Why Mini Splits Are the Best Choice for HVAC Professionals
What if you could cut your HVAC installation times in half?
Instead of crawling through tight spaces and dealing with complicated installations, you could complete the job in under 6 hours by installing a mini-split unit.
Mini-splits make HVAC installations quick, easy, and painless.
In this article, we're looking at the advantages and disadvantages of mini splits and how they might be the next best thing to happen to your business.
Table of Contents:
- What Are Mini Splits?
- How Do Mini Splits Work?
- Does A Mini Split AC Heat and Cool?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Mini Split Systems
- Advantages of Mini Split Systems
- Disadvantages of Mini Split Systems
- Reliability and Durability of Mini Splits
- What Goes into a Mini Split Installation?
- Mini-Splits vs. Central Air
- How Much Does A Mini Split AC Cost?
- Styles/Types of Mini Splits
- Wall vs. Ceiling vs. Floor
- Head Sizes
- Why You Should Offer Mini Splits to Customers
- Explore Top-Quality Ductless Systems for Your Projects
What Are Mini Splits?
Mini-splits are heating and cooling systems that work as ductless air conditioners. Their technology is essentially the same as traditional HVAC units, with a few differences.
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Mini-splits offer "zone control" benefits.
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They are, in fact, ductless.
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Mini splits look different and are mounted to the floor or wall of the room in which they're installed.
You might know them by different names, like ductless ACs, mini-split systems, or mini split HVAC. For clarity, we'll call them "mini splits" or "mini split units" in this article.
But how do mini splits work, and how are they different from traditional HVAC units? Let's find out.
How Do Mini Splits Work?
Mini splits have two primary components: an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handling unit(s). They have "zones" that are essentially just the room the unit is located in.
Unlike HVAC units, mini splits don't push and pull air into a central indoor unit. Instead, each min split controls the temperature in the "zone" it's in. Each one has its own fan and evaporator unit, too.
A mini split also has an outdoor unit close to the HVAC's AC compressor.
They also don't have any duct system (hence their nickname), but they require refrigerant lines to be installed. Most contractors report they're easier to install than air ducts.
A simple 3-inch diameter hole in the wall is all that's required for installation. That's where you'll house the copper tubing, condensation drain line, power, and communication cables to connect the indoor to the outdoor unit.
Homeowners also get to customize room temperature with remote-control access to each unit. Mini splits are an excellent option for multi-zone temperature control.
Does A Mini Split AC Heat and Cool?
Yes, it sure does.
Mini splits are all-in-one; they heat, cool, dehumidify, and even purify the air quality of the room they're in. Homeowners only have to pay once for all their heating and cooling needs.
Forget about installing baseboards and heavy furnaces. Mini-splits save your back and legs from long days installing big ole AC units.
In heating mode, mini splits function as a heat pump. They use the same process to heat as they do to cool—a no-duct heat energy transfer. The result is greater energy efficiency and lower heating bills.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mini Split Systems
Now, we know what you're thinking: it's all well and good that mini splits heat and cool rooms, but are they a headache to install? How ugly are they? Will my customers complain about how they look? Are they louder than a tornado inside the home?
Well, let's get you some answers.
Advantages of Mini Split Systems
Easy to Install
Mini splits are ductless, as we've mentioned, so you won't spend time cutting, crawling, and fitting air ducts into basements and attics during installation.
Energy Efficient
Even if you don't care about energy efficiency, your customers do. You'll be a hero in their home if you save them a few bucks every month on energy bills.
Climate Control
Homeowners enjoy the climate control zones that mini splits offer. Mom can stay warm in the bedroom while Dad doesn't have to sweat in the living room. It's a win-win!
Quiet As A Mouse
Mini splits run quietly, making them perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and anywhere else your customers don't want to hear them running.
Improved Air Quality
No ducts, no dust mites! AC mini split units reduce dust, allergens, and indoor air pollutants contributing to poor indoor air quality.
Disadvantages of Mini Split Systems
Can't Heat or Cool Large Areas
Big houses need big AC units. Mini splits aren't equipped to heat or cool large open indoor spaces. Generally, we recommend not exceeding 300-500 sqft for each room (dependent on the unit size).
Some Homeowners Don't Like The Way They Look
The standard mini split is a wall unit. That style can be a hit or miss with homeowners. However, alternatives like floor-mounted and flush ceiling options appeal to higher-end tastes. Prices increase with these styles of units, however.
Upfront Costs
Average industry costs for min-splits are about $4,500, but the prices vary greatly depending on how many units you need and any additional features customers want. That can be as much as a heating and cooling HVAC unit.
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Easy to Install |
Can't heat or cool large areas |
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Energy efficient |
Some homeowners don't like the way they look. |
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Climate control |
Upfront Costs |
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Quiet as a mouse |
|
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Improved air quality |
|
Reliability and Durability of Mini Splits
The last thing you want is for customers to complain about the HVAC unit you installed or spend your time doing repairs to the thing. That's where mini splits can be a lifesaver.
Mini split systems are reliable. Most ductless mini splits last up to 20 years under perfect conditions. Their longevity makes them among the most durable of any home appliance.
Depending on the brand of mini split you buy, they also have manufacturer warranties that give you even more peace of mind.
Like forced air heat pumps and air conditioning systems, the durability of min split systems depends on the equipment's quality, maintenance of the unit, and the efficiency with which it's used.
Now, you can't guarantee any of the above except for the quality of the unit. However, if you inform homeowners about how to take care of the unit, they can enjoy it for longer.
What Goes into a Mini Split Installation?
You'd be wrong if you're envisioning a labor-intensive, sweat-producing installation. Most mini-splits are installed in under 4 hours, including a 30-minute test period.
Mini splits are easy to install and don't require a long list of complex tools to complete the job.
They are generally easier to install than an HVAC unit because you won't have to do ductwork. Also, connecting the indoor and outdoor units is a breeze. All you need is a 3-inch hole, like we mentioned earlier.
Most units come with 25 feet of line-set, so you should be good to go unless you need more space than that.
Tools required to install a mini split include:
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Micron gauge
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Torque wrench to correctly set flare nuts
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Vacuum pump with fresh oil
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Metric tools
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45-degree flaring tool
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Nitrogen tank with a gauge
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Scale for refrigerant and tank
Mini-Splits vs. Central Air
Is a Mini Split Cheaper to Run Than Central Air?
Did you know that ductwork accounts for about 30% of energy losses for HVAC units? That's right, ductwork is one of the reasons why your customers pay more for their HVAC electric bills.
Since mini split units don't have duct work, they don't have this problem.
They efficiently cool and heat the space they're in because more air reaches its intended destination. Central air can't do that.
If your customers want a more energy-efficient heating and cooling system, a mini-split unit is a great suggestion.
How Much Does A Mini Split AC Cost?
So, how much does one of these things cost? Between $4,000 and $6,000 per zone.
Mini split systems are priced based on the number of "heads" they have. As we pointed out earlier, these "heads" are also called "zones". They are responsible for dishing out the hot or cold air from the unit.
Other factors affecting how much a mini split costs include:
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Units with heating and cooling are more expensive. Cooling units are cheaper.
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Type of mount. Floor versus wall versus ceiling. Ceiling mounts cost more.
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Number of zones. The more zones required, the more expensive they are.
Mini Split Styles
Wall vs. Ceiling vs. Floor
Most mini-splits are wall-mounted units designed in a rectangular shape. This is a popular style thanks to its affordability and ease of installation.
Ceiling units are mounted into the ceiling and are less noticeable.
Floor units are also less noticeable, making them another popular stylistic choice for homeowners who care about that.
Head Sizes
Mini-splits come in a variety of sizes, too. Fortunately, the price gap is only about $400 between larger and smaller units, so the choice is up to the homeowner and your recommendation. Of course, bigger rooms = more oversized heads and vice versa.
Check out our selection for other mini-splits, including Mr Cool mini splits and other top brands.
Why You Should Offer Mini Splits to Customers
Communicating Value to Your Customers: Key Selling Points of Mini Splits
Mini-splits are an excellent alternative to traditional HVAC units if your customers care about saving money and enjoying a comfortable interior. Here are a few more reasons to recommend mini spilt systems.
Energy-Efficient and Cost Savings
Ductless systems are often more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems because they eliminate the energy losses caused by ductwork. Customers will like the lower energy bills, and you'll become their favorite HVAC person.
Zoned Heating and Cooling
Mini-splits allow individuals to control the temperature in different rooms throughout their home. These zones maximize interior comfort levels.
Easy Installation
Ductless systems are easier to install, and the process is less invasive for homeowners (no ductwork!). Older homes are more easily retrofitted with mini-splits compared with traditional HVAC units.
Rebates and Incentives
Some homeowners might also enjoy rebates and incentives for owning a mini-split. If you're in the right area, installing energy-efficient ductless systems could come with tax savings.
Conclusion:
Explore Top-Quality Ductless Systems for Your Projects
Do you want to offer customers energy-efficient, high-quality mini splits? You're in the right place.
We make it easy with FREE express delivery of our units, 365-day-a-year returns, a comprehensive 2-year warranty on all units, and a price-beat guarantee—you cannot find lower mini split pricing.
Best of all, we offer professional services that make ordering from us a breeze.
Shop our collection of min-spilt AC units.
Have you got questions about our units? We're happy to answer your questions. Reach out to us here.
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