A ductless air conditioner (AC) or mini-split is a highly efficient HVAC system that delivers quick cooling. Mini-splits are suitable for most homes because they are versatile and have few installation requirements. Let’s explore how you can customize a ductless AC system to improve comfort in your Phoenix, AZ household.
A Mini-Split Add-On or Standalone Solution
You can install a mini-split to meet all your cooling needs throughout your home. Homeowners can add a mini-split to a central AC system. It’s one of the least expensive ways to achieve zone control when you have central HVAC. You also have the option of using a mini-split to cool hard-to-reach and other challenging areas. This includes:
- Sunrooms
- Finished attics
- Detached garages
- Garage apartments
- Sheds and other satellite workspaces
Maximize Comfort and Efficiency With Zoning
Mini-splits are among the most energy-efficient HVAC options because they don’t have ducts. Air leakage in ducts can waste up to 40% of your conditioned air. Another reason for efficiency is zone control, which can reduce cooling costs by 30% over a non-zone approach. Zoning is an HVAC technique through which an installer organizes a home into independent zones. It allows you to set different temperatures in your bedrooms than in areas like your kitchen or bathroom.
You’ll often see manufacturers market their ductless ACs as dual-, tri-, and quad-zone systems. That indicates that a prepackaged solution comes with two, three, and four indoor units, respectively. You need at least one indoor unit for each zone in the home. It’s not difficult to add more units during the initial installation or even after the fact. You can add zones up to the system limit, which the outdoor condenser unit generally dictates. The typical limit is eight zones. For large homes, there are strategies to exceed that limit. A common solution is to install two or more condenser units in a series.
Mix and Match Mounting Options
There are a variety of mounting approaches available, and you can mix and match them either for preference or need. The most common indoor unit is wall-mounted. Modern wall units have a streamlined design to preserve valuable wall space. You can also install them high on a wall near the ceiling.
Many manufacturers offer floor units. These are often necessary in areas with limited wall space, such as finished attics and basements.
Ceiling mounting is an option as well, and these mounts are quite popular for both aesthetic and practical reasons. There is a style of unit that installs flush with the ceiling for a very sleek and discreet appearance. Suspended units are effective when there are challenges mounting the units directly to the ceiling. Many manufacturers also offer dropdown cassette units. These models extend from the ceiling and have a vent on each side.
While wall-mounted units are highly effective in most zones, they can be suboptimal in large, open areas. This includes expansive living rooms and kitchens. In such spaces, dropdown cassettes and suspended units are often more effective. They provide cooling throughout a room evenly, whereas a wall unit may struggle to achieve even cooling in a spread-out area.
Benefit From Advanced Thermostat Control
Manufacturers typically include a remote control with each indoor unit. A remote lets you control the mini-split while in bed or on the couch watching TV. Many homeowners opt for mini-splits with Wi-Fi capabilities, which provide several options. Remotes often support a Wi-Fi mode through which they can control indoor units that aren’t in their direct line of sight. All the big brands offer apps for their mini-splits as well. You can use your smartphone to adjust. It also allows for remote access and control. Turn the system off or lower the temperature while traveling or in your office at work.
You can also add one or more wall-mounted thermostats throughout your home to provide even greater control. Many mini-splits support timers. A programmable thermostat can add finer automatic control through scheduling and profiles. The average household can lower annual cooling costs by up to 10% through programming alone. Smart thermostats often have additional features that can reduce energy consumption and your costs:
- Remote sensors
- Cloud computing
- Machine learning
- Energy rate awareness
- Demand response program support
- Energy usage tracking and reporting
- Geofencing and more advanced occupancy sensing
Enhance Indoor Air Quality
Mini-splits have a filter inside each indoor unit. Often, these filters are washable. The industry recommendation is to check them every few weeks and wash them as needed. Let the filters dry thoroughly before reinstalling them and running those indoor units again. After a year of use, discard the filters and replace them with new ones.
While the primary purpose of these filters is to protect the equipment, they can help you improve air quality. The industry measures filter effectiveness with the minimum-efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the MERV, the better the filtration. Most modern mini-splits support MERV-13 filters and below. At MERV 13, a filter traps at least 90% of particles 3.0 microns in size and larger.
It’s important not to exceed the MERV rating that your mini-split supports. Doing so will increase air pressure in the system. This will impact airflow and may result in hot spots. It will also decrease energy efficiency and increase your operating costs.
Optional Mini-Split Features That Can Improve Your Comfort
Mini-split manufacturers offer many features that can enhance your experience. Let’s explore some of the most popular options that you should consider for your home.
Self-Cleaning Mode
Indoor mini-split units have evaporator coils vital to the refrigeration process. It’s also a breeding ground for microbial growth. That’s one reason it’s imperative to schedule a seasonal tune-up each spring. A self-cleaning mode helps to keep the coil clean between those appointments. It does so by drying the moisture that promotes growth.
Dry Mode
While Phoenix has a reputation for its dry heat, it does experience periods of high humidity, such as during monsoon season. A dry mode can make your home more comfortable at these times. It does that by slowing down the airflow and letting the evaporator coil remove more moisture.
Automatic Directional Airflow Adjustment
Most mini-splits have louvers that you can adjust to control the direction of airflow. Many units have louvers that can adjust automatically based on sensor feedback. You can set your mini-split to prevent the air from blowing directly on you.
Ductless AC Installation in Greater Phoenix
Cool Zone Air Conditioning & Heating provides HVAC services to residential and commercial clients throughout Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Our NATE and EPA-certified technicians design and install all manners of ductless mini-splits. We also provide indoor air quality solutions and install central air conditioners, heat pumps, and fuel-burning and electric furnaces. Our company offers seasonal HVAC tune-ups and a maintenance program to help you save. Call Peoria’s AC services team at Cool Zone Air Conditioning & Heating today or contact us online to schedule a service appointment or an in-person installation consultation.
