A mini-split (also called a ductless system) is a compact unit that heats and cools specific rooms without requiring ductwork.
Mini-splits can work for the whole home. They are also commonly installed for additions, sunrooms, or rooms that never seem comfortable. Ultra-efficient, whisper-quiet, and individually controlled, mini-splits offer targeted comfort without having to run new ducts through the home.
You may have seen them at a BnB or even a restaurant. People sometimes call them the “things on the wall.”
We call them “Mini-splits” because they are split systems. That is, the compressor is split from the fan and the coil in the same way that most AC systems are. This is different than a window unit, which we’d call a package unit because the compressor, coil and fan are all part of one piece of equipment.
Mini-splits separate the coil and fan that are installed inside the home. Usually that’s the high wall mount unit, what you see on the wall. There are also low wall mount or floor mount units, ceiling recessed units and even ducted units. The beauty of a mini-split system is that multiple indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor unit (this is the “mini” in mini-splits).
Our objective with the installation of a new Mini-split system is a design that is functional and preserves the aesthetics of your home. This is a major difference between us and other companies. We have an overwhelming amount of experience designing systems (in the thousands). This is important to you in several ways:
Sizing:
Sizing a system is the most important part. Too small, it won’t cool or heat properly. Too big, you’re signing up for a world of problems, from short cycling, poor humidity removal, to some really crazy things we’ve seen with oversized units cooling so quickly without dehumidifying that they start to sweat and spit water at you! Don’t ever let a contractor tell you bigger is better. Get this wrong and you risk compromising your investment.
Placement:
Each unit connects to the outdoor with a set of copper tubes (what is commonly called the “linesets” and a power/communication wire. There is also a condensation line from each unit that is used to drain the humidity we’re taking out of the air outside or into a drain. So, if you have 4 indoor units, you have 4 linesets to manage getting from each indoor unit to the outdoor unit. A novice installer might take the easiest path and leave you with a tick-tac-toe board on the side of your house.
With our experience, we’ll work with you on a layout that satisfies the technical requirements of the system AND flows aesthetically with your home. We will make sure we’re on the same page every step of the way.
If you are looking for an alternative to mini-splits for adding AC to your home, consider High Velocity as an alternative. We do about 50/50 when adding AC to homes that don’t have it and many people who are possibly a little wary about the multiple linesets involved in a mini-split system aren’t familiar with the option. We’ll evaluate for both.
