With Michigan’s distinctive seasons, a high-performance air conditioner is key for the comfort of your home. As an alternative to conventional central AC systems, learn about the ductless air conditioning options for Michigan homes. Hoover Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Michigan has the facts to help you make the best decision for your household’s comfort.
What Are Ductless Air Conditioning Systems?
Ductless air conditioning systems, also called ductless mini-split systems, are an alternative to conventional HVAC systems with growing popularity. Mini-split air conditioner systems use heat pump technology and consist of an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor units with electrical wiring and refrigerant lines. They don’t require ductwork to circulate air throughout your home and the system — instead, the indoor units deliver air directly into specific zones or rooms.
The indoor units are typically wall-mounted, suspended from the ceiling, or installed flush with your ceiling. Each unit includes an evaporator coil and blower fan. The outdoor compressor unit pumps refrigerant through the copper lines to each indoor unit, which supports the heat exchange process at the evaporator coil.
Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning in Michigan
Ductless air conditioning can be a versatile solution to your home’s cooling needs. See these advantages of installing a ductless air conditioning system.
Zoning flexibility
Ever want one room to be colder than another? Ductless air conditioning options allow you to create zoned areas in your home to change the temperature of a specific room or space. With the ability to control spaces independently, each member of your household can personalize their comfort. If you have an existing central air system, you can run it at a higher temperature and use the ductless units in the rooms where you spend the most time.
Energy efficiency
Zoning can also improve efficiency — with the ability to zone and choose which spaces to cool, you can exclude unoccupied spaces that don’t need cooling and save on energy consumption.
Ductless air conditioners also offer improved performance over many central AC systems with ductwork, which can account for more than 30% of wasted energy. Ductless systems eliminate this issue since they deliver air directly to the intended area. Most models, many of which are ENERGY STAR certified, also feature inverter-controlled variable speed compressors that deliver higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings than other AC systems.
Ease of installation
Without the need for ductwork, mini-split installations are typically efficient and minimally invasive. Installation generally involves mounting the indoor units, configuring the outdoor compressor unit, and drilling small holes through which to run the refrigerant and electrical lines.
Quiet operation
Ductless systems operate at lower noise levels compared to central AC systems. While central ACs typically generate between 50 and 75 decibels, about the same as a regular conversation, mini-splits run between 25 and 35 decibels, similar to a gentle fan.
Ductless Mini-Splits and Michigan’s Climate
Michigan’s climate, with its hot, humid summers and snowy, cold winters, having a capable HVAC system is essential for homeowners. Mini-split systems can provide effective cooling during peak temperatures during summer months without losing efficiency
Since ductless mini-split systems use heat pump technology, they’re able to cool and heat your home. In some cases, these systems can replace your HVAC setup and provide year-round comfort and energy efficiency.
Most mini-splits continue to provide superior efficiency over other heating systems throughout the winter, only declining in efficiency when temperatures are well below freezing. Since Michigan temperatures average around 28 degrees and rarely drop below 20 degrees, ductless heat pumps are an effective heating option on their own or as a supplement to an existing furnace.
Ductless AC Lifespan and Maintenance
Ductless air conditioning system lifespans can range from 15 to 20 years. Frequent or heavy use, the quality of your system, accurate sizing, proper installation, and environmental conditions can affect the longevity of your system.
Regular maintenance can keep your mini-split running smoothly and prolong its lifespan. Routine tasks, such as replacing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, and clearing debris from the outdoor unit, help optimize your system’s performance between professional servicing.
If you notice issues or reduced performance with your system, schedule prompt repair to avoid further damage. Seasonal maintenance from a licensed HVAC technician helps identify and address problems before they escalate and typically includes:
- Lubricating parts
- Tightening connections
- Testing airflow
- Cleaning
- Refrigerant checks
Contact Us for AC Installation Including Ductless Mini-Splits
Serving Troy, Clinton Township, Lake Orion, and Southeast Michigan areas, Hoover Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling can assess your home and customize a mini-split system.
Take advantage of VIP maintenance plans, flexible financing, and more. Contact us today for a free estimate, to schedule a service online, or to learn more about ductless HVAC systems in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ductless air conditioning systems typically cost to install?
Ductless air conditioning installation costs can vary depending on your home’s configuration. Large homes require more indoor units and likewise have higher upfront equipment costs.
In some cases, ductless AC systems can be more cost-effective than central AC to install. If you don’t have existing ductwork or need extensive updates to accommodate central AC, ductless AC can be a superior option. Since it only requires refrigerant and electrical lines through a three-inch hole to the outdoor AC compressor unit, labor costs can be less than central AC systems with new or updated ductwork.
Do I need to hire a professional to install a ductless system, or can I do it myself?
While homeowners with some HVAC knowledge may consider installing a ductless system on their own, professional installation ensures proper setup, efficiency, and warranty compliance. Improper DIY installation may result in greater costs if it results in reduced performance or damage.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of single-zone vs. multi-zone mini-split systems?
Consider the specific needs of your home to decide between single-zone and multi-zone mini-split systems. Single-zone systems have lower installation costs than multi-zone systems but may not be ideal for heating or cooling beyond a single room or enclosed area. Multi-zone systems may require a higher initial investment, but they allow you to heat and cool your entire home with flexible temperature settings for each zone.
