A ductless mini-split could be a great option for your Sioux Falls, SD home. Dealing with frequent temperature swings and unpredictable weather conditions requires reliable and efficient heating and cooling. However, this isn’t the best option for every home. Let our team at Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. help you determine if a ductless mini-split is ideal for your needs.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?
There are typically two components that make up a ductless mini-split: the outdoor heat pump and one or multiple indoor air handlers. No ductwork is necessary for this system. Instead, refrigerant moves through small lines to the outdoor unit. The air will be heated or cooled independently. This means you can have different temperature settings throughout the residence. A ductless mini-split is ideal when you don’t have ductwork in place, don’t want to install it, and need to keep the cost of the investment low.
The Pros of Mini-Splits in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls commonly experiences hot and humid summers. The winters are quite cold and last for many months. A modern mini-split system can perform efficiently and reliably when temperatures drop into single digits. Because heat pumps don’t generate heat (instead, they move it), they usually perform more efficiently than an older gas or electric furnace. Expect lower monthly bills when you make the switch.
In the summer months when humidity is a problem, a mini-split can improve comfort and remove moisture. Because of how efficient this process is, you can expect to maintain comfortable indoor air quality without overusing your AC. Also, you can tailor your thermostat settings according to your needs. Rooms that are upstairs tend to feel warmer than those that are downstairs. Prevent overcooling downstairs rooms with different settings.
If you don’t have ductwork in your home, a mini-split is ideal. Having to install ductwork in an already-built home is expensive and invasive.
You can use a mini-split to warm or cool an area that experiences temperature issues. If you have a standard ducted system in place, you can use a mini-split in other areas that don’t receive conditioned air. This can include a finished basement, garage, attic, or guest room.
If you have older heating and cooling equipment, you may be noticing that your monthly utility bills are quite high. You can reduce your monthly energy consumption using a high-efficiency ductless mini-split. This also reduces your carbon footprint, which is an excellent win for the environment.
Ductless mini-splits are constructed using variable-speed compressors. This advancement in technology allows your equipment to adjust output rather than just cycling your unit on and off. This reduces energy consumption and keeps your monthly bills low.
Considering the Cons of a Mini-Split
While a ductless mini-split is practical, it’s not always the best option. Specific considerations should occur before installation. If your home already has a relatively new furnace or air conditioner, now might not be the best time to invest in something new. A more cost-effective option may be to wait until you need to replace your current setup.
If your home has a lot of different rooms with varying temperature needs, this equates to more individual indoor units. The cost of the installation can increase quickly when you need multiple units. If you’re on a tight budget, consider the long-term investment. However, there may be rebates and incentives that can offset the cost of a new ductless mini-split. Also, consider the money you’ll save over many months and years.
Maintenance can be more time-consuming when you are using a ductless mini-split. Because you have multiple units throughout your home, you’ll need to replace or wash each filter individually. A standard HVAC system has one single filter that needs to be changed every 30 to 90 days. Also, the frequency of mini-split filter changes is more frequent. During periods of heavy use, expect to maintain the filter every two to four weeks.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of a ductless mini-split for your Sioux Falls home, let us here at Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. know. We can install up to eight individual units in your home, providing exceptional comfort and efficiency. We also offer routine maintenance and repairs to keep your system working reliably and safely. Contact us at Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. today to schedule an appointment for a ductless mini-split in Sioux Falls.
