Mini-Split AC Installation Solutions
Mini-splits are inherently zoned, which lets you set a different temperature in each area. That can reduce your costs by 30% over a central system. How many zones you’ll need depends on the application. There are single-zone systems that have just one indoor unit. They’re an effective choice for garage apartments, disconnected workshops, and similar spaces.
Most customers opt for a multi-zone system, and the typical setup has between two and four zones. You can add more zones as needed, and most condenser units have an upper limit of around eight. If you need more than that, there are solutions for larger homes. One possibility is installing two or more condenser units in a series.
Once you’ve determined the number of zones and their locations, your installer will perform load calculations for each. A load calculation identifies the needed cooling output for a zone. It takes into account the square footage, ceiling height, layout, and building envelope. From here, you’ll know the cooling output needed for each zone. You’ll also know the total cooling output required, which will indicate the size of the condenser unit or units.
The industry measures cooling efficiency using the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher the number, the less electricity the mini-split uses. Mini-splits with SEER ratings in the low 20s are common, but there are units in the 30s and even 40s.
Whether the added investment is worth it depends on how much the higher SEER will save in the end. Most mini-splits have ENERGY STAR certification, which may make you eligible for rebates that offset the initial cost.
Another consideration is how you want to mount your indoor units, and there are a variety of configurations. You can have the same configuration throughout your home or mix and match them. Wall mounting is the most popular and often cheapest choice.
Modern wall units are compact, and we can put them near the ceiling to save wall space. Ceiling units are popular as well, including those we install flush with the ceilings. There are also drop-down models, which are an effective alternative to wall units in wide-open spaces.
A ductless air conditioner can enhance your home in many ways.
- Quieter operation
- Lower cooling costs
- Inherent zone control
- Improved indoor air quality
- Faster and more even cooling
- Smaller household carbon footprint
