Situations That Require a Ductless, Mini-Split System

Until mini-split systems became available in the U.S., heating home additions and small spaces was often a challenge. Cooling options, like portable and wall air conditioners provided comfortable cooling, but energy efficient heating was limited to fuel-powered heaters.

How Mini-Split Systems Work

A mini-split heat pump solves the problems associated with adding onto your home safely and efficiently. Unlike space heaters, gas, or propane heaters, heat pumps use electricity exclusively, which makes them inherently safer.

A heat pump extracts heat from the outdoors and uses far less electricity than electric space heaters. It doesn’t require a separate gas line or onsite fuel storage.

Each mini-split has an indoor air handler that blows the conditioned air directly into the room and an outdoor condenser where the heat exchange process occurs summer and winter.

Mini-splits are also called ductless systems and the U.S. Department of Energy applies the same energy efficiency standards to them as they do central HVAC equipment. Mini-splits often have higher energy efficiency ratings than central systems, along with upgraded filtration systems that clean the air.

Installing a Mini-Split System

Installation is fairly simple with a mini split heat pump. The manufacturer installs the refrigerant at the factory and small units plug directly into a 110 volt outlet. Both the air handlers and condensers can be hung from a wall, or stand on the floor or ground.

Each air handler has its own thermostat for individualized comfort and it can be turned off when the space isn’t in use. A mini-split with a high heating efficiency rating will be able to comfortably heat a space even when temperatures fall well below freezing.

Would a Mini-Split Fit Your Space?

Spaces where mini-split systems work well include:

• Workshops and garages
• Attic conversions
• Room additions
• Stand-alone buildings
• Average-sized homes with an open interior
• Homes with no ductwork for central air conditioning units

Places that are more challenging for mini-splits include:

• Multi-story spaces
• Large homes with hallways and interior doors

Ductless mini-split systems offer many advantages for heating and cooling otherwise challenging spaces. For more information, contact C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning, providing HVAC services for Middletown homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about mini-split systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482. 

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