Why should you consider replacing your old AC window units with a mini split system? If your home doesn’t have air ducts and you’ve always relied on individual window air conditioners, read on to learn about switching these units out for a brand-new mini split cooling system.
Should You Replace Older Window Units?
Room air conditioners are an easy, and often inexpensive, way to cool one small area of a home. These are AC units that fit into a window and cool a room. This means a window unit doesn’t require the same ducts that a central air conditioning system does.
The elimination of ducts for cooling makes window or room units a top choice for homeowners who don’t have forced air heating. If you do have a forced air heating system, you will already have the ducts and vents necessary to install a central air conditioner.
Unlike central systems, room air conditioners won’t cool large spaces. If you only have one area to cool, this could save you money. But if you want to cool every room in your home, you will have to invest in and use multiple window units. This could significantly increase your electricity costs—especially if the air conditioners are old, have signs of wear, or are damaged.
Why Choose a Mini Split System?
A central AC system requires air ducts to transport the cool air from the main unit to the rest of your home. If your home doesn’t already have these ducts, the transition from window AC to a central air conditioner will include the added expense of ductwork (and the installation or renovation/construction fees).
Even though your home doesn’t have ducts, you still have AC choices. If the construction-related issues and added costs of ducts eliminate a central system from your HVAC to-do list, a mini split air conditioner is an option to seriously explore.
Like window units, mini split air conditioners cool individual spaces (or zones). Also like window units, these air conditioners don’t require the use of ducts. But they also don’t require the use of your windows. This means a mini split system won’t ruin your view or decrease the amount of natural light that enters a room.
The HVAC contractor can install the mini split system’s interior unit (known as an air handler) on a wall in the room you want to cool. This component can go above a window, below a window, or in an unobtrusive space. The indoor air handler will connect to an outdoor compressor.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it’s typically possible to locate the exterior part of the system up to 50 feet away from the indoor air handler. The exterior condenser or compressor serves multiple indoor air handlers.
Should You Install a Mini Split System Yourself?
Mini split air conditioner installation is not a DIY home improvement project. Window units are popular due to the ease of installation. Many models are place-and-plug units. But the same isn’t true for mini split systems. These complex air conditioning appliances require the knowledge and experience of a trained professional to install them.
If you want to replace your old, worn window units with a new mini split system, make sure the HVAC professional has expertise in this area. Not all contractors sell and install mini split systems.
Are you ready to invest in a new air conditioner for your home? Contact Apollo Heating, Air & Plumbing to learn more about the system and installation options that we offer homeowners. We look forward to helping you cool your home and keep indoor temperatures comfortable in the summer.