your space.
Single-zone mini-split systems may be effective at cooling multiple spaces if the square footage is small enough. For example, a 15,000 BTU single-zone system may cool up to 800 square feet, which could be a single room or a medium to large apartment with an open floor plan.
Multi-Zone Systems
A multi-zone mini-split air conditioning system is similar in function to the single-zone model, but it has more indoor units that attach to a single outdoor unit. Each unit makes up a “zone” in your home, and there are usually up to four in each home. They connect to the outside unit with refrigerant lines and can even be used in multi-story buildings where central air isn’t available.
Multi-zone systems are popular in apartments and basements, as well as doctor’s offices and older buildings that have been retrofitted or redesigned. A singular outdoor unit will handle up to four indoor units, but they typically can’t be on maximum power at the same time.
WiFi-Enabled Mini-Split Systems
You can choose from single-zone or multi-zone systems and add WiFi connectivity to either type. There are many ductless mini-splits that include WiFi capabilities so that you can manage and monitor the climate in your home from your smartphone. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to make sure your home is perfectly cool to your liking when you arrive.
WiFi systems may also have a wall module or remote control, but they are primarily served by their apps or enabled to work with multiple apps that handle smart home connectivity. These systems offer premium efficiency and cost savings over time, too, even though they’re at the highest end of the price range when it comes to the initial installation.
The Benefits of Ductless Mini-Splits Systems
No matter which model you choose, you will find several benefits that come from choosing a ductless mini-split air conditioning system in Big Bear:
- Quiet Operation: These systems are designed to operate quietly. The condenser is outside and the fans in the mini-split unit are quiet, meaning it is much quieter than a window A/C unit.
- No Ducts: You don’t have to worry about the expense and hassle of installing ducts, maintaining them, or having them cleaned over the years. You won’t have dust buildup blowing through your home or deal with energy loss due to poor ductwork.
- Zone Cooling: If you choose a multi-zone system, as mentioned, you will be able to cool multiple areas of your home at once. You can even set and control the temperature from room to room for the perfect comfort, no matter what you like.
- Cheaper Installation: If you are installing a ductless system in a home that doesn’t currently have air conditioning, this will be the cheaper option. You won’t have to spend a small fortune on demolition or installing ductwork, and the process goes much more quickly with these systems.
- No Windows Needed: Mini-splits don’t require access to windows for ventilation or installation, unlike window A/C units and portable models. This is what makes them popular for basements and commercial buildings.
- Energy Efficiency: Since you’re not running air through a series of ducts in the house, you aren’t losing as much cool air along the way. Ducts are huge when it comes to energy loss and not having them eliminates this issue. Over time, you will easily see your energy savings increase.
These are just a handful of the benefits that come from choosing a ductless mini-split system for your Big Bear air conditioning installation. Now, let’s talk about how to choose the right system for your needs.
How to Choose Your New AC System
If you’ve decided on a ductless mini-split system, congratulations – you’ve already made a good choice in cooling your home now and in the future. All that’s left is to choose the system that you want, have it installed, and start enjoying the new cool comfort. This can also be a harrowing part of the process for those who are new to it, but you’re not on your own.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right mini-split AC for your home.
- Size Matters: What size room are you trying to cool? There are mini-split systems available in all sizes up to 24,000 BTUs (1,500 square feet), but you need to make sure that you purchase one that will effectively cool the space. Otherwise, it won’t be a good investment and the system will have to work harder to get results.
- Features: What kind of features do you want in your ductless mini-split system? For example, do you want a WiFi system that you can use with your other smart home features? Perhaps you need a system with a certain type of control or wall unit. Whatever it is, make sure that it’s on your list.
- Single vs. Multi-Zone: Are you purchasing a single unit to cool one room or space, or do you need zone cooling in your home? The latter requires purchasing a multi-zone mini-split A/C system so that you can connect up to four indoor units to one outdoor condenser.
- Location and Space: What kind of space do you have to work with? These units aren’t huge, but they do take up some space on the wall. You can find ceiling-mounted units if the wall space is lacking, but that’s going to get even more expensive with materials and installation costs.
- Ask the Experts: The best thing that you can do is to get a professional evaluation and see what the experts recommend for cooling your home. Contact the team at Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating to discuss our mini-split systems and all the features that they have to offer. We can help you review all the benefits, weigh your options, and take your home cooling to a whole new level.
Conclusion
Which mini-split system looks like a good fit for your home? Perhaps you’re interested in a basic single- or multi-zone system that offers simpler installation than central air conditioning units. Or, maybe you’re interested in the high-tech WiFi features to further enhance your budding smart home. Whatever you decide, Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating can provide you with the perfect solution.
And if you’re still on the fence, reach out and ask for some expert insight and assistance. We’ll review your needs and desires and help you find the best solution. Plus, we’ll include our guarantee with all the work that we do. Contact Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating for Big Bear ductless mini-split systems today.
Related Content: How to Install Air Conditioning in Big Bear
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Category: Air Conditioning
