Air conditioning is vital during hot Phoenix, AZ, summers. In recent years, home installation of ductless mini-split HVAC systems has risen in popularity due to various advantages over traditional systems. However, these modern marvels aren’t exclusive to homes. In this piece, we’ll explore the many benefits of installing a ductless mini-split system in a workspace.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split HVAC System?
A ductless mini-split is an HVAC system that doesn’t use ducts to move warm or cool air from a central unit to different rooms. Instead, there is a main condenser unit outside, but rooms each have their own individual unit that is installed inside. These internal units have independent blowers, each with their own temperature control. All the interior units are connected to the main outdoor unit by way of refrigerant lines. The design and layout differences of these HVAC systems are what give them a distinct advantage over traditional HVAC systems.
Flexible Installation
The installation of a ductless mini-split system is generally easier and more flexible than a traditional HVAC system installation. The main reason for this is the lack of ductwork. In place of the ductwork, only a small hole is required for the refrigerant line and electrical line to each interior unit. This allows ductless-mini split HVAC system installations to be more feasible in difficult workspaces with accessibility issues.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a great benefit of a ductless mini-split HVAC system in a workspace environment. The outdoor unit utilizes an inverter-driven compressor. This component allows the speed of the unit to automatically adjust depending on the cooling or heating needs of the blower. Traditional HVAC systems can lose a lot of energy through their ductwork when compared to a modern ductless system. While ductless mini-split systems may cost slightly more depending on how many individual units are being installed, the energy savings they provide can easily make up for it in the long run.
Zone Control
With a traditional HVAC system, you typically have one thermostat that needs to be set for the entire building. However, with a ductless mini-split HVAC system, you can control the temperature of each individual blower. This allows people in that area to adjust their zone to their preferred comfort level. This level of control is especially useful if you have separate workspaces with doors you can close.
Remote Adjustments
Each interior unit of a ductless mini-split HVAC system usually includes a remote control to adjust temperature and airflow. With a remote control nearby, you don’t need to get up from your desk and interrupt your work to adjust the comfort level of your workspace.
Air Quality
While traditional HVAC systems have filtration to help with the air quality in your workspace, ductless HVAC systems have multiple-stage filtration systems to help remove things like:
- Mold spores
- Dust
- Pollen
When these particulates contaminate the air in your workspace, people who deal with things like asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems may see an increase in symptoms. With traditional HVAC systems, these pollutants accumulate in the ductwork over time, making filter cleaning or changing less effective until the ducts are also professionally cleaned out. Particulate accumulation can also negatively affect the function of an HVAC system, placing more strain on components.
Reduced Operational Noise
Low noise levels are essential to a good work environment, so people can focus. Ductless mini-split HVAC systems tend to run more quietly than traditional HVAC systems. The units that are installed indoors are designed to work at low noise levels.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance for a ductless mini-split system is a lot easier than maintenance for a traditional HVAC system. The filters for each interior unit are easy to remove and clean yourself to keep your air quality high. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about duct cleaning.
During maintenance, an HVAC technician will be able to tighten any components that may have become loose over time, add additional lubrication as needed to reduce friction between moving parts, and fix any minor issues before they grow into larger problems later.
Less Frequent and Costly Repairs
As long as you are getting the necessary regular maintenance needed for a ductless mini-split HVAC system, less stress will be put on the components of the system. Between this and the better efficiency of a ductless mini-split system, they typically need repairs less frequently than traditional HVAC systems. When they do need repairs, the cost of the repairs can be lower.
Longer Lifespan
When compared with traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-split HVAC systems tend to have a longer lifespan. This is due to several factors. Just like the lower stress on components reduces the need for repairs, it also helps the system last much longer.
Environmentally Friendly
Because of the energy efficiency of ductless mini-split systems, they can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your workplace. You can check the seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of a specific model before making your choice. The higher the SEER rating, the higher the energy efficiency. Any units with a SEER of 14 or above can be considered optimal for energy efficiency and therefore more environmentally friendly. This environmental friendliness is particularly useful for workplaces and homes that pride themselves on being green and sustainable.
Improved Air Circulation
Since each indoor unit features a blower, there is better air circulation with mini-split systems than with traditional HVAC systems. Traditional systems blow air from one central unit. Vents far from that main unit will have decreased airflow when compared with closer vents. Traditional HVAC systems are more prone to unwanted warm and cold spots inside the workplace. Additionally, it’s easy to hinder the flow of air in a room with furniture placed near a low wall vent or floor vent with traditional HVAC systems. Since mini-split interior units are typically mounted on ceilings or high up on walls, it means that furniture placement is less of an airflow issue.
Ideal for Older Buildings
Ductless mini-splits are ideal if your workplace is located inside an older building. The lack of ductwork makes the installation much less intrusive.
Various Design Choices
With ductless mini-split HVAC systems, there are a wide variety of aesthetic choices between different models. You can find a range of different styles and colors to help match the existing decor of your workspace.
Space Saving
Ductless mini-split systems don’t take up as much space as traditional HVAC systems. The outdoor units tend to be smaller, and the refrigerant lines are significantly smaller than ductwork. Additionally, because the indoor units are mounted to the walls or ceiling, they don’t take up vital workspace that is needed for desks or other furniture.
Do you have a workspace in Phoenix or the surrounding area and want a ductless mini-split HVAC system installed? Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing is here to help. We offer various heating, cooling, and plumbing services for residential homes. We’re happy to handle your new installation, maintenance, or repairs. Financing options are available. If you’d like more information, please contact Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing today.
