Whole Home Vs. Ductless Mini Split Systems: Which Makes Sense for Your Residential Space? 

Consider the Pros and Cons of Both Before Deciding

You may have noticed lately that lots of design magazines and home decor blogs now are featuring ductless mini split systems as a new and convenient alternative to traditional HVAC systems. And you know what? They are! However, not every home is right for this kind of  heating and cooling equipment. Below, we break down the key things to consider.

Let’s start by reviewing how each system works. Unlike a conventional central air conditioning system, ductless mini splits consist of a single interior air handler unit for one room or space that connects with its own outdoor compressor. It requires no ductwork, since it is heating or cooling only one small area of your home. Depending on how the system is installed, you can sometimes have multiple indoor air handlers connected to a single outside condenser, each with its own temperature regulation controls.

A  traditional central air conditioning system uses a single outside condenser too, but in contrast, leverages interior ductwork to heat and cool the air. One thermostat controls temperature throughout your home. In other words, you can’t heat one room while cooling another. Furthermore, this kind of equipment can drastically improve air quality within your home, capturing a large amount of particulates as it moves air through your interior rooms.

As you might have already guessed, the primary benefit to ductless mini splits are their flexibility. If one occupant wants to keep their room nice and toasty, while another prefers to keep their personal space cool, mini splits could be the answer. For that reason, ADUs are often the right place for this kind of heating and cooling.

Remember, ductless mini splits cost more to install than a traditional heating and cooling system. If you plan to remain in your home for a long time, the startup costs could be well worth it, however. As mentioned above, air quality is also an issue. Central air conditioning, with its interior ductwork, filters the inside air far more effectively than a ductless mini split system. If it’s only one family or person occupying the home, this superior air filtration may outweigh any need for temperature customization (which can also be achieved with shutting vents, opening a window or simply wearing a sweater).

There are a lot of options when it comes to HVAC technology in today’s modern home. Discuss these and more with your professional heating and air conditioning specialist.

Is it time for a new heating and cooling system in your home? Call Air-Tro today. We’ve been keeping California comfortable since 1969. (626)357-3535.