Pros and Cons Of Mini Split Heat Pumps Every Homeowner Should Consider

By James K. Kim

As mini split heat pump technology continues to evolve and become a more affordable HVAC option, more homeowners are opting for ductless air conditioning as their primary cooling solution.

Ductless air conditioning units, which come in a variety of different wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and recessed ceiling cassette models, are also known as mini splits and connect to an outside heat pump unit.

Both the indoor mini splits and outdoor heat pump components are connected through electrical wiring, condensate drain tubing, and refrigerant line set piping.

The indoor units provide cool air (and heating as well for certain heat pump models) to your home without requiring ductwork to run internally through walls, ceilings, and floors.

They are whisper-quiet, energy-efficient, and come in a variety of sizes and cooling capacities to properly condition a variety of room types and sizes.

A major reason why ductless air conditioning is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners is due to their relatively simple installation process (compared to traditional ducted central AC systems) with precise temperature control capabilities and straightforward logistical planning.

In most cases, an external wall with about three feet of horizontal space, about a foot of vertical space, and a few inches of clearance from ceilings and windows is all that’s needed for a typical wall-mounted unit placement. Floor-mounted and recessed ceiling cassette ductless air conditioning models also have relatively simple installation space requirements.

If you’re a homeowner considering a ductless air conditioning system, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. To help you decide whether a ductless air conditioning system is right for your home or business, here are some key benefits to consider.

What are the Pros of ductless air conditioning systems?

Modern ductless air conditioning systems have been shown to offer a multitude of benefits while saving money in numerous ways. Here are the main advantages of going ductless:

1. Simple installation in homes that do not have existing ductwork

One of the top reasons homeowners choose ductless air conditioning is its hassle-free installation process.

The versatility and variety of placement options provide a greater degree of flexibility for conditioning spaces without the need for the headaches of remodeling, painting, and sheetrocking.

And as an added bonus, since there is no ductwork, there is no chance of losing valuable conditioned air and efficiency from ductwork leakage.

Even a minor hole in ductwork can cause a disruption in efficient airflow, and sometimes these leaks can be difficult to pinpoint with interior-running ducts.

Ductwork leakage is one less thing to worry about when you have a ductless air conditioning system.

2. Improved indoor climate control

Since ductless air conditioning is so customizable, it offers a higher appeal to homeowners seeking more zoning options throughout the home, instead of settling for one temperature for the entire house.

If a household has different temperature preferences for their primary dwelling spaces, ductless air conditioning allows you to control the temperature in each space that has a mini-split unit.

Do you prefer having your bedroom cool but your living room warmer? Are you seeking a peaceful end to the thermostat wars? It’s all possible with ductless air conditioning.

3. Improved energy efficiency and savings on utility costs

The improved temperature control can also help save money on energy utility costs.

If one room in the home is not being utilized, then you can simply keep the ductless air conditioning unit off in that space.

Meanwhile, with traditional ducted central air conditioning, you are forced to cool an entire multi-room zone of the home simultaneously, regardless of its occupancy.

In a nutshell, a ductless air conditioning system lets you strategically choose which rooms need cooling and which don’t.

As a result, you will reduce your overall energy usage and shave money off your monthly bill.

Additionally, due to their compact size and nature, a ductless mini split air conditioning unit offers more energy efficiency than a central ducted AC system. This lower energy usage can yield increased savings for better overall comfort.

In the long run, the up-front investment in an energy-efficient multi-zone ductless air conditioning mini split heat pump system will result in positive returns from overall energy savings thanks to reduced utility bills.

What are the potential Cons of ductless air conditioning systems?

While the pluses of ductless air conditioning are sizable, there may be certain drawbacks some homeowners may want to consider.

Outdoor airflow

Modern ductless mini-split units feature excellent air filtration for improved air quality and trapping harmful contaminants in the air.

But by nature, ductless air conditioning units do not bring in fresh air into the home. Instead, heat energy is transferred to help cool down a space.

If bringing in outside fresh air is a major consideration for your home’s HVAC system, there are a number of fresh air ventilation and indoor air quality solutions that may be considered to supplement your ductless air conditioning system.

Potentially higher costs for larger homes with many zones

Most homeowners would agree that ductless air conditioners are highly efficient alternatives to traditional ducted AC systems.

However, ductless units may not be the most cost-effective option for larger homes with many rooms.

Quite simply, the more square footage to condition, the higher the cost to install multiple ductless mini-split units over one or two central air systems.

If this is the case, then it may be worthwhile to compare ductless air conditioning pricing vs central AC to find which best fits your budget.

Choosing the right air conditioning system that fits your needs

When considering these pros and cons of a ductless air conditioning system, homeowners should consider their family’s comfort preferences.

Ductless and central AC systems both offer cooling to a home but in a slightly different way. If zoning customization for different parts of the home and improved bottom-line energy savings are key factors, then ductless mini splits may be an ideal option.

However, if cooling your entire home at once, aesthetics of visible equipment, specific layout of your home, or simplicity and basic functionality outweigh the ductless air conditioning benefits, then perhaps a ducted central system is the way to go.

Could ductless air conditioning be a good investment for your home in Westchester County, New York? Reach out to Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning for a free consultation to learn more about your ductless air conditioning options that fit your lifestyle and budget.