Ductless mini-splits can be excellent alternatives to traditional central HVAC systems, particularly in small residential spaces. Despite their advantages, a handful of persistent myths and misinformation prevent them from securing more than a small percentage of the HVAC market. After debunking the following five myths, you may want to take another look at getting a ductless mini-split for your Winter Park, FL home.
1. They Heat and Cool Unevenly
Traditional HVAC systems use a series of ducts to transport heated or cooled air to the necessary areas. Once properly set up, this designated distribution network ensures that your HVAC system will heat or cool evenly. Since ductless mini-split systems do not have any sort of duct system, many have drawn the conclusion that they cannot heat or cool uniformly.
This is completely untrue since a mini-split is a type of heat pump that gives you the power to divide your home into different temperature control zones. This means that you can specially calibrate the system in each of these zones. It enables you to adjust for natural temperature variations, letting you heat or cool your entire home more evenly.
2. They Are Only for New Homes
Suppose you live in a home that already has an HVAC system with pre-existing ductwork, but you’ve decided that you’d like to go ductless. Some have voiced the unfortunate idea that this situation is hopeless because it would be impossible to maneuver around the pre-installed ductwork effectively.
Happily, there is no foundation for this kind of concern. The mini-split units in each cooling zone are relatively small and discreet, and it’s possible to easily seal off any old ductwork when you no longer plan to use it. Thus, installing a mini-split can often be easier than installing a new central HVAC system since the latter normally requires you to retrofit or reinstall ductwork.
3. They Are Difficult to Maintain
Considering all of the advanced technology that they employ, you might understandably think that performing maintenance on a mini-split system is difficult and headache-inducing. But mini-splits are generally not high-maintenance machines at all. Not only is every mini-split indoor and outdoor unit located in accessible places, but air filters and other critical components tend to be quite easy to reach.
In a traditional system, air filters get replaced every 60-90 days. A mini-split system allows you to clean the air filters every few weeks and replace them approximately once per year or more if necessary.
4. They Don’t Last as Long as Traditional HVAC Systems
Since ductless mini-splits are far less bulky and imposing than ordinary ducted HVAC systems, you might mistakenly surmise that they are also more fragile and don’t last as long. Again, this is false.
A central HVAC system with effective and periodic maintenance can enjoy a high-performing shelf life of approximately 15 to 20 years. Ductless mini-splits under a similar maintenance regime can last about 20 years, which matches the higher end of the former type of system’s lifespan.
5. They Don’t Clean Air Effectively
Central HVAC systems have multiple air filters that cleanse the air passing through their duct networks, creating the impression that they have a more positive impact on indoor air quality than a ductless mini-split can have. But even though mini-splits don’t have ducts, they still have filters. Furthermore, dirt, dust, and other filth can accumulate inside the ductwork and contaminate the air — an issue that simply doesn’t arise with a ductless system.
With these myths eliminated, we hope you’ll decide to take a closer look at ductless mini-splits, as their streamlined design can be ideal for many homes. Since 1961, we have served the Central Florida area and provided high-quality services to residents and businesses. If you’ve decided that a mini-split might be right for you, call ACR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration and ask about our ductless AC services.
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