Why Your Basement Remodel Isn't Complete Without a Ductless HVAC Unit

Basement remodeling can be a very stressful and inconvenient process that requires patience and persistence from homeowners. It may seem as if the constant construction and inconvenience will never end, but the finished product will be worth it. Your home gains a wonderful new area that can be used however you please. 

There are many factors and decisions to be made when remodeling a basement. You must decide on furniture, wallpaper, flooring, interior decorations, and so much more. You also must consider how to heat and cool the area. Heating and cooling in basements can be complicated, but ComfortUp has the perfect solution ... we carry ductless mini splits from the industry’s most trusted brands! 

Read below to find out why your basement remodel isn’t complete without a ductless mini split, then browse our collection or reach out to a trained product specialist and find the perfect one for your home!

What Are Ductless Mini Splits?

Ductless mini splits have long been the HVAC norm in Europe and Asia, but their popularity has recently skyrocketed in the United States. This is not accidental, as more and more homeowners are becoming aware of their many benefits. 

Ductless mini splits consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units by a series of wires and/or copper pipes. The outdoor unit acts as a condenser or compressor and also features a drain component to remove any excess liquid buildup. The indoor unit acts as the air handling unit that disperses warmed or chilled air throughout the area. 

Single and Multi-Zone Systems

Ductless mini splits are available in single and multi-zone systems. A single-zone system consists of one outdoor unit connected to only one indoor unit. Conversely, a multi-zone system consists of one outdoor unit connected to up to eight indoor units. 

Single-zone systems give homeowners complete control over the temperature in the room where the indoor unit is physically located. Multi-zone systems allow homeowners to control each indoor unit independently of the others, meaning you can adjust the temperature in one “zone” without impacting the others.

Each type of system can be beneficial in a basement, depending on your area’s heating and cooling needs. Single-zone systems are perfect in smaller one-room basements. However, a multi-zone system is perfect for basements with multiple rooms and larger areas. 

For example, a multi-zone system would be great for a two-room basement with a storage area and living room. The temperature and airflow in the living room area is much more important because it is where people will socialize, so you’ll want to be able to control it as you desire. It is also wasteful to excessively heat and cool a storage area, but this unnecessary waste is eliminated with a multi-zone system. 

Stand-Alone or Supplemental HVAC Systems

Ductless mini splits can also function as stand-alone or supplemental heat sources. This means that they provide adequate airflow and temperature control as the only HVAC source in a home, but they can also coexist with other types such as space heaters and central ducted systems. 

Sometimes, basements are not included along the home’s existing ductwork system. In this instance, a ductless mini split system is the perfect option! Conversely, a ductless mini split could provide supplemental heating and cooling in a basement with an already present HVAC system. 

Cost and Efficiency 

Simply put, basement remodeling is expensive. The extreme costs range anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000, but the average cost is $20,132. Generally speaking, basement remodeling costs $10-$35 per square foot, depending on your certain circumstance. 

Extending ductwork into a basement makes this number even higher. It costs $10-$20 per linear foot, but it is very difficult and may not even be possible in many homes. It is labor-intensive and a nuisance for the homeowner, which is why they should opt for ductless mini splits instead!

Affordability is a main reason for ductless mini splits’ increase in popularity. Our Mitsubishi mini splits average around $3,000 per system, but can go as low as $1,400 and as high as $8,000 for the very powerful multi-zone systems. With a much simpler and easier installation process than ducted systems, mini splits end up costing much less. 

HVAC systems can be paid for in several different ways. Some customers prefer to use a one-time payment via cash, credit or debit card. At ComfortUp, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Payment options in the form of Paypal, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Amazon Pay are all accepted as well. We also offer a financing option for those who may not be able to afford a one-time payment. If you qualify, you can pay for your order in an affordable monthly plan at a competitive interest rate with not prepayment penalties. And you’ll be relieved to know that the application process is quick and easy, allowing you to check your finance rate in seconds to see if you qualify. Of course if you have questions regarding any of these payment method options, please contact one of our friendly representatives for more information. 

Ductless mini splits are also highly efficient. Roughly 30% of all energy produced by central HVAC systems is lost as it travels throughout the ducts. Since mini split systems do not have ducts, this waste is eliminated. Therefore, your energy bills are significantly lower. This heightened efficiency also leads to a smaller carbon footprint. These savings on heating and cooling costs are noticeable in both the short- and long-term and can help offset the other high costs of basement remodeling. 

You’ll Have No Clue It’s There!

You clearly value the basement’s new aesthetic if you’re spending all the resources such as time and money for remodeling, so you will not want anything to detract from the new decor. Many air conditioners are obtrusive and noticeably unattractive, but not ductless mini splits!

Ductless mini splits are available in different versions and models, and some of them are designed to be inconspicuous. For example, slim duct units weigh less than a pound and can fit in tight spaces where normal mini splits cannot. As their name implies, ceiling cassette mini splits are shaped like cassette tapes and installed directly into the ceiling. Some recessed models sit flat against the ceiling and are very inconspicuous. Finally, concealed mount units are perfect for those tight on space, as they sit right on the ceiling in the room or closet. 

Mini split systems are also known for their quiet operation. Some run around 19 decibels, which is comparable to rustling leaves. Other air conditioners are much louder, which could be a problem in the close quarters of a basement that may not have the best acoustics. When you combine the silent operation with inconspicuous design, you’ll have no idea your mini split system is there! It won’t take away from the room’s design, and it won’t be so loud that it inhibits conversation, the television, or any other sounds. 

Basement Temperature Regulation Problems

Basements have long suffered from temperature issues, and they are naturally colder than other areas in a home. They are naturally damp and often do not have windows to allow in warming sunlight. Fortunately, much of this is fixed by a ductless mini split!

Ductless mini splits are loved for their versatility, as they provide both heating and cooling.  In fact, some ductless mini splits can still provide heat even when the outdoor temperature drops to -22 °F. This versatility eliminates the need for two separate air conditioning units, as some systems provide only heating or cooling capabilities. These high-performance systems are also able to remedy any temperature inconsistencies in your basement.

Air Filtration

Indoor air quality is of the utmost importance in your home. Basements are naturally damp and there are many potential air contaminants in unfinished basements that can put you and your family at risk of health problems. In fact, some indoor air may contain more harmful materials and contaminants than outdoor air! Fortunately, ductless mini splits can help improve your newly remodeled basement’s indoor air quality.

Ductless mini splits are not just air conditioners; they double as air filters, dehumidifiers, and purifiers. While they are heating and cooling the room, they are actively removing any dust, dirt, debris, allergens, and other harmful contaminants from the air. Many opt to purchase stand-alone air filters, purifiers, and dehumidifiers for their homes and basements, but ductless mini splits might eliminate this need. 

Unfinished basements are prime growing spots for mold and mildew, as the dampness and darkness create their perfect environment. Fortunately, ductless mini splits remove any moisture from the air and help hinder their growth. This will also help eliminate any damp or unpleasant odors. Additionally, they create a more pleasant environment for those who suffer from allergies or who have sensitive respiratory systems. 

There is a filter inside of each indoor air-handling unit. When purchasing a filter, you can look at terms such as MPR and HEPA. MPR stands for Microparticle Performance Rating, which rates the filter’s ability to catch particles smaller than one micron. This number should be between 1,500 and 1,900. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters trap small airborne particles with an electric charge. These numbers and terms can help you find the best possible filter for your basement. 

Filters also require maintenance to keep your system operating efficiently. Mini split filters cost anywhere from $20-$80 and should be replaced annually. Filters should be cleaned every four to six weeks, depending on the usage level of your system. 

To clean the filter, all you have to do is remove it from the system and wipe it down with a cloth, soap, and water. Each filter will have different cleaning instructions, so consult the manual beforehand to ensure it is done properly. 

Regular filter cleaning is very important. A dirty filter does not clean the air as well, which decreases the indoor air quality in the room. It also causes your entire system to operate inefficiently, which could lead to wasted energy and slight increases in your energy bill. Additionally, it causes your system to operate much louder than normal. 

Smart Technologies

Many ductless mini split systems can also utilize smart technologies to provide advanced heating and cooling comfort. By connecting to a Wi-Fi network, homeowners can control their system via a smartphone application. This means they do not have to be in the basement to adjust their system, as it can be done from anywhere in or outside the house! Homeowners love turning their system on a few minutes before their arrival so they can arrive to a comfortably heated or cooled basement.

Mini split systems can also use their technologies to detect any hot or cold spots in the basement. These are not uncommon in basements, as they can often suffer from temperature inconsistencies and imbalances. Fortunately, mini splits can adjust airflow and temperature as these hot or cold spots are detected and will fix them in no time. They also use technologies to detect humidity levels and adjust accordingly, which is also very beneficial in basements. 

Your air conditioner system is now one less decision to worry about during your basement remodel. Ductless mini splits are the perfect HVAC system for your newly remodeled basement. ComfortUp sells mini splits from the industry’s most trusted brands, and we are more than happy to answer any of your questions. We have trained product specialists ready to help you find the perfect system for your new basement. For more information or questions, give us a call at 1-855-337-0001 or contact us online today.