4 Reasons You Should Convert from Central Air to Mini Split
A home’s heating and cooling system is a significant investment that affects your quality of life. Whether you are outfitting a new home with an HVAC system or looking to replace your home’s old setup, consider these four reasons to convert from a central air system to a mini split.
Mini splits typically last 25-33% longer than central air systems. They are also quieter and more efficient. A mini splits zone-specific heating and cooling capability is one of the main reasons people opt for mini splits over central air. A mini split’s simple preventative maintenance rounds out the reasons why you should convert your home from central air to mini split HVAC.
1. Mini Splits Are a Long-Lasting Investment
HVAC units cost thousands of dollars; however, they are an excellent investment for new homeowners. They avoid issues that plague central air systems like high static pressure and dusty condenser coils.
High static loads and dusty condenser coils result from the central air system’s reliance on ducts to transport air. Static pressure is the amount of resistance air encounters in an HVAC system. The more resistance, the less efficient the system and the shorter its lifespan. Ducts that are too large, obstructed, or improperly installed create considerable static pressure.
Dusty condenser coils in central air systems result from ductwork leaks. The leak pulls in dirt and debris that end up on the condenser coils. This reduces heat exchange efficiency with the outside air, causing the system to work harder than necessary. This is expensive and reduces the condenser’s lifespan. Mini splits avoid these problems by removing ducts from the heating and cooling process.
Mini split systems are also an investment in your health. Many units come fitted with HEPA-grade filtration systems which remove airborne pollutants like pollen, fungi, bacteria, and dust to improve your home’s indoor air quality. They also dehumidify the air to prevent mold growth, making them ideal for homes in humid climates.
2. Mini Splits Are Quiet and Efficient
Ductless mini splits are extremely quiet and efficient. The Mitsubishi 18,000 BTU mini split air conditioner has five different fan speeds as quiet as 28 dB and only reaches 49 dB at full speed. That is equivalent to a whisper at low power and isn’t noisier than a refrigerator at the highest fan speed.
The same model also displays the efficiency of a mini split because it can cool up to 1,000 ft² with a 20.5 SEER rating. A 20 SEER rating saves more than $50 a year on energy bills compared to SEER ratings under 14. That’s equivalent to savings worth $500 in just one decade.
3. Mini Splits Deliver Zone Specific Comfort
Everyone has a different internal body temperature that determines what outside temperature is comfortable. Central air systems do not accommodate individual variations in comfort because all rooms in a house are set to a single temperature. With zone-specific heating and cooling, every room with an air handler can have its own temperature.
This is excellent for keeping everyone in a family comfortable and highly energy-efficient, saving you money over the long term. A 4-zone mini split that only needs one zone to keep a home comfortable will save power by not heating or cooling the other zones. Compared to a central air system that is either on or off for the whole house, mini splits are more efficient and user-friendly.
4. Mini Splits Are Easy to Maintain
While professional maintenance is necessary from time to time with both central air and mini split systems, routine preventative maintenance that keeps a system running smoothly is easier for mini splits. The majority of mini splits have cleanable filters that need attention every three months. Some, like the LG mini splits, also have fine particulate filters that can be cleaned once and then need replacing after about six months of use.
Along with cleaning filters, you must ensure efficient heating and cooling by keeping the area around the outdoor condenser clear. The outdoor condenser transfers heat with the outdoor air and works best when nothing obstructs the air intake.
Make the Switch with Mini Splits
The many advantages of a ductless mini split HVAC system make it the best investment for new and old homes alike. A mini split’s long lifespan, quietness, efficiency, zoned air conditioning, and easy maintenance are great reasons to convert away from a central air system. You can even use mini splits as additions to a central heating system that needs help creating a comfortable home environment.
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