A Ductless Mini Split is an HVAC unit that heats and cools a room or open space.
They work the same as large HVAC units but are built smaller to fit into a variety of scenarios.
For example, they make great units to add to a home addition, garage, or small home.
What is a Heat Pump?
A Heat Pump is a unit that can both heat and cool.
While technically all air conditioning units are heat pumps, in HVAC heat pumps refer to a unit with a reversing valve to heat when it becomes cold.
Heat pump units work the same as air conditioners only reversing the mode when it is time to heat instead of cool.
This makes heat pump units very popular since they not only cool in the summer but heat in the winter.
Benefits of a Mini Split
Today’s Mini Split units are low-cost items to both buy and operate.
They cost much less than larger HVAC units, are quiet, last longer, and have very good energy SEER ratings.
There are also many popular DIY kits since no high-cost HVAC company is needed to install one for a handy person.
The SEER ratings on new units are also very good, which makes them cost less to operate.
This low operating cost has many installing 2-3 units on large homes, which can drastically bring down heating and cooling bills.
Downside of a Mini Split
Mini split units don’t blow air through ducts and only heat or cool the room they are in.
The temperature in the rooms next to the unit is affected depending on the insulation.
Since they blow out air only in one room, more than one would be needed to cool a whole home.
It is common to see more than one mini split on a home, often with 1-3 units strategically placed.
How Does a Mini Split Work?
The main components of a mini split are the inside evaporator, outside condenser, and line-set.
The inside evaporator has a fan that blows out warm or cold air.
The outside condenser also has a fan that blows away hot or cold air depending on the temperature setting.
Two small copper lines called a line-set to go between the inside and outside units transferring refrigerant.
This allows a mini split to transfer heat or cold into or out of a home, depending on the temperature setting.
Types of Mini Splits
There are many mini split manufacturers, from home DIY kits to dedicated units sold to HVAC companies.
In the past, most all units would only be available to an HVAC company, but now most all units can be bought online.
This is good since a homeowner can do research and read reviews to find the best unit for them.
Cost of Installing a Mini Split
Installing a mini split can be done with a DIY kit or through an HVAC company.
DIY Kits cost $600-$2000 depending on the manufacturer and size of the unit.
Installing a unit is easy enough for a handy type of person with basic construction skills.
There are many YouTube videos to watch and see how an install works.
Read Here for the DIY Kits I have installed, along with steps and YouTube videos.
For others hiring a HVAC company to install a unit may be best with pricing varying widely on location and company.
The pricing to install a mini split ranges from $1000-$3000 along with the cost to buy the unit.
It is always best to call around and get bids for your area to know what the cost will be.
Summary
Mini Split units are very versatile heating and cooling units that run quietly and fit into a variety of scenarios.
They can be installed into almost any space or room-filling a gap many large systems can not fill.
They are ideal for garages, home additions, mobile homes, and many other situations.
There are also many different sized units, so be sure to look at a Mini Split sizing chart for the size of a unit needed.
They are also low-cost to buy and operate, making them very popular.