HVAC Mini Splits and Why They are So Beneficial

“Mini-Split! What is that? Is that a new gymnastics trick? The Itsy-Bitsy Splits? ” We hear that a lot when we first suggest to customers that their home’s heating and cooling needs might benefit from a Mini-Split Heating and Cooling System. This system is especially useful here in Nevada.

So, what is a Mini-Split Heating and Cooling System and why do we at Paschall Plumbing Heating Cooling think that you would benefit by knowing what a Mini-spit could do for your home?

Individualized Controls. Unlike the traditional HVAC systems, Mini-splits are heating and cooling systems that allow each individual to control the temperatures in their individual rooms or spaces via remote access, including remote controls and timers, and smart phone.

The key word is ‘individual.’ Individual uses. Individual preferences. For example, have you ever lived in or visited a home where the whole-house HVAC system has to be turned down to a super low temperature overall so that just one or two rooms get to a comfortable temperature? Or do you close vents off to certain rooms when trying to manage the wide swing of temperature differences as air blows through your centralized HVAC unit? Is Grandma freezing in her room while your teen in their room feels too hot? To cool off the kitchen while cooking, do the other rooms go super-cold?  Mini-split units have individualized cooling and heating capabilities where central heating and air units do not.

How does it work? Mini-splits are ductless heating and cooling systems designed to cool or heat individual rooms throughout the home or business. Although ductless, like central systems, mini-splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units. Ductless installations are growing throughout the US because they're proving to be much more efficient than conventional ducted systems. It’s estimated that duct losses in a central air system account for more than 30% of energy consumption (source: Energy.Gov ). Cooling or heating air-loss in duct systems is especially significant in the usual unconditioned spaces such as an attic or crawlspace. This energy loss grows if the ducts aren't sealed tight.(call us at 775-825-6500 for a diagnostic to see if you need help improving your current HVAC’s energy usage. We can help!)

Mini-Split Heating and Cooling System are not only great solutions for whole home or new constructions but make good retrofit add-ons to houses with “non-ducted” systems. They can also be a good choice for room additions when extending or installing distribution ductwork is not feasible, and energy efficient new homes that require only a small space conditioning system.

MINI-SPLIT ADVANTAGES

• Small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms rather than your entire indoor space.
• Complete control of each room, customizing temperature via remote access, including remote controls and timers. Your smart phone, too!
• One outdoor Mini-split unit can connect to just one or multiple indoor air handling units; some systems such as the efficient Fujitsu Mini-split systems  for up to eight (8) zones or rooms.
• More efficient than window-mounted units, don’t require complex expensive ductwork like centralized units.
• Ductless mini-splits avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems.
• Use the same amount of energy that a home refrigerator uses and are very quiet.
• Stylish. Flexibility of room placement, floor or wall mount. Can be picture framed.
• 20 years is the estimated life of most adequately maintained mini split ductless air conditioners – far beyond the 12 to 15 years that most conventional systems last.
  (source: Energy.Gov )

For more information on Mini-split Heating and Cooling Systems give us a call at 775-825-6500. We’ll answer all your questions, help you correctly size each indoor unit, and judge the best location for its installation. Paschall Plumbing Heating Cooling technicians are qualified to walk you through the different systems available so you can see if a Mini-Split System is the right fit for your home’s comfort needs.