Ductless mini split AC and heat pump combination units can be added to any room in your home, offering a flexible heating and cooling option when central air is not an option.
What is a Ductless Mini Split System?
A mini split system functions both as a heat pump in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer. This consists of one or more wall-mounted indoor units and a heat pump located outside your home. The two are connected by small refrigerant lines, making installation locations much more flexible.
Mini splits have been popular in moderate climates around the world for decades. Technological improvements in heating capability in recent years have made these types of units an increasingly popular option for northern climates, such as the Okanagan.
Where Do Mini Splits Work Best?
Areas Not Covered by Your Current Heating & Cooling System
For areas such as new additions, solariums, or garage suites that weren’t originally designed to be serviced by your existing heating & cooling system, a mini split system is an excellent solution.
Older Homes Without Ducting or Without Adequate Ducting
If you own an older home heated by baseboards, installing a ducting system would require a major renovation, but because a mini split air conditioner and heat pump only requires a small refrigerant line, this opens up the heating and cooling options. If you have an older home where ducting wasn’t designed to provide zoned comfort, a mini split would be a great alternative to an entire overhaul of your ducting system.
Homes With a Desire for Climate Controlled Zones
From a home with infrequently used areas to a difference of opinion on a comfortable room temperature, adding mini split units to multiple areas of your home is an excellent way to control temperature in zones. This not only keeps everyone in your home happy, but also reduces your bills because of the ability to stop heating or cooling an area.
Can Mini Splits Work for a Whole Home?
Mini splits can heat and cool an entire home efficiently. It will typically save 20-50% on bills when switching from baseboard heating. In addition to improved efficiency over baseboards, mini splits also offer a better quality of heat by circulating the air to reduce hot an cold spots and improve air quality with built-in filtration. They typically work best in homes with open concept layouts where only a few indoor units are required. If you decide to use them as your primary source of heat, FortisBC offers up to $2000 in energy saving rebates.
If you’re interested in using mini splits in your home, contact us for a free estimate.
