A mini-split is a typically ductless HVAC system that is suitable for most Massachusetts homes. The term mini-split refers to both its size and configuration. Split refers to these systems having at least one indoor unit and at least one outdoor unit. Mini refers to the compact nature of the equipment relative to a traditional HVAC system. Let’s explore the reasons you should and shouldn’t opt for a mini-split for your home over the alternatives.
Pro: Flexible Installations
Mini-splits are suitable for practically any home. Manufacturers design their mini-splits to be highly configurable, and there are few, if any, installation requirements. The most notable characteristic is that there’s no need for ducts. That makes them an excellent option for homes that have never had ducts and perhaps never had AC at all. Mini-splits are a great fit with boilers and other home heating systems that don’t involve forced air. That said, you can pair them with a central HVAC system as an oft-cost-effective way of achieving zoning.
You can opt for as many zones as your home needs, or you prefer. Each zone can have a different size and layout, and there are many mounting options to choose from. The typical system has between two and four indoor zones. We offer single-zone systems, which are a cheaper option if you only need one indoor unit. Most multizone systems have a soft upper limit of eight indoor units. There are solutions for large homes, such as installing multiple outdoor units in a series.
The requirements for each indoor unit include condensate drainage and a 3-inch conduit. Installation of the conduits is usually a relatively straightforward task. Still, manufacturers offer a wide variety of adapters for more complex installations. Drainage usually occurs via gravity. For indoor units where that’s not possible, a condensate drainage pump is the solution.
Con: Heating Limitations
We offer two main types of mini-splits: air conditioners and heat pumps. Ductless ACs or cooling-only mini-splits provide cooling exclusively. Ductless heat pumps are essentially two-way ACs that can provide cooling in summer and heating in winter. It’s important to note that a ductless heat pump is just as effective as a ductless AC at cooling a home.
There are additional considerations if you want your mini-split to provide heating. Most ductless heat pumps are air-source models. That means that they transfer heat energy to and from the ambient air. Air-source heat pumps have a cold-weather threshold at which they’re no longer as efficient. Above that threshold, a mini-split can provide heat more cheaply than even a gas furnace or boiler. Below that threshold, they can’t and may struggle to heat a larger home. Mini-splits will often have electric resistive heating strips to help, but that does increase costs more. For that reason, it’s not typical to use a mini-split for primary heating in Massachusetts.
Con: Higher Costs
For the average household choosing a mini-split as its primary HVAC system, it will be more expensive than a central system. One reason is that there’s a lot more equipment involved. A typical AC has one blower, evaporator coil, and drainage system. With a mini-split system, each indoor head houses its own blower, coil, drainage, thermostat, and so forth.
The installation costs are also higher because there’s more labor involved. With a traditional system, an installer sets up one outdoor unit and one indoor unit. For a mini-split, the installer must set up one indoor unit for each zone and perhaps multiple for larger zones. There are many thermostats and drainage systems to calibrate. An installer also must test and calibrate the refrigerant pressure and static pressure for each indoor unit individually.
Pro: Suitable for Home Additions
Home additions are a popular way to upgrades houses, add more space, and improve property value. One of the key challenges with home additions is HVAC. If the home has central HVAC, expanding the duct network can be complex and expensive. Even if you can extend the ducts, it’s often not that simple. The current system has the capacity for a particular cubic footage and building envelope.
A mini-splits lets you overcome ventilation, heating, and cooling challenges with home additions. The addition will have its own condenser unit and as many evaporator units as it needs. This is also what makes mini-splits a great choice for:
- Guest houses
- Finished attics
- Satellite buildings
- Garage apartments
- Finished basements
- Unfinished and detached garages
Con: Interior Installation Footprint
Central HVAC systems don’t take up much interior space at all. It’s typical to install most of the interior equipment in the attic or crawl space. This isn’t necessarily the case with mini-splits. Wall-mounted units are the most common installation approach. While modern wall units are compact, they can still take up valuable wall real estate.
Ceiling mounting is an option, but it’s important to note that this can increase your installation costs considerably. Cassette units are perhaps the most discreet option because they install flush against the ceiling. There are dropdown cassettes for large, expansive areas. Suspended ceiling units are an option as well. We also offer floor models for areas, such as basements, that may not have much ceiling or wall space.
Con: More Maintenance
All HVAC systems require heating maintenance in the fall and, if applicable, cooling maintenance in the spring. The issue with mini-splits is that the maintenance is more time-consuming and expensive. This is because a technician must service each indoor unit separately. There are many evaporator coils to clean, thermostats to calibrate, and so on.
Pro: High Energy Efficiency
Mini-splits deliver some of the best residential HVAC efficiency available. That means your operating costs will be lower and your household carbon footprint will be smaller. You may also be eligible for rebates and other incentives that help you recoup your added investment sooner.
One reason mini-splits are more efficient is that they don’t have ducts. The Department of Energy estimates that the average home loses at least 20% of its conditioned air through its ducts. A mini-split doesn’t experience those losses. Ductless mini-splits are also much more efficient heaters than furnaces and boilers. That’s because they don’t generate heat but rather move it from one space to another. A third reason is zone control.
Pro: Inherent Zone Control
Zone control lets you, for instance, maintain cool bedroom temperatures without cooling the rest of the home unnecessarily. That isn’t possible with a traditional single-zone HVAC system. It also means you can set temperatures depending on how you use a room. You may prefer a cooler temperature, for example, in your kitchen than living room. While zoning is possible with central HVAC, it’s usually more expensive than a mini-split. That’s because you must add a variable-speed air handler, duct dampers, multiple advanced thermostats, and more.
Ductless Mini-Split Installation in the Greater Belchertown Area
Pioneer Valley Environmental is an HVAC company located in Ware, MA. We’ve served the Quaboag Valley area since 1999, which means we have over 25 years of experience in the region. We partner with Mass Save and the Service Center Alliance. Our certified technicians install and service all ductless mini-split brands and technologies, including both air conditioners and heat pumps. To learn more about your mini-split installation options, contact us to schedule an in-home consultation.
