How to Know if a Ductless Mini-Split Is Right for Your NJ Home
Mini-splits are among the most energy-efficient HVAC systems available for your New Jersey home. They are also among the most versatile and typically have few installation requirements. That makes them suitable for most households. Let’s explore what a ductless mini-split is and whether a mini-split is right for your home.
Cooling and Perhaps Heating
There are two main types of mini-splits: air conditioners (ACs) and heat pumps. You may also see them referred to as ductless ACs, cooling-only mini-splits, and ductless heat pumps. Heat pumps operate similarly to air conditioners in that they move heat from one space to another. The difference is that a heat pump has a reversing valve. That lets it move heat into the home in winter as well as moving it out in summer.
Energy-Efficiency Ratings and Incentives
The industry uses the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (formerly SEER, now SEER2) rating to measure the cooling efficiency of ACs and heat pumps. It uses the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) rating to measure the heating efficiency of heat pumps. In both cases, the higher the rating, the more efficient the system and the cheaper to run.
Ducts are one of the main sources of inefficiency in central HVAC systems. Mini-splits generally don’t have ducts, and this is a major reason that they’re as efficient as they are. In fact, most ductless mini-splits earn ENERGY STAR certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That may make you eligible for federal tax credits, rebates, and other energy incentives. Talk to your local AC company about what rebates you might qualify for.
Three Common Mini-Split Scenarios
There are several ways you can use a mini-split to enhance your home. A ductless mini-split can serve as your primary HVAC system and deliver all the heating and cooling you need. You can add a mini-split to a central system as a cheaper way of achieving zoned cooling and perhaps heating. It’s also an option for cooling and heating those hard-to-reach and otherwise difficult spaces. Examples include:
- Sunrooms
- Home additions
- Satellite buildings
- Garage apartments
- Finished basements and attics
- Attached and detached garages
A Consideration About Heating
Ductless mini-splits with heating are generally air-source heat pumps that transfer heat to and from the ambient air. Heat energy is less abundant in the air during summer. That means heat pumps often have a cold-weather threshold at which they’re no longer efficient enough to provide all the heat you need. Many have electric resistive strips to provide auxiliary heating. However, it’s not common to depend solely on a mini-split for heat in northern climates.
Zones
The typical mini-split system has two to four zones. You can have a single-zone mini-split system for a home addition or small apartment. Most systems support as many as eight zones. There are also solutions to exceed that cap, such as multiple outdoor condenser units in a series. Each zone has at least one indoor air handler. Expansive living rooms and kitchens may need two or more.
Indoor Unit Mounting
Wall-mounted indoor units are the most common solution and often the cheapest. Modern wall units have a streamlined appearance, and installers can place them near the ceiling. The size and placement help to preserve valuable wall space. You can mix and match the various mounting configurations. There are floor-mounted units for areas with limited wall space, such as finished attics. You can also choose from a selection of ceiling mounts. Those include cassette units that mount flush, drop-down cassette units for bigger rooms, and suspended units.
Condensation
All indoor units require a conduit running from inside the home to the outdoor condenser unit. This typically requires a 3-inch hole in the wall. It’s usually a simple installation, and many adapters are available when it’s not. Among other things, that conduit carries the condensation outside the home. This usually happens through gravity. In cases where that’s not possible, your installer will need to add a condensation pump.
Thermostat and Other Control
Most brands include a remote control with each indoor unit. Choosing a system with Wi-Fi provides you with remote access and control. App-based support lets you use your phone instead of a remote. You can also install one or more wall-mounted smart thermostats in your home.
Professional Mini-Split Services in South Jersey
JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and -operated HVAC company. We’ve served residential and commercial customers in Deptford, NJ and the surrounding areas since 1986. Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair ductless mini-splits. We are a proud Lennox Premier Dealer and Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor.
Call or contact JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning online to schedule a service appointment or an on-site consultation.
