Summers are hot and winters are mild if you live in Los Angeles. When the temperature rises, your cooling system must work hard. Ductless mini-splits could be the solution you need to maintain year-round comfort in your house.
Ductless Mini-Splits: What Are They?
Imagine them as air conditioners without the ducting. The two primary components of a mini-split are wall-mounted indoor units and an outdoor compressor.
Through tiny pipes that pass through a tiny hole in your wall, the outdoor unit is connected to indoor units. That’s all. No large ductwork is required.
Indoor units can be placed in various rooms. Every one has a remote control of its own. Do you want the bedroom to be more cool than the living room? No issue.
The Reasons LA Homeowners Adore Them
Energy costs are rapidly declining. Compared to central air systems, mini-splits consume less electricity. There are no ducts, so they don’t lose cool air due to leaks.
Ideal for older residences. Before central air became commonplace, many homes in Los Angeles were constructed. Installing ductwork damages your walls and is very expensive. Mini-splits completely avoid that mess.
Silent operation. The loud parts remain outside. You won’t even be able to hear them running inside.
Comfort all year long. These systems provide both cooling and heating. Although the winters in Los Angeles are mild, you will value the warmth on cold mornings.
When Mini-Splits Make Sense
Do you have a room that is constantly too hot or cold? Without altering your entire system, a mini-split can resolve that particular issue.
Converting a garage or adding a new room? For areas without existing ductwork, mini-splits are ideal.
Are you sick of arguing about the thermostat? Each member of the family has authority over their own zone.
Mini-splits are frequently requested by Residential HVAC Services Los Angeles businesses in:
- Additions to houses
- Garages that have been converted
- Suites with master bedrooms
- Offices at home
The Drawbacks to Take Into Account
Greater initial expenses. Window units are less expensive than mini-splits. An expert is also needed for the air conditioner installation.
Units mounted on walls. Some people are dissatisfied with their appearance. Some people don’t mind the contemporary look.
Not ideal for cooling the entire house. Several units quickly add up if you need to cool a large house.
Selecting the Appropriate Size
When it comes to mini-splits, size matters. If they’re too small, they’ll run all the time. They will cycle on and off too much if they are too big.
What you need depends on the size of the room. About 450–550 square feet are handled by a 12,000 BTU unit. Larger rooms require more power.
Size is influenced by windows, insulation, and ceiling height. An air conditioner can determine precisely what you require.
Planning Is Necessary for Installation
There is no doubt about it, mini-splits require expert installation. Special equipment and expertise are needed for the refrigerant lines.
The ideal locations for both indoor and outdoor units will be determined by your installer. If your city requires permits, they will also take care of those.
A single-zone system installation typically takes four to six hours.
Final Words
Many homes in Los Angeles, particularly older ones without central air, are good candidates for mini-splits. They allow you to control individual rooms and save energy.
Although it costs more up front than some alternatives, over time, the energy savings mount. Before making a choice about installation, think about your budget, i.e., what you pocket is allowing and particular cooling requirements.
Mini-splits might be worth looking into if you’re sick of inconsistent temperatures or expensive energy costs.
