Disadvantages of a Mini-Split System: Pros and Cons to Consider
Here’s how to tell if a mini-split is your ideal heating and cooling partner
Highlights
Mini-split systems don’t use ductwork to heat and cool homes.
The average mini-split installation cost is $2,000 to $6,000 for one zone.
Many indoor units are bulky, which is a drawback for homeowners who value appearance.
Energy-efficient units offer utility savings but at a much higher upfront cost.
Mini-split systems, or ductless heating and cooling systems, are famous for their energy efficiency and flexibility. While these setups offer several advantages, it's essential to consider the disadvantages of mini-split systems before deciding to install one in your home. Let’s cool things down by sharing the drawbacks and advantages of adding a mini-split system with the help of a pro AC installer.
What is a Mini-Split System?
A mini-split system is a heating and cooling system that works without ducts by moving energy around rather than producing it. This system combines one indoor and one outdoor unit, providing flexible climate control for specific rooms or zones in a home.
In addition, mini-split systems come with several pros and cons, including:
| Pros of Mini-Splits | Cons of Mini-Splits |
|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | Aesthetic concerns |
| Better air quality | High maintenance cost |
| Easy installation | High installation cost |
| Built-in zoning | Space requirements |
Here are the main components of a mini-split system:
Indoor Unit
The indoor air-handling unit is mounted on the wall below the ceiling. It includes a coil, fan, and sometimes additional features like filters or air purifiers. The indoor unit connects to the outdoor unit through refrigerant lines and electrical wiring.
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor part of the system houses the compressor, condenser coil, and fan. The exterior unit is installed outside the building or on a roof. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, which is central to the system's heat exchange process.
Refrigerant Cycle
Mini-splits operate on a closed-loop refrigerant cycle. Refrigerant is a chemical compound that can easily change from a liquid to a gas and back at varying temperatures and pressures.
Pros of Mini-Split Systems
Mini-split systems offer many benefits, including reduced noise levels, easy installation, multi-zone heating and cooling, energy efficiency, and better air quality. Here are the pros of mini-split systems:
1. Noise Levels
Mini-split systems operate at a lower decibel than HVAC systems, causing less banging and rattling noises throughout your home. While mini-split systems are quieter than window air conditioners, they can still produce some noise, mainly if the outdoor AC units are near the bedrooms or other spaces where peace is preferred. Noise can be a top concern for people who are sensitive to it or have trouble sleeping.
2. Ease of Installation
Because mini-split systems don’t require ductwork, installation is quick and easy. Instead, they only require an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a connecting conduit. In addition, mini-splits only need a small hole drilled into the wall to allow the conduit to pass through, making the system less invasive. Due to the simplicity of this installation, homeowners can have a brand-new mini-split system up and running within a few hours.
3. Multi-Zoning Preferences
Another benefit of mini-split systems is temperature control through built-in zoning. Multi-zoning allows homeowners to set the temperature for various rooms in their home. So if the family is spending time in one room, you don’t need to worry about heating or cooling another room on the opposite end of the house. Homeowners can also program each mini-split unit daily, increasing energy efficiency and lowering electric bills.
4. Energy Efficiency
Mini-split systems allow you to reduce energy bills by only heating and cooling the spaces you’re currently occupying. This type of energy efficiency is unlike traditional HVAC units, which provide the same temperature throughout all the ductwork in your home.
Additionally, mini-split heat systems bearing the ENERGY STAR designation undergo independent certification, ensuring energy savings, cost-efficiency, and climate-conscious operation. These systems, which transfer heat instead of generating it, boast an impressive energy efficiency, consuming up to 60% less energy than conventional home electric radiators.
5. Better Air Quality
Since mini-split systems are ductless, you don’t need to worry about trapped dust, mold, debris, or allergens. In addition, mini-split systems have a multi-stage filtration system that traps and removes dust, mold, bacteria, and debris, making your home more comfortable. If you were to go with an HVAC system, you could expect to pay between $270 and $500 for air duct cleaning.
Cons of Mini-Split Systems
While mini-split systems offer many benefits, there are also several disadvantages, including aesthetics, limited coverage, weather-related issues, maintenance, cost, space requirements, and allergens. Here are the disadvantages of mini-split systems:
1. Aesthetic Concerns
While some indoor units are sleek and discreet, most are conspicuous, hanging on walls and disrupting the aesthetics of a room. It can be a drawback for homeowners who value the appearance of their living spaces.
Inconspicuous mini-split systems are called cassettes. The indoor unit is recessed and installed into ceilings—but these cost more than wall-mounted options, starting at around $5,000 per area.
2. Limited Coverage
Mini-split systems heat and cool individual rooms or zones, meaning they have limited coverage compared to central HVAC systems. Suppose you have a large home or want to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house. In that case, you may need to install multiple indoor units, increasing the system's cost and complexity. A traditional HVAC system may make better sense when that's the case.
3. Weather Conditions
Mini-split systems can work effectively in a wide range of temperatures, including both extreme cold and hot weather. However, climate conditions and the specific capabilities of the system may influence their performance. Put simply, not every system is ideal for certain weather conditions, and you may need to supplement your heating or cooling with another source.
Some mini-split systems are designed to operate efficiently in very cold temperatures, even as low as -15°Fahrenheit. These systems often have advanced features like cold climate kits, which include electric or hot gas defrost to prevent frost buildup on the outdoor unit's coil.
Areas that experience extreme heat above 90°Fahrenheit may need a system with advanced cooling features, like an inverter-driven mini-split system. It automatically assesses the required heating or cooling to sustain a desired indoor temperature, all while effectively extracting excess moisture from the surrounding air.
4. Mini-Split Maintenance
You can expect to pay between $300 and $550 for mini-split maintenance. Maintenance includes repairs for each head, checking and replacing each air filter, and inspecting the system’s wiring, refrigerant, and electrical components. These systems frequently operate continuously, running 24 hours a day.
The extended operational hours of mini-splits necessitate more frequent maintenance and increase the likelihood of encountering issues or experiencing breakdowns. Traditional HVAC systems require yearly maintenance, but a mini-split system requires maintenance twice per year before the winter and summer seasons.
5. Cost
Mini-split systems often have higher upfront installation costs than traditional HVAC units, especially if you need heads for several rooms. The average cost of a mini-split installation hovers around $2,000 to $6,000 for a single zone. A multi-zone system jumps in price, costing $3,200 to $14,500. These systems use one outdoor compressor that ties to indoor units. Your final cost will depend on the number of indoor units needed, their heating and cooling capacity, and the brand chosen on top of installation complexity.
In addition, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances come at a slightly higher price, ranging from $30 to $200 more than their non-rated counterparts. It may be best to speak with a local mini-split installation pro to see if the extra expense will pay off for you.
In contrast, an HVAC replacement costs between $5,000 and $12,500, including installation if you have the existing ductwork. If you’ve got the ductwork and need to heat or cool a large house, installing an HVAC system may result in significant savings.
6. Space Requirements
Mini-split systems require wall and ceiling space inside your home to fit the indoor units. And you can’t place unit heads near items that will restrict airflow. They also require a stable surface with plenty of room outside your home. Installers will need space to access the refrigerant and electrical lines properly and to perform regular maintenance on your unit.
7. Allergens
Although mini-split systems don’t work through air ducts, each head can still produce a fair amount of dust, debris, and allergens if you don’t clean the air filters regularly. Without proper cleaning, you could risk spreading bacteria and pollutants throughout your home, making the indoor air quality very poor.
Alternatives to Mini-Split Systems
There are several alternatives to mini-split systems, including:
Window AC Unit: $140–$530
Portable air conditioner: $100–$500
AC and furnace replacement: $5,000–$12,500
Is a Mini-Split System Right for You?
Mini-split systems offer many benefits for homeowners. But they also have several disadvantages. We recommend speaking to an air conditioner installer near you to help you decide whether a mini-split is right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself about a mini-split system:
Am I prepared for the initial installation expense and additional maintenance fees?
Do I have the time to clean the air filters in each unit head?
Do I have a supplemental heating or cooling source when my mini-split can’t produce the energy needed to heat or cool my home?
Am I okay with having a bulky, somewhat noisy unit in my room, which may potentially affect how well I sleep?
Can You DIY Install a Mini-Split System?
Handy homeowners may wonder how to install a mini-split system. The truth is that installing a mini-split or any HVAC system is a complex task that typically requires professional expertise. Attempting a DIY installation is not recommended for most homeowners for the following reasons.
Electrical and Refrigerant Work
Mini-split systems involve electrical and refrigerant connections, which can be dangerous if mishandled. Incorrect installation can lead to electrical hazards, refrigerant leaks, or damage to the system.
Sizing and Placement
Properly sizing and placing the indoor and outdoor units is critical for efficient operation. Incorrect placement or sizing can result in inefficient heating and cooling, which defeats the purpose of installing a mini-split system.
Warranty Considerations
Many manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty on the mini-split system. DIY installation may void the warranty, leaving you responsible for repair costs.
Local Building Codes
Local guidelines often dictate the installation of any HVAC system. Professionals are well-versed in these requirements and can ensure compliance during installation.
Specialized Tools
Mini-split installation may require tools and equipment that homeowners may not have access to.
Given these considerations, you should hire a licensed HVAC technician near you who has experience in both mini-split systems and traditional HVAC installations. They can best address your needs, recommend the right system, and ensure a safe and efficient installation. Attempting a DIY installation can lead to costly mistakes, safety hazards, and reduced system performance—it’s just not worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A mini-split system requires at least 12 inches of space on all sides. You’ll also need to choose a spot that won’t restrict airflow. So, there are several places you should not install a mini-split unit, including:
Behind furniture
Behind curtains
Near wall electronics
Next to a fireplace
On extremely cold surfaces
In direct sunlight
You only need a mini-split in every room for complete temperature control throughout the house. Otherwise, a standard single-zone mini-split unit is sufficient if you keep the doors open throughout your home and don’t mind having different temperature settings in other rooms. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to install a multi-zone mini-split system to control each room’s temperature individually.
No, mini-split systems add value to a home. Homeowners are looking for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and want to save on their yearly electric bills. Mini-split systems provide both efficiency and the opportunity to control room temperatures, which leads to less energy use overall and a lower electric bill.
With the proper maintenance schedule, a mini-split system can last 20 years. Compare that to an HVAC system, which lasts around 10 to 30 years with the proper maintenance. One of the benefits of a mini-split system is the ability to turn off the heads when the room isn’t in use—this allows for less wear and tear on the unit, helping it to last longer.