5 Common Myths About Ductless Mini-Split in Shaw AFB, SC
Ductless mini-splits are an especially interesting and attractive HVAC option for those who value flexibility and simplicity. But despite the advantage of not having bulky ductwork take up space in their homes, many believe myths about ductless mini-splits that cause them to remain skeptical. For the improvement of homes in Shaw AFB, SC, here are five myths about ductless mini-splits.
1. Uneven Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits empower those who use them to divide their home into a number of different climate zones and, if so desired, institute a separate temperature policy for each room. While many would admit that this is an advantage in some contexts, they may worry that it makes the system as a whole prone to heating and cooling your home unevenly.
However, there is no legitimate foundation for any such worries. If you decide that you want a single, uniform heating regimen in your entire home this winter, a ductless mini-split can certainly help you achieve that. All you need to do is install a different unit in each climate zone and set your thermostat to command each one the same way.
2. You Can Only Install Them in New Homes
Since they eschew ductwork, some might imagine that mini-splits require quite a bit of advanced technology to work properly, making it difficult — or even impossible — to install them in old homes. This isn’t true. Ductless mini-splits are easier to install precisely because they don’t have massive ventilation ducts that would take up room.
A mini-split is an ideal solution if your home doesn’t have central air conditioning. We only need to drill small holes to connect the tubing from the outdoor unit to the indoor units. Plus, they are a great solution when converting an attic or garage into a living space.
3. Maintenance Is a Nightmare
Like any other sort of HVAC system, mini-splits will require professional maintenance from time to time — preferably, at least once per year. But just because mini-splits use smaller components and subsystems than central HVAC systems, this doesn’t mean that they are any harder to maintain. Any skilled HVAC technician will know how to take care of them properly.
4. Shorter Service Lives
Another mistaken conclusion that many might draw from seeing that mini-splits are relatively compact is that they must also be fragile. Looking at the big, imposing ducts, coils, compressors, and other parts of a central HVAC system, you might be sure these units will last a long time. You may worry that the equipment in a mini-split simply will not last.
Rest assured, this is a false assumption. On average, central HVAC systems can perform their duties effectively for 12-15 years. In contrast, the shelf life of a ductless mini-split is about 15-20 years.
5. Weaker Filtration Capabilities
If you’re at all concerned about your long-term health, you should endeavor to raise indoor air quality (IAQ) to the highest level you can and keep it there. Traditional HVAC systems have powerful, noisy fans to pull air through a filter and clean it of pollutants before distributing it throughout the home. Perhaps you might think that ductless mini-splits can’t do the same kind of work without such a powerful fan.
On the contrary, mini-splits typically offer better air filtration than a central AC system. With a mini-split, each indoor air handler has a multi-stage filtration system, which includes a HEPA filter. Like a ducted system, you should replace the filter often.
As we hope to have shown you, many people’s ideas about the supposed drawbacks of ductless mini-splits rest on myths and misinformation. By correcting a few misconceptions, we hope to have piqued your interest. If you decide you want the benefits of a mini-split this winter, call Air Solutions Heating and Cooling in Shaw AFB, SC, and ask our team about ductless services.
Image provided by iStock