Adding a new room is a big investment, and it’s important to ensure the space is as comfortable as the rest of your home. In Miami’s warm climate, that means keeping your addition cool with the right AC system. Ductless mini-splits are uniquely suited to additions, and it might be a cost- and energy-efficient choice.
What Is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split AC unit splits the work of cooling. While the condenser is outside, a small, indoor unit actually cools the room. A mini-split may be designed for a single room, but some systems are “multi-zone,” meaning there are multiple cooling units attached to the same outdoor compressor, splitting its power. That’s where the name comes from.
Each indoor unit connects to the compressor with a thin channel instead of large ducts, because the air is cooled in the room and not transported from a single, exterior source. It’s important to note that all mini-splits use electricity, and while some systems provide both AC and heat, they don’t rely on secondary fuels like natural gas.
Why Mini-Split Systems Work Great in Additions
Simple Installation
A mini-split AC unit is much easier to install than a ducted central air system when adding a new room. The ducts themselves complicate the addition’s design and create an added expense. You also have to consider whether your existing system is rated to handle the additional square footage without compromising the temperature of the rest of the house. A mini-split only requires a small hole in an exterior wall. The air handler goes outside and operates on an independent circuit.
Energy Efficiency
Mini-split systems are so energy-efficient they often qualify for special rebates and tax credits at both the local and federal levels. These benefits build on the systems’ day-to-day savings by shielding power bills from addition sized spikes. Mini-splits have an average SEER rating of 22, and no other system besides a geothermal system can compare with their output. It’s easy to enjoy your new space when you know the long-term cost of living in it may be lower than any other room in your home.
Quiet Function
Many HVAC systems force users to make trade-offs. A cool, comfortable room may be uncomfortably loud thanks to a window-mounted unit. Mini-splits give users the best of both worlds, keeping new bedrooms comfortable and quiet, chilling living rooms without interrupting movie nights, and keeping professionals from sweating in their new home offices.
Low Maintenance
Ductwork requires professional equipment to maintain and repair, but ductless mini-splits have far more accessible maintenance features. Homeowners can clean a system’s washable air filter on their own and even handle routine care for outdoor air handlers on some models. While there’s nothing like a professional in a crisis, handling regular maintenance independently saves money, further reducing long-term operational costs.
Remote Zoned Control
Mini-splits manage temperatures in a single room, so you can make your addition as warm or cool as you like without involving the rest of the house. These systems feature remote controls, so you can adjust the temperature without getting out of bed. Zoned control also enables you to turn off your addition’s AC without compromising other rooms. If you use the addition as a guest bedroom, weekend home office, workshop, or morning gym, you only need to use the mini-split when the room is in use. This provides even more energy savings.
Call the Mini-Split Experts
Ready to make the most of your new addition? Whether you’re ready to install a mini-split or want to upgrade your central air system, our team of experts has the experience, tools, and solutions to cool your home. We’re happy to help you plan before you build or find the best solution for a finished addition. Don’t wait to enjoy your space. We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.
Mini-Split AC FAQ
Can a mini-split replace central air?
A single mini-split unit can’t replace a central air system for an entire home. You would need multiple mini-splits to handle different areas.
Are mini-splits cheaper to install?
The answer depends on the scale of the project and any existing ductwork. Mini-splits are cheaper to install in small, new construction projects that don’t have existing ductwork, which makes them a great choice when adding a new room. H
owever, since you would need multiple units to manage a larger home, they are considerably more expensive as a replacement AC solution for a home with existing central air ductwork. While they may be a better investment for long-term energy savings, they are much more expensive upfront.
Are mini-splits more efficient than central air?
Yes. Mini-splits are more energy efficient in several ways. Not only do they usually have higher SEER ratings than comparable forced air systems, but they can turn down or turn off AC in specific rooms without warming the rest of the house. You use less power when you only cool the part of a home currently in use. For example, a home with a series of mini-split systems wouldn’t have to keep bedrooms cool during the day, and areas like the kitchen or living room wouldn’t need to be kept as cool at night.
