Are you tired of heating your entire home when only one room is being used?
Do you get frustrated that you have to keep your entire office space cool when only a corner of it is being used?
Have you started to worry that your central air conditioner isn’t that energy efficient and it’s starting to do more harm than good…to the environment and to your wallet?
Then a ductless mini split air conditioning system may be just right for you!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Gone are the days of cumbersome and costly central air systems being the best way to heat and cool a space.
- Ductless mini split systems are a rapidly growing alternative to traditional HVAC systems.
- Knowing the benefits of a ductless mini split system will help you decide which one is right for you.
A ductless mini split air conditioning system may sound complicated…but it’s really the exact opposite!
Ductless mini split air conditioning systems are simply a smaller version of traditional split systems, but offer a host of advantages that now make them the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way to heat and cool a space.
Mini-splits are an excellent choice for room additions or selective-area climate control, such as on one floor, in one wing, or in individual rooms of a home.
Like larger split systems (such as central air or forced air systems in many homes), ductless mini split ac systems consist of two primary components, split between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
While those larger, more traditional split systems rely on ductwork to carry treated air throughout a home or business, mini-split systems deliver treated air to each room individually, without the use of ducts.
The first components to a Blueridge ductless mini split system is the outdoor unit, which is called a condenser or — put more precisely — a heat pump.
The second component to a Blueridge ductless mini split system is the indoor unit, which is called the air handler.
These two indoor and outdoor units are then connected with electrical wiring and copper tubing (called a line set), which allows refrigerant to flow through the entire system, creating the precise temperature control that you are looking for, and with minimal energy consumption as well.
A Cost-Effective Solution
Maybe you’ve been looking to supplement an existing indoor air cooling or heating system that just isn’t performing to your satisfaction.
Perhaps you want to add better climate control to a new or existing space?
There could be a chance you’ve been using window air conditioners or space heaters for those hard-to-reach areas and are tired of the potential safety issues and/or cost.
Whatever your reason for considering a switch to a ductless HVAC system, you’ll be pleased to know that ductless mini split systems are a solution that will not only add more efficiency to the heating and cooling of your space, but will save you money as well.
Traditional ducted systems can lose a significant amount of conditioned air through ongoing leaks and poorly insulated ductwork, leading to wasted energy.
Ductless mini split systems, on the other hand, deliver air directly to specific zones without the need for ducts, minimizing energy losses and improving overall efficiency.
Better efficiency leads to lower electric bills. Simple as that.
The Top 5 Benefits of a Ductless Mini-Split System
The main advantages of a ductless mini split ac system over other types of heating and cooling systems are:
- Energy Efficiency
- Whisper-Quiet Performance
- Going Ductless
- Independent “Zone” Temperature Control
- Easy Installation and Maintenance
1. Energy Efficiency
Compared to traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini split systems are far more energy efficient.
Ductless mini split systems require less power (less electricity) to heat and cool the air and to maintain your desired temperature over time.
Every HVAC system comes with a SEER rating, a numerical measurement of the unit’s efficiency. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system.
The minimum SEER rating required by the U.S. Department of Energy is 13.
Blueridge ductless mini split systems range from 16 to a whopping 38 SEER!
While the upfront cost of a 38 SEER ductless air conditioner unit will be higher than a 16 SEER air conditioner unit, the energy and cost savings over time will be far greater with the higher SEER unit.
2. Whisper-Quiet Performance
Another benefit of a ductless mini-split indoor unit design is its incredibly quiet performance.
While traditional HVAC systems cycle on and off (resulting in unpleasant temperature swings and periods of powerful air movement that may sound like a cyclone) a mini-split indoor unit operates on the principle of “low and slow.”
After a mini split indoor unit reaches your desired indoor temperature, the system will continue working in a slow and ultra-quiet mode to maintain that temperature on your behalf.
In concrete terms, Blueridge indoor units emit around 50 decibels (dB) of sound when at their loudest, comparable to the sound of a refrigerator humming.
In their quietest mode, our indoor units (aka: air handlers) operate at approximately 20 dB, similar to the sound of rustling leaves.
Our customers have described their Blueridge mini-split ductless systems as having a “pleasant and surprising,” whisper-quiet operation.
3. Going Ductless
In homes with no ductwork or an underperforming forced-air or central system that would be too costly to fix or replace, ductless systems may be the perfect solution.
Simply put, a ductless HVAC system takes ductwork out of the equation!
A ductless mini split provides climate control exactly where you need it and not where you don’t.
As a result, energy (and consequently money) isn’t wasted heating and cooling areas that are unoccupied or otherwise do not require temperature control.
Place a mini split air handler indoor unit in each space that requires heating and air conditioning and connect the unit(s) to the outdoor unit or mini split heat pump.
When powered on, treated air will flow directly into the room, saving energy bills and the environment!
Blueridge indoor unit air handlers come in a variety of mounting styles (with wall-mount and ceiling-mount being the two most popular.)
Regardless of which Blueridge indoor unit style you choose, you’re going to be glad you did.
4. Independent “Zone” Temperature Control
In a traditional ducted HVAC system, occupants have little control over how the heated or cooled air circulates through their home or building.
Treated air goes through a maze of ducts before it reaches the various rooms of your home, all the while losing its temperature as well as its energy efficiency.
One centrally located thermostat is usually what determines when the desired temperature has been reached in these types of central systems, leaving many rooms hotter or cooler than expected.
Other variables, such as room occupancy and personal preferences, leave many families battling over the thermostat, while their HVAC central system tries to heat or cool the entire house.
Enter the ductless mini split, where users can control the climate in each living space or “zone” independently.
Each indoor unit/air handler occupies a zone and can be programmed by remote control or, in most cases, connected to a smartphone or smart home hub. You can choose your options from a single zone mini split all the way up to five or more separate zones.
Now, each section of a home or business can be heated or cooled independently of the rest of the premises, leading to better temperature control, lower energy costs…and much less bickering amongst family and friends.
5. Easy Installation and Maintenance
Customers can purchase Blueridge mini splits in three different ways.
- Standalone system: A Blueridge mini split ductless air conditioner can be purchased as a standalone system, which will include the condenser/heat pump, air handler(s), and remote control(s).
- Kit system: Blueridge ductless mini split systems can be purchased as “kits,” which package the standalone system with all the accessories needed to complete 90% of the installation.
- Do-It-Yourself: Our Blueridge mini splits can be purchased as Do-it-Yourself models, which will include the standalone system plus a line set that is pre-charged with refrigerant, enabling you to complete 100% of the installation on your own.
That there even exists a Do-it-Yourself (DIY) option for mini split air conditioners means that they are far easier to install than a traditional HVAC system!
Many customers choose to complete some or all of the installation themselves.
For those who would prefer to hire a professional, Alpine can help you find a licensed pro in your area.
Compared to traditional HVAC systems, maintaining ductless air conditioners is a breeze. Simply remove the air handler’s filter(s) periodically and wash with soapy water. Occasionally, the filter(s) will need replacement. That’s it!
Why Choose a Blueridge Mini-Split System from Alpine Home Air Products?
With a wide variety of models to suit any project, Blueridge mini split ductless air conditioners use state-of-the-art technology to deliver outstanding performance year-round.
Not only that, but we also offer competitive wholesale pricing and free shipping on your order when you choose a Blueridge mini split for your heating and cooling needs.
Since 2002, Alpine Home Air Products has been a leader in online HVAC sales.
With thousands of 5-star customer reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Alpine’s products and services can’t be beat!
Customers rely on Alpine’s team of HVAC experts to find the perfect system. And Alpine’s Premium Guarantee backs every purchase with a Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee, a Warranty Guarantee, and Unlimited Technical Support.
The outstanding Blueridge Ductless Mini Split Warranty covers five years for parts and seven years for the outdoor unit compressor (heat pump).
What’s more, Alpine’s in-house warranty processing means that support and replacement parts are just a phone call away.
But here’s where the Blueridge warranty really shines…
While many ductless mini-split systems only warrant their product if they are installed by a licensed HVAC contractor, Blueridge’s warranty covers do-it-yourselfers, as long as the mini split unit has been installed correctly.
What Size Mini-Split System Do I Need?
The first step in finding the right size ductless mini split system for your home, office or recreational space is knowing the square footage you want to heat and cool.
However — other important factors, such as ceiling height, number of windows, and insulation level, should be considered.
Our handy Ductless Mini Split System Selector takes these factors and more into account.
To ensure that your ductless mini split system is the right fit for your space, your budget, and your needs, we highly recommend that you confirm your selection with one of our human experts.
If you’ve done the research and learned the huge benefits that a Blueridge mini split system can offer you, then what are you waiting for?
