When posed with the question of whether you should use a ductless mini-split to cool your new addition, the simple answer is yes. Mini-split systems are perfectly designed for easy installation and temperature management for individual spaces. They are ideal for new additions because they don’t require costly, complicated ductwork as traditional central air conditioning systems do. Here we explain what a mini-split system is and why it is ideal for your new addition.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split System?
A ductless mini-split is an efficient, eco-friendly heating and cooling system that allows homeowners and business owners to control the temperature of an individual room or space.
When heating a room, the outdoor heat pump absorbs heat energy from the outdoor air and sends it to the ductless indoor unit via the refrigerant line. As the heat energy travels through the line, the refrigerant is compressed, which increases its temperature by quite a bit by the time it reaches the indoor coil. Within the indoor unit, the fan blows air over the newly heated coil and delivers the warmed air into the room.
When cooling a room, the process is reversed. The indoor unit absorbs and sends the room’s heat energy to the outdoor compressor. The vapor is condensed into a cool liquid that cools and returns to the indoor coil. The fan then blows over the newly cooled coil and delivers cold air into the room.
Why Choose a Mini-Split for Your Addition?
There are several reasons you should choose a ductless heat pump in Olympia, WA for your new home addition:
- Simple Installation: As mentioned, mini-splits are ductless. This allows for greater flexibility and reduced costs, as your new addition contractor won’t have to attempt to add on to the existing ductwork in your home (if your home has some). Instead, the mini-split is easily installed with a small hole to accommodate the connectors and tubing between the indoor ductless unit and outdoor compressor.
- Individual Controls: Even new additions are notorious for fluctuating temperatures inconsistent with the rest of the home. This can be because they either have better insulation than the older areas of the home, or they get too much sun exposure. Each ductless indoor unit has its own temperature monitor and control so that you can set the new addition to the most optimal temperature.
- Less Space: Going ductless in northwest Washington makes the most sense as the indoor ductless unit can be installed on the wall or ceiling, depending on the spatial needs of your new area.
- Energy Efficiency: Mini-splits are very energy efficient. When they are on, they operate at a much higher efficiency than traditional heating and cooling systems. In addition, they can be turned off when no one is in the new addition, thus eliminating excess run time.
- Affordable: A mini-split is very affordable to install. In hand with your energy savings, you also save on the quicker, easier mini-split installation.
Are There Alternatives to Mini-Splits to Cool Your New Addition?
When adding a new addition to your home, you have many options when it comes to heating and cooling. However, you may find that ductless is the most cost-effective, efficient option in the long run. An alternative to ductless is to extend your existing HVAC ductwork into the new addition, but it may end up being costly to do so. You could also consider installing electric baseboard heating and a window air conditioner. However, keep in mind that both systems tend to use a large amount of energy to treat the air within a room.
If you’re interested in installing a mini-split in your new addition, contact us here or call us at (360) 615-2740. We will help you determine if a ductless heating and cooling system is right for you!