Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Installing a ductless mini-split can be quite variable in cost. On average, it might set you back between one and five thousand dollars. This depends on several factors, like the system's brand and how many units you need. If your home's large or if you need several indoor units, you're definitely looking at the higher end of that scale. If you need virtually any kind of help with the installation, you're going to add to that cost. Bottom line: it really is a good idea to get a bunch of different quotes before picking a place to buy from.

Ductless mini-splits heat and cool really well, but they have some downsides, too. First, they can be pricey to install. Even if you save some dough on energy bills, the upfront cost can make mini-splits seem like a foolish investment. Second, say you have two indoor units. If that's the case, then even if you have a very spacious room, these can start to seem like some funky wall-mounted sculptures—not to mention that it's kind of hard to make them match your room's style. Third, you need to clean and maintain these guys regularly, or they're gonna start affecting your air quality. They're right up there with your fridge, oven, and washing machine in terms of the need to keep them clean. And lastly, for folks out there who don't have a death wish, you can't just figure it out on your own. This is a job for trained professionals. If you don't know any, it's a tough search.

When it comes to reliable manufacturers of mini-split systems, there are several brands that people trust and turn to. Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu are three of the most prominent names. These companies produce high-quality, long-lasting, workhorse products. The customer support from these manufacturers is also very good, as is the warranty that usually comes with their units (Mitsubishi actually has a near-legendary warranty in the HVAC industry). If you want a mini-split that won’t let you down, and if you want tech that is at least several steps beyond most central air systems (and most tech in general), you should at least consider these three manufacturers.

A mini split system's price can fluctuate based on several variables—like the brand, size, and installation difficulty of the unit in question. Generally speaking, an individual might shell out anywhere from $2000 to $8000 for a mini-split system that includes multiple indoor units and professional installation. Fluctuating costs can occur, however, especially if you require several indoor units to accomplish your space's temperature control. Thus, it is wise to seek out an estimate from a certified professional before making any rash decisions.

To determine the number of mini splits necessary for a 1500 square foot house, one must consider not only the total square footage but also the layout and air movement potential of the house. Mini splits work best in homes where each unit can act like a zone, needing only to condition the space immediately around it. This is what makes mini splits a good choice for houses with open floor plans. But if your rooms are closed off from each other, you'll need more units, or at least more of the portable types, to condition the air properly before it has a chance to upset the balance. A 1500 square foot house could go by the book and use two to three mini splits. But since book numbers are often low, and since a professional can look at your house and give you advice that's much better than a book number, these stats are probably more useful as conversation starters.

Certainly! It is a good idea to retain an electrician to assist with the installation of a mini split system. These systems must be integrated into your home's electrical system to operate properly. An electrician will ensure all components are integrated properly and safely, which is key to avoiding any dangerous malfunctions and keeping your system running smoothly.

You don’t have to put a mini-split in every room, no. Mini-splits are flexible, and you can choose to put them in just the rooms you use most. Each indoor unit can heat or cool a specific zone, so you might only need units in the areas where you spend the most time. This setup also helps you save energy and costs since you aren’t paying to heat or cool rooms that are unoccupied. Plus, with fewer units, installation can be easier and less expensive.

A good rule of thumb for choosing a ductless mini-split system is to consider the size of the area you want to cool or heat. Usually, you need about 20 to 25 British Thermal Units, known as BTUs, for every square foot of space. So, if a room is 500 square feet, you would need a system that can handle around 10,000 to 12,500 BTUs. This helps make sure the system is efficient and keeps the room comfortable. It's like finding the right size backpack for your adventure; not too big, not too small, just right!

To determine the number of BTUs needed for a 20x20 room, a straightforward calculation will do. First, find the area of the room by multiplying the length and width. Here, that's 20 feet by 20 feet, which equals 400 square feet. For every square foot, you need approximately 20 BTUs. So for a 400 square foot room, you require around 8,000 BTUs. This should keep the room comfortable all year around.

Installing a mini-split in hazardous or ineffective locations is a no-no. Don't put it where clouds of dirt and dust will do their best to infiltrate it. That's bad for the filters and bad for the whole system. Don't put it where water might get on it. No installs near showers, and definitely no outside installs unless the unit can be adequately protected from the elements. Mini-splits can't perform well in small, closed-up spaces where their air has no room to circulate. Installing them in proper, safe locations is key, as is the proper installation itself.