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MOST PRODUCTS SHIP FREE!
NO SALES TAX IN 48 STATES!
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE!
MOST PRODUCTS SHIP FREE!
NO SALES TAX IN 48 STATES!
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE!
Want to keep your home cool and comfortable without emptying your wallet? Mini split AC systems could be just what you need. After years of exploring different ways to stay cool, I can confidently say that a mini split AC system is a game-changer for many homeowners.
I'll admit, I was skeptical when I first learned about mini splits. But after putting one in my own home, I was amazed by how efficient and easy to use it was. I'm here to share my knowledge about these compact systems.
Mini split air conditioners, often called ductless systems, are gaining popularity for a good reason. They're flexible, energy-efficient, and perfect for cooling (and often heating) certain areas of your house. But with so many choices, how do you find the right one? That's where this mini splits AC buying guide comes in.
I remember helping a friend install a mini split in their newly renovated attic bedroom. The change was amazing - what was once a stuffy, uncomfortable space became a cool oasis in the summer heat. It's moments like these that made me passionate about helping others discover the perfect mini split solution.
Before we jump into the details of picking a mini split system, let's break down what these systems are. A mini split AC system has two primary parts: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are linked by a conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain.
The beauty of mini splits is in their uncomplicated design and adaptability. Unlike central air systems, they don't need a network of ducts. This makes them great for older homes, add-ons, or places where putting in ductwork would be difficult or costly.
I once worked with a client who lived in a historic house without any ductwork. They were struggling to stay cool without changing the home's historical look. A mini split system was the ideal answer, offering effective cooling without needing a major renovation.
You might be asking, "Why should I pick a mini split over other ways to cool my home?" Let me explain, the advantages are many:
When I added a mini split to my home office, the difference in noise compared to my old window unit was huge. I could finally have work calls without the annoying hum of an AC in the background. We have a 2 zone mini split collection that you can explore.
Getting the right size for your system is one of the most crucial parts of buying a mini split AC. A unit that's too small won't cool effectively, while one that's too big will turn on and off constantly, using extra energy and potentially shortening the system's lifespan.
Mini split sizes are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A good rule of thumb is to have about 20 BTUs for every square foot of your living area. However, this can differ depending on things like your ceiling height, insulation, and the climate you live in.
Remember, these are just starting points. For the most precise sizing, it's always a good idea to talk to a professional HVAC contractor. They can figure out the heating and cooling needs of your specific space, considering all the unique factors. You can also explore the central mini splits product range in our collection.
Energy efficiency is a big deal when it comes to mini splits. It doesn't just impact your electricity costs, but it also plays a role in your carbon footprint. This mini splits AC buying guide will look at two essential ratings: SEER and HSPF.
SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, shows how efficient an air conditioner is at cooling. A higher SEER rating means a more efficient unit.
Many mini splits sold today have SEER ratings from 16 to 30. In comparison, new central air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 13 in the northern U.S. and 14 in the southern states.
I helped a friend replace their old window unit, which had a SEER rating of 10, with a mini split that had a SEER of 20. Their energy bills during the summer went down by nearly 40%.
If you're thinking about getting a heat pump mini split (which can cool and heat), you'll also want to check out the HSPF rating, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This tells you how well a unit heats. Most heat pump mini splits have HSPF ratings from 8.5 to 12.5.
One reason mini splits are so energy-saving is the inverter technology they use. Unlike older ACs that cycle on and off, inverter compressors adjust their speed to keep a steady temperature. This uses less energy and delivers more consistent comfort.
While installing mini splits is generally less complicated than central air, there are still crucial things to keep in mind. This section of our mini splits AC buying guide will guide you through the installation steps and help you determine whether DIY or calling in a professional is the right choice for you.
Several companies now offer DIY mini split kits. These kits are great if you're comfortable with electrical work and refrigerant systems. However, there are strong reasons why having a professional install your unit is often the better choice:
I attempted to install a mini split myself once. While I finally got it working, it took me double the time I thought it would and was quite frustrating. Looking back, hiring an HVAC contractor would have been worth the cost.
Where you put your indoor and outdoor units has a big impact on how well your system performs. Here are some suggestions:
Modern mini splits are equipped with convenient features that can increase your comfort. In this portion of our mini splits AC buying guide, we'll examine some of the most helpful ones.
Many new models allow you to control your mini split right from your smartphone with Wi-Fi. This is super practical, especially when you want to cool down your home before arriving or adjust the temperature from bed.
I put in a Wi-Fi-enabled mini split in my bedroom. Being able to change the temperature without getting out of bed when it's chilly is amazing.
Think about a multi-zone system if you're hoping to cool several rooms. With this type of system, you can hook up multiple indoor units to just one outdoor unit, with each room having its own temperature control.
You can find mini splits with air purification systems already in them. These systems are great for taking allergens, dust, and other pollutants out of the air inside your house.
Lots of mini splits can cool and heat. This dual function is great if you need to give your main heating system a boost or even replace it completely in milder climates.
One of the biggest pluses of mini splits is how quietly they run. But some models are louder than others. In this section of our guide, we'll go over how to choose a quiet model and what decibel levels are reasonable.
We use decibels (dB) to measure how loud air conditioners are. Mini splits usually make between 20 and 50 dB of sound. To understand these figures, take a look at the examples below:
Try to choose units that are quieter than 40 dB for the indoor component and under 60 dB for the outdoor part.
Quite a few things play a role in how much noise your mini split will make:
A client of mine was worried about installing a mini split because they had a bad experience with a window AC unit that was loud. We opted for a high-quality, quiet model, and they were shocked by how silent it was. It almost seemed like it wasn't on.
If you want your mini split to run well and last for years, you have to take good care of it. This section of our mini splits AC buying guide will cover basic maintenance to-dos and ways to make your system last longer.
The number one task on your maintenance list is to clean your filters. Most units come with washable filters that you should clean every one to two months. If you have pets or it's dusty where you live, you'll need to clean them more frequently.
You can do a lot of the maintenance work yourself, but it's recommended that a professional checks your mini split every year. Here's what they'll do:
Don't neglect your outdoor unit. Clear away anything blocking it, such as dirt, leaves, or snow. You'll also want to trim back any plants near it so the air can circulate well.
If you care for it well, a well-made mini split can work for 15–20 years. That's quite a bit longer than most window units or portable ACs last.
I've had my own mini split for over 10 years now, and it's still running great. I've been consistent with maintenance and taken care of any issues right away.
Cost is a big part of buying something like a mini split AC system. This last section of our mini splits AC buying guide will discuss the expenses involved and how to stay within your budget.
The price tag on mini splits differs quite a bit depending on these aspects:
For a single-zone system, you can typically expect to spend between $1,500 and $5,000, including installation. Multi-zone systems can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or even more.
Although buying a mini split might cost more initially than some other cooling options, you'll often spend less on energy because they're so efficient. This can amount to big savings down the road.
As you're weighing your options, consider the long-term value. While you may spend a little more upfront for a high-quality, energy-efficient mini split, it could end up paying for itself in energy savings and last much longer than a budget-friendly model.
I once helped a friend choose between a basic mini split and a slightly pricier one that was more efficient. After doing some calculations, we determined that the money they'd save on their energy bills would balance out the cost difference in just three years. Five years down the road, they still thank me for encouraging them to go with the more expensive unit.
Choosing a mini split system can feel overwhelming, but with the help of this mini splits AC buying guide, you're ready to make a smart choice. Remember, the important factors to consider are size, efficiency, features, installation, maintenance, and of course, your budget.
Don't feel rushed when making this decision. Getting a mini split is a considerable investment, so getting it right is key. Figure out what you need, do your research, and talk to professionals if you have any questions.
From my own experience, choosing the right mini split can totally transform your home. They deliver efficient, quiet cooling (and often heating) that lasts for years. Whether you want to cool just one room or your entire place, there's a good chance there's a mini split system that's ideal for you.
Ready to dive into the world of mini splits? I'm positive that by following this guide, you'll discover the right system to keep you cool and comfortable all year long.
A: A ductless mini-split air conditioner is a type of cooling system that does not require ductwork to distribute air, making it a flexible and efficient option for cooling individual rooms or areas.
A: A mini-split system consists of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units, allowing you to control the temperature in each space separately. The indoor unit blows air over cooling coils to cool and dehumidify the air.
A: Mini-split air conditioners are energy-efficient, offer customizable cooling for individual rooms, are quieter than traditional systems, and provide both cooling and heating options in one unit.
A: Consider factors such as room size, number of indoor units needed, whether you need cooling only or both cooling and heating, ease of installation, and the efficiency rating of the system.
A: DIY installation of a mini-split air conditioner is possible for those with basic handyman skills, but professional installation is recommended to ensure proper setup and functionality.
A: Mini-split air conditioners can be cost-effective in the long run due to their energy-efficient operation, which can lead to lower utility bills over time.
A: A single-zone mini-split system consists of one outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit, while a
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