5 Benefits of Ductless Mini Split AC

While most homes built from the 1970s onward have ductwork, not all of them do, and older homes definitely don’t. Also, old ductwork that’s been in place for decades may have been damaged throughout the years, or might just be deteriorating from age, leading to air leaking out, dust coming in, and major inefficiency.

A mini split system involves mounting ductless air handlers on the walls of your home, with no need for ductwork. It’s perfect for homes that never had it and for homes that would require significant duct repair or replacement in order for the ducts to function.

When we use the term “mini split,” what it means is that instead of having a single central indoor AC unit, the cooling power is split between multiple air handlers. The amazing part is that each air handler has its own thermostat! This means you don’t have to keep your whole home at the same temperature. Family members who prefer different climates for their rooms or work areas will all be perfectly comfortable. 

Zone control provides more than just comfort. If you’re able to keep just certain portions of your home at ideal temperatures—for example, if you’re home alone and will only be in one part of the house for the day—you can eliminate the cost of using all that cooling power to chill your whole home unnecessarily.

And that’s not the only way that a ductless mini split can save you money. Even at full power, they are very efficient, mostly because they use smaller fan motors that require much less energy. And without ducts, you won’t have duct leaks, which can allow up to 30% of your conditioned air to escape, forcing you to pay for AC you don’t get to enjoy.

Remember that dust we mentioned that can be pulled into your ductwork? If ducts are damaged, the pressure can suck in air from unoccupied areas like your attic. That air can include all kinds of contaminants besides the innocent-sounding dust: stuff like rodent mess and insulation fibers. Another way that ducts can deliver dirty air is when mold grows inside them! With a ductless system, you won’t have any of these air quality issues.

Maybe all you really need is AC installation in Coeur d’Alene, ID, but maybe you’re concerned about your heater as well. While a ductless system can just be an air conditioner, the heat pump version can provide year-round climate control by reversing the flow of the refrigerant, bringing warmth into your home when it’s chilly outside.

ACI Northwest is here to help with your AC needs. Contact us today to learn more about ductless mini splits.