Are you looking to heat a specific room in your house without having ductwork installed? Mini-split systems may be the perfect solution for you! Mini-splits have been growing in popularity in recent years, as they offer several benefits over traditional central forced air systems. This article will discuss the benefits of using mini-split systems to heat your rooms. Stay warm all winter long with ease—read on to learn more!
Heating Systems
How do heaters work?
In the most basic terms, a heater converts energy into heat. The heat is then used to warm up the air in your home, which warms you and your family. You can choose from many different types of heating systems on the market today, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Single Room Heater
If you need to heat a single room, an indoor heating unit can be a great choice. A small single-room heater will do a much better job of heating the room than a portable heater.
There are a few different choices available. If the room you need to heat has a window, then a window unit can work as long as it has an option to heat.
Window A/C and Heater
Window systems are typically small appliances you set in your window to cool or heat rooms. They’re not very effective, and they can be dangerous if not installed properly or secured with adhesive strips on the inside of each panel where it meets exterior walls. A portable unit will never require these precautions because its installation doesn’t involve any outside elements.
Portable Heater
A portable heater is similar to a window unit, except it sits on the floor and can be positioned anywhere in the room. With a portable space heater, you need to be close enough to an outlet to plug it in.
The Pros and Cons of Heating Units
Now that we know some of the different types of heating units on the market let’s look at the pros and cons of each type.
Window AC/Heater
- Pros: Easy installation, relatively low cost, can cool or heat a room
- Cons: Can be a safety hazard if not installed properly, can be very loud
Portable AC/Heater
- Pros: Easy installation, choice of where to put it, relatively low cost
- Cons: Need a hose to connect to the window, takes up space
Ductless Mini-Split Heater
- Pros: Does not require ductwork, can heat or cool a room, relatively low cost
- Cons: takes up space, may require professional installation
So, which is the best type of heating unit for you? If you want to heat a single room without ductwork, then a ductless mini-split heater is your best bet. They are relatively easy to install and are a cost-effective way to heat your home. If you have any questions about ductless mini-splits or any other type of heating unit, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
What is a Ductless Mini-Split?
Mini-split systems are a heating and cooling system that does not require ductwork to be installed in your home. The unit comprises an outdoor compressor/condenser unit connected to an indoor evaporator by piping.
The great thing about ductless mini-splits is that they can heat or cool a single room or even a specific area of a room. They’re perfect for that one spot in your home that is always too cold or too hot.
They are made up of two separate components:
Indoor Air Handling Unit
The indoor air handling units are part of the ductless mini-split that you see and touch. Indoor air handlers contain the blower, which circulates the air in your home, as well as the evaporator, which absorbs heat from or releases heat into the room. Indoor handling units allow you to set the temperature for each room.
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser or compressor unit is the part of the ductless mini-split that sits outside your home. It contains the compressor, which compresses refrigerant and sends it to the indoor evaporator, as well as the condenser, which releases heat from the refrigerant. The outdoor and indoor units are connected with a conduit that has the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and condensate drain.
Benefits of Using a Ductless Mini-Split Air System
- They are more efficient than traditional central air systems since ductwork is not required.
- They are perfect for homes that do not have ductwork installed.
- Mini-splits offer multiple indoor units so you can control the temperature in each room individually, which is great for households with different heating needs.
- Ductless mini-split air systems come in various sizes, so you can find one that is perfect for your home.
- Installation is much easier than traditional heating and cooling systems and can often be done by the homeowner.
- Ductless mini-splits are an excellent choice for homes that are in the process of being renovated or for homes that have limited space.
- They are quiet and unobtrusive, so you will hardly know they are there.
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps
A ductless mini-split can also be used as a heat pump. A heat pump is a device that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another, and a ductless mini-split can work either as an air conditioner or as a heater, depending on the season.
Maintenance of a Ductless Mini-Split
Like with any system, some occasional maintenance is required. If you decide to install a mini-split system, the most basic upkeep is to change the filters. Changing the filters can help purify the air in your home and work its best.
Changing filters is simple. This is how.
#1: Lift the faceplate on the unit (some units have a little latch to open it).
#2: Slide out the filter (sometimes there are two side-by-side).
#3: Simply slide in the new filter (that’s it – it couldn’t be easier).
You should change the filter once every two months and completely replace it once a year. You can also take them out and wash them. Filters are relatively inexpensive, so this maintenance item won’t cost you must.
Mitsubishi makes the best ductless mini-splits. These units seem to work well, require little maintenance, and are among the most reliable heating/cooling appliances on today’s market.
If any additional repairs or maintenance are needed, a service technician will do the following:
- Inspect, maintain, and clean the blower wheels
- Coils on indoor units – clean and inspect
- Drain pains – clean and check
- Filters – clean and check
- Outdoor Coil – clean and check
- Clean and maintain any other components
Consider a Ductless Mini-Split to Heat Your Home
There’s nothing worse than walking inside during the winter and being cold. You want to live in a warm and comfortable home, and so does your family. Don’t pack on the throw blankets; instead, choose a mini-split air system to help keep each room in your home warm and cozy.
A ductless mini-split system is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and can heat each room in your home. Contact Wattson Home Solutions today if you want additional information on heating and cooling systems!