Does a Mini-Split Heat and Cool Your Home?
These days, there are many different heating and cooling devices on the market. Naturally, you want to make sure your HVAC system meets all your needs before buying. If you’re unfamiliar with a mini-split, you probably have some questions, such as, does a mini-split heat and cool your home? That’s where the HVAC experts at Entek can help. Read on to find out more about this system and it can both heat and cool your home.
What Is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is an HVAC system that works for individual rooms and spaces in your home. For this reason, they are also known as “zoned HVAC” systems. So, if one person prefers their room to be a different temperature than the rest of the house, mini-splits make that possible.
The mini-split gets its name because it is split into both outdoor and indoor units. And it’s called mini because it can have multiple units throughout a home and provide temperature control in smaller spaces, like individual rooms rather than a whole house.
Mini-splits are also different because they don’t need air ducts to work. This makes them easier to install, especially if a home doesn’t already have ductwork. However, a licensed, experienced, professional technician should do the installation. Turn to Entek’s technicians for the best installation experience.
Does a mini-split sound like the right HVAC for your home? Do you have more questions? Keep reading.
Does a Mini-Split Heat and Cool?
In basic terms, the answer to, “does a mini-split heat and cool,” is yes, it does both. This makes it very convenient. Unlike central air units, mini-splits can be used year-round. But there are more nuances to it.
All mini-splits provide cooling, but there are many models that also provide heat. To make sure your mini-split does both heat and cool, you just need to choose the right model. Mini-split systems that heat and cool are more common than models that only cool since units that do both are better for areas with weather conditions that vary throughout the year. If someone lives in a more tropical climate, for instance, they may be fine with the models that only cool. But in the Pacific Northwest, where we have distinct warm and cold seasons, it’s good to have a mini-split that does both heat and cool.
How Does a Mini-Split Heat and Cool Your Home?
Now that you know that a mini-split does heat and cool, you may be wondering how it works. Mini-splits that heat and cool are similar to heat pumps. This means they heat and cool your home by absorbing ambient air from outside.
Mini-splits have separate indoor and outdoor parts. There are often multiple indoor units in a house because these HVACs are used in individual rooms. The indoor air handling unit is what blows the warm or cool air into a room. Because mini-splits are ductless, the indoor unit is connected to the outdoor compressor unit by a power cable, a drain line, and a refrigerant line.
The fact that a mini-split does heat and cool makes it very convenient, but it’s not the only benefit.
What Benefits Does a Mini-Split Offer in Addition to Heat and Cool Your Home?
Many prefer a mini-split over a traditional HVAC system because it is more flexible and convenient. For instance, you have more flexibility regarding where you can install your unit. This isn’t the case when you have ducts and vents to work with.
There will also be separate thermostat controls per unit. Being able to temperature control specific rooms is an incredible perk that makes life easier. Enjoy having fewer fights over your home’s thermostat.
Another reason mini-splits are popular is that this HVAC system is incredibly efficient. A zoned HVAC wastes less energy than traditional central air units. The more efficient an HVAC is, the more you can save on energy bills. Plus, being energy efficient can also mean they will last longer.
A mini-split can also remove humidity and filter your home’s air. This improves indoor air quality. That’s a great benefit for both your health and the comfort of your home.
What Rooms Can You Put the Mini-Split in to Heat and Cool?
While exact locations can vary per home, there are a couple of rooms where mini-splits are most common and convenient. These include:
- Garages. Mini-splits are great solutions for these areas because most garages aren’t conditioned for ductwork.
- Attics and basements. Attics and basements are spaces that can be left out of receiving temperature control. But mini-splits are perfect for these areas.
- Guest rooms. The flexibility of a mini-split is great for hospitality. Turn the unit on when guest rooms are in use and save energy by turning the unit off when they aren’t.
- Master bedrooms. Mini-splits are great for those who want to control the temperature in individual rooms. Keep your bedroom the perfect temperature for a great night’s sleep without affecting the rooms in the rest of the house.
- Additions. Mini-splits are also popular in-home add-ons, as you can avoid installing ductwork.
Does a Mini-Split Still Need Maintenance?
While a mini-split is smaller and works differently than a traditional HVAC system, it still needs regular maintenance. You should at least have maintenance servicing performed annually.
If you’d like to schedule a check-up or you think there may be a problem with your mini-split, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Entek. We even have an emergency number that’s open 24/7. If there is an issue, our expert technicians will be there to take care of it.
You can find more information about Entek by visiting our website. With more than 75 years of experience serving in the Pacific Northwest, you can count on our experience, expertise, and satisfying work. And make sure to schedule annual maintenance with us. That way, you can rest assured your mini-split continues to effectively heat and cool your home.
