Friedrich M09Y1F Ductless Split System

With spring finally here, summer is just around the corner. Summer brings back hundreds of pleasant memories—barbeques, days at the beach, vacation time, etc. There’s really only one drawback with the summer—the heat! Thanks to air conditioners we can get through the summer without loosing our cool. When it comes time to buy a new air conditioning system for the house, it’s important to know all the options out there in order to make the best, most informed decision possible. Most people are unaware of a great new alternative to central air on the market known as mini split air conditioners or ductless air conditioners. Although popular for years in Europe and the Middle East, mini split air conditioners have only recently made it to the stores in North America. Here is a list of pros and cons to help you decide if a mini-split air conditioning system is for you.

The PROS:

Quiet

Mini split air conditioners are similar to central air conditioning units in that they are both made up of an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit. The outdoor and indoor units are linked through a conduit which holds the electrical cable, condensate drain, as well as refrigerant and suction tubing. This conduit runs through a small hole that is drilled into the external wall of the building. Since the compressor is placed outside, as far as 50 feet from the air vent, running the machine is very quiet.

Efficiency

In central air conditioning systems, the cold air passes from the air handler through ducts until it reaches the individual vents in each room. Since it takes time to travel through the ducts, they result in more than 30% of energy consumption, especially if the ducts run through an unconditioned area. Ductless air conditioners are, you guessed it—ductless–and therefore avoid the energy loss common with central air conditioning.

Another major advantage of split air conditioners is their ability to heat or cool individual rooms to a custom temperature. Some ductless air conditioners can have as many as four independent air handling units connected to one outdoor compressor. Since each of the split air conditioner zones or rooms will have an individual thermostat and independent controls it is only necessary to condition the areas with people in them, saving energy and money. Central air conditioners, on the other hand, keep the entire home at the same temperature which uses more energy because the unit has to overcompensate for some rooms that tend to be warmer than others. Cooling an entire house is much more expensive than cooling just one room. Window air conditioner units are also inefficient since the cold air passes through the exact same proximity as the hot air, getting heated up in the process. Although mini splits are usually fairly expensive, it’s possible to gain back much of the difference in costs over the life of the unit through the money saved on energy bills.

Easy Installation

Mini split air conditioners are much easier to install than central air conditioners, and sometimes even through-the-wall units. Connecting the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a small hole through a wall for the conduit, no more than three inches wide. They are also safer since there is only a small hole in the wall so they don’t provide easy entrance for burglars as through-the-wall and window mounted air conditions do. There’s also no expensive, messy and disruptive duct construction, as with central air. Most mini split systems can be up and running in less than 4 hours.

Flexibility

Unlike traditional window air conditioners, ductless air conditioning systems leave window views unobstructed and they’re also permanent, so there’s nothing to remove and store for the winter. Mini split units usually come with various size chords to make it possible to locate the outdoor unit as far away as 50 feet from the indoor evaporator for cooling rooms on the opposite side of the house from the compressor.

They also offer flexibility in interior design, since the internal unit can be suspended from any wall, high or low, or even from the ceiling. Floor standing models are also available. Most models also come with remote controls with a 24-hour and sleep timer providing easy access to units placed high up on walls or ceilings. Auto-swing flaps can also be operated by remote control to keep cool air circulating throughout the room. When not in use, auto flaps close shut, maintaining a sleek appearance. Most models also come with built in heat pumps for use as heaters in the winter, making them a great choice for anyone without central heat.

Eco-Friendly

Central air conditioners have a tendency to emit toxic chlorine gas as well as other gasses that are damaging to the ozone layer during the cooling process. They also waste energy both by cooling off the entire house, as well as through cold air lost in ducts. Mini split air conditioners on the other hand, are generally more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The CONS:

Cost

The primary disadvantage of mini split air conditioners is their cost. They are substantially more expensive than window or through the wall units, as much as twice the price, and at times even more than central systems (not including the expensive cost of installation and ductwork). They need to be installed professionally by an HVAC professional which is also costly, although much less than installing a central air system.

Installation

In addition to having to pay for a professional to install the unit, it’s also necessary to consult a professional before purchasing a mini split to ensure that you buy the right size unit for your house and that each air-handler is placed in the correct location. An incorrectly located air-handler often results in short-cycling, which wastes energy and does not provide proper temperature or humidity control. An oversized system is also more expensive to buy and operate and an undersized one obviously will not have enough power to cool off your space.

Appearance

Although mini split air conditioners are more attractive and much less obstructive than a window or through-the-wall unit, they do become a noticeable presence in the room. Some people therefore prefer the fact that central air systems are almost completely hidden.

Summary

In conclusion, a mini split ductless air conditioner is a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of central air, without the greater installation costs and inefficiency. A through-the-wall or window air conditioner is still a much cheaper and easier option but it doesn’t come with all the perks such as quiet, efficiency, multi-zoning, heat option, and stability. A mini split is the way to go for anyone looking for a middle ground between central air and movable units so that you can stay cool all summer.

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