Tag: splits

Benefits of Heating and Cooling With Mini Splits

What Is a Ductless Mini Split?

A ductless mini split is a revolutionary way to heat and cool a home. For over a century, central heating and cooling systems have used various types of ducting to convey heated and cooled air throughout the home. 

With ductless mini splits, the heating or cooling refrigerant is piped through the home instead of individual heads that control the temperature of a space. Instead of bulky ductwork, small copper lines are used to convey the refrigerant. 

The resulting heating and cooling system exceeds the performance of even the best central AC systems. Here are three benefits of heat pumps when considering heating and cooling system installation. 

Keeps Energy Bills Lower 

save money As it turns out, the ductwork in a central AC system is very inefficient. Not only does it require a huge amount of materials, but the insulation and joints in the system can leak hot or cold air. 

In most central systems, the ductwork alone can account for 40% of efficiency losses, leading to massive energy costs over the years. Even with more modern ductwork systems, the inefficiencies can be felt in the home’s budget. So, why not eliminate this inherent weakness of central AC systems altogether? 

Ductless mini splits save tons of money through improved efficiency, but they also save money because they use physics to heat and cool the home. By using a heat pump instead of burning fossil fuels, homeowners can utilize technology that is hundreds of times more efficient than furnaces or resistance heating, further lowering monthly energy bills.

Makes Installation Easier

Many homes in the US were built before central AC systems were standard in a home. As a result, millions of homes can’t accommodate the necessary ductwork for central heating and cooling.

Ductless mini splits are more easily installed in older homes and can fit into spaces that can’t accommodate ductwork. This makes them the obvious choice for homes heated and cooled with space heaters and window units.

In addition to retrofitting spaces that can’t have central AC, ductless mini splits allow for faster installation. Any time a contractor saves time on a project, they offer the savings to the customer. Homeowners can get an upgraded HVAC system for less than a new central system by choosing ductless mini splits. 

Take Advantage of Zoning

mini spilt One of the inherent drawbacks of central heating and cooling is that the entire home is uncomfortable for people who don’t control the thermostat. As the home is regulated to a single temperature, most people are too hot or cold, and they can do nothing about it. 

With zone control strategies utilized by ductless mini splits, everyone in the home can control their own room or zone and keep it at the precise temperature they need. Since the entire system isn’t cycling as often as it would with a central system, energy bills are lower, meaning homeowners can improve their comfort while actually lowering their monthly costs. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has a large team of professionals that offer same-day service for plumbing and HVAC concerns. With extended warranties, the risks associated with HVAC installations have never been lower. Call today for HVAC service in Lansing, MI. 

Central AC vs. Ductless Mini Splits

Person in gray sweater contemplating HVAC options next to Bosch wall-mounted and Carrier outdoor air conditioning units.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioning Option for Cooling Your Home

When it’s time for an air conditioning installation or replacement, homeowners will have to make a decision regarding which type of air conditioner to install. This post will explore their air conditioner options for cooling their homes, including central air conditioning and ductless cooling. 

Central Air Conditioning

vent A central AC system is the most common form of air conditioning in U.S. homes. These systems use ductwork to distribute the cooled air around the home, making it preferable for cooling larger homes. They are more affordable to install, especially when replacing an existing central air system with ducts.

Central air conditioning systems are also beneficial because they are less visible indoors compared to other types of air conditioners, with only the air vents being visible inside a house’s rooms. The main drawback to central air is that they are not the most efficient option available. 

Ductless Mini Split AC Systems 

mini splitDuctless air conditioning is another option for cooling homes. Ductless mini splits don’t require air ducts. Instead, they use multiple indoor units to supply the space with cool air. Each of these indoor units can be individually controlled, allowing for more precise temperature control and the ability to save energy in unused rooms. 

These systems are more energy efficient, so although they have a higher initial installation cost than central AC systems, they will cost less to run. Because of their lack of ductwork, ductless mini-split systems are great options for adding air conditioning to older homes without ducts or homes without the space for ductwork to be installed.  

Other Cooling Options

Central air conditioning and ductless mini splits aren’t the only options for air conditioners. However, other options like window air conditioners and portable air conditioners aren’t good options for cooling entire homes. Window AC units and portable AC units are affordable, but only cool the room they are in, so when multiple units have to be purchased to cool a home, this cost adds up quickly and eliminates the benefit of being affordable. 

Portable air conditioners can be moved from room to room, but sit on the floor, taking up valuable floor space and can make a room feel more cluttered. A window unit doesn’t take up floor space, but when installed in a window, the window can’t be opened, and it blocks natural light. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has been serving the Lansing area since 1984. They provide fast response, highly trained technicians, and high-quality solutions. Call them for air conditioner installation and replacement in Lansing, MI.