I researched ductless mini splits for months when I was looking at replacing my RUUD central air. If you have a smart electric meter on your home go look at your KWH usage for an entire year. You will see that your heat-pump was sucking electricity all winter as well as summer. We live in FL so winters are not bad but the heat-pump was still running up the electric bill in winter. My electric averaged $300 month all year. Long story short I installed an 18K ductless in the living room / kitchen area, a 12K in the master bedroom and a 9K in the guest bedroom, all separate units. This is for a 1650 sq. ft. house and those 3 mini splits are cooling the house better than the central air ever did. Just like he said.....we can turn off the units that we are not using. At night when we go to bed we turn off the 18K in the living room and close the bedroom door. My electric bill has gone down from $10 - $16 a day to $4 -$6 a day even in August. I cannot report on winter yet because we just installed them this summer. The smaller units are using about $22 a month in electric and the bigger 18K is using about $25 month. Ductless mini splits are the best thing I could have done to this house. My old RUUD R-22 system is turned off but I kept it in case we need it for an emergency back-up system. BTW good video! You explained ductless mini splits very well.
This is awesome! Great testimony on how mini splits have benefited your home. Thanks for the compliments as well. Our team tries our best to make content that helps people make educated decisions!
Finally got it up and running. The only delays we had was because we realized we needed some extra parts (I’ll list that below) th-cam.com/users/postUgkxihMYiJNXcHdbH-7ihymsLz61l7jVyb5O . So we have a loft where our current hvac just couldn’t seem to keep cool during the summer. We have been using a window unit since we bought this house over 6 years ago (all the houses in this neighborhood were built in the 80’s and majority of the houses built like ours use a window unit). I hate window units because they are just so noisy and the one we had really only cools one side of the loft. I had contemplated upgrading our current HVAC, but with all the rising prices these days, it would take years before saving up enough to do that. With the advice of my father-in-law (used to run an HVAC business), he recommended we get an inverter instead. We thought we bought everything we needed, but there were just a few other parts we didn’t anticipate needing (which is what caused most of our delay). My friend and father-in-law did all the work to get it installed and running and now we have nice cool air circulating nicely throughout the entire loft. It is very quiet and even the outside unit is much quieter than our main HVAC unit. Saved ourselves thousands getting this.
The installation prices for Mini or multi split systems in the US is criminal. They are far easier to install than a proper ducted central system that is often installed and balanced poorly by incompetent HVAC techs anyway.
It is rough to see some of the prices customers get from contractors. That's why it is becoming more popular to buy the system online and have a local contractor install it for you so you know your costs. There are DIY systems like Mr. Cool that eliminate the need for HVAC companies but there are pros and cons to go this route.
How do I know how much room I can cool with a specific ductless unit? I have an open plan house and would like to cool the large living area, roughly 30 by 30, as well as one bedroom. I haven’t been able to find this information as of yet.
You could check with your local utility, or the manufacturer's website. They should be able to show how many BTU's or tonnage you need according to the square footage of the area you want to cool or heat.
There is a fan option that is standalone. The indoor fan does run continuously when it is heating and cooling. That is why the system is efficient. It doesn't turn off and on constantly. Ramping on the fan is what consumes energy.
I have concern about mini split in peak ceiling area with adjacent room separated by wall with open archway. How well will one head work to cool both areas?
If the unit is sized correctly then the air for both rooms will be conditioned over time. This question hinges on the size of the opening between 2 rooms. If the air from both rooms is not constricted and is able to be circulated through the unit, then the unit will maintain an equal temperature over time without temperature disparities. If not, then conditioned air will flow to the next room but the unit may shut off prematurely before the second room is fully conditioned. Typically we have found that the opening needs to be larger than a door.
We always recommend a single zone ductless over a PTAC. A PTAC is typically more inefficient, noisier, and uglier. The benefit of going PTAC over a single zone unit is its typically cheaper due to the fact you don't need an outdoor unit. All in all, we think a single zone ductless is just a better overall investment
Most of these mini splits use a window air conditioner type fliter right? If so that not going to give you cleaner air then a actual filter, just more maintenance in cleaning them all the time.
The point the video is trying to make is that mini splits don't use ductwork where dust and filth collects. Meaning, the majority of it can be collected in the filters that do need to be washed periodically. You can install UV lights and other things to kill off unwanted pathogens but that would be based on preference.
Never had a single problem with 3 ductless mini splits while living in Sicily, anyone who knows when you have a volcano erupting or venting everyday the air isn’t the greatest. The units were never cleaned or air filters replaced over 3 years, it seemed like way less dust in that place than anywhere back home in the states.
There are filters that sit right on top of the return where air circulates through. Since there is no ductwork for dirt and dust to accumulate in you can achieve pretty clean air.
I would not try diy-unless you are gifted with various mechanical and electrical skills and you have a friend to help. Approximately $14000-17000 for 3 zones. Installed Samsung The ac is not the most attractive item hanging in the room, but I guess function over fashion. It looks more modern/industrial than my decor. I did not pay attention to size of box hanging in a 20x15’ room. I would have picked a smaller size if I had known. I am thankful for the relief though. Very thankful.
The reason why they choose minisplits and the only real reason is because they build homes out of concrete or full brick walls so it’s too expensive to install duct work in old home or even new homes. Because it would be rare for someone to do so they don’t sell duct work in stores or the systems for that one guy who might want to install a centeral system. So if someone wants to they have to custom order from outside the country.
You miss several points 1. Far less energy to operate 30 amps at the breaker 2. Easy to install There are companies that a DIY type can install with per charged lines. 3. The problem is for the consumer is that the companies installing are charging way to much for both the product and the installation
It depends on where you live! You do have to do cost comparisons of utilities for your area. Some states have very high electric rates, while others have high natural gas rates. It really does depend on the area.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding ductless mini split units or need help designing your new mini split system.
I researched ductless mini splits for months when I was looking at replacing my RUUD central air. If you have a smart electric meter on your home go look at your KWH usage for an entire year. You will see that your heat-pump was sucking electricity all winter as well as summer. We live in FL so winters are not bad but the heat-pump was still running up the electric bill in winter. My electric averaged $300 month all year. Long story short I installed an 18K ductless in the living room / kitchen area, a 12K in the master bedroom and a 9K in the guest bedroom, all separate units. This is for a 1650 sq. ft. house and those 3 mini splits are cooling the house better than the central air ever did. Just like he said.....we can turn off the units that we are not using. At night when we go to bed we turn off the 18K in the living room and close the bedroom door. My electric bill has gone down from $10 - $16 a day to $4 -$6 a day even in August. I cannot report on winter yet because we just installed them this summer. The smaller units are using about $22 a month in electric and the bigger 18K is using about $25 month. Ductless mini splits are the best thing I could have done to this house. My old RUUD R-22 system is turned off but I kept it in case we need it for an emergency back-up system. BTW good video! You explained ductless mini splits very well.
This is awesome! Great testimony on how mini splits have benefited your home. Thanks for the compliments as well. Our team tries our best to make content that helps people make educated decisions!
Finally got it up and running. The only delays we had was because we realized we needed some extra parts (I’ll list that below) th-cam.com/users/postUgkxihMYiJNXcHdbH-7ihymsLz61l7jVyb5O . So we have a loft where our current hvac just couldn’t seem to keep cool during the summer. We have been using a window unit since we bought this house over 6 years ago (all the houses in this neighborhood were built in the 80’s and majority of the houses built like ours use a window unit). I hate window units because they are just so noisy and the one we had really only cools one side of the loft. I had contemplated upgrading our current HVAC, but with all the rising prices these days, it would take years before saving up enough to do that. With the advice of my father-in-law (used to run an HVAC business), he recommended we get an inverter instead. We thought we bought everything we needed, but there were just a few other parts we didn’t anticipate needing (which is what caused most of our delay). My friend and father-in-law did all the work to get it installed and running and now we have nice cool air circulating nicely throughout the entire loft. It is very quiet and even the outside unit is much quieter than our main HVAC unit. Saved ourselves thousands getting this.
Great! Thanks for commenting. Ductless mini splits are a great way to make your home comfortable without breaking the bank on a monthly basis.
Brilliant video !!
Glad you liked it!
Thank you very much...
no problem!
The installation prices for Mini or multi split systems in the US is criminal. They are far easier to install than a proper ducted central system that is often installed and balanced poorly by incompetent HVAC techs anyway.
It is rough to see some of the prices customers get from contractors. That's why it is becoming more popular to buy the system online and have a local contractor install it for you so you know your costs. There are DIY systems like Mr. Cool that eliminate the need for HVAC companies but there are pros and cons to go this route.
How do I know how much room I can cool with a specific ductless unit? I have an open plan house and would like to cool the large living area, roughly 30 by 30, as well as one bedroom. I haven’t been able to find this information as of yet.
You could check with your local utility, or the manufacturer's website. They should be able to show how many BTU's or tonnage you need according to the square footage of the area you want to cool or heat.
You can use our mini split calculator to get a recommended size. Here's the link: gotductless.com/pages/ductless-mini-split-heat-pump-btu-calculator
Does the indoor fan run continuously on each of these units, or is there a fan cycle option?
There is a fan option that is standalone. The indoor fan does run continuously when it is heating and cooling. That is why the system is efficient. It doesn't turn off and on constantly. Ramping on the fan is what consumes energy.
I have concern about mini split in peak ceiling area with adjacent room separated by wall with open archway. How well will one head work to cool both areas?
That's what I was wondering too
If the unit is sized correctly then the air for both rooms will be conditioned over time. This question hinges on the size of the opening between 2 rooms. If the air from both rooms is not constricted and is able to be circulated through the unit, then the unit will maintain an equal temperature over time without temperature disparities. If not, then conditioned air will flow to the next room but the unit may shut off prematurely before the second room is fully conditioned. Typically we have found that the opening needs to be larger than a door.
Would you recommend PTAC or single head Mitsubishi hm split?
We always recommend a single zone ductless over a PTAC. A PTAC is typically more inefficient, noisier, and uglier. The benefit of going PTAC over a single zone unit is its typically cheaper due to the fact you don't need an outdoor unit. All in all, we think a single zone ductless is just a better overall investment
Not true a central system cost about $8,000 alone and the duct work for it is like an extra $5,000+ itll be cheaper to just do split units
Most of these mini splits use a window air conditioner type fliter right? If so that not going to give you cleaner air then a actual filter, just more maintenance in cleaning them all the time.
Don't forget to take the inside unit apart annually to clean the blower wheel and coil.........
The point the video is trying to make is that mini splits don't use ductwork where dust and filth collects. Meaning, the majority of it can be collected in the filters that do need to be washed periodically. You can install UV lights and other things to kill off unwanted pathogens but that would be based on preference.
Never had a single problem with 3 ductless mini splits while living in Sicily, anyone who knows when you have a volcano erupting or venting everyday the air isn’t the greatest. The units were never cleaned or air filters replaced over 3 years, it seemed like way less dust in that place than anywhere back home in the states.
How do you get air flow filtration?
There are filters that sit right on top of the return where air circulates through. Since there is no ductwork for dirt and dust to accumulate in you can achieve pretty clean air.
Just to feedback that your voice is super soft but the sudden music is loud.
Thank you for the feedback. We can always be better!
I would not try diy-unless you are gifted with various mechanical and electrical skills and you have a friend to help. Approximately $14000-17000 for 3 zones. Installed Samsung The ac is not the most attractive item hanging in the room, but I guess function over fashion. It looks more modern/industrial than my decor. I did not pay attention to size of box hanging in a 20x15’ room. I would have picked a smaller size if I had known. I am thankful for the relief though. Very thankful.
Good feedback!
The reason why they choose minisplits and the only real reason is because they build homes out of concrete or full brick walls so it’s too expensive to install duct work in old home or even new homes. Because it would be rare for someone to do so they don’t sell duct work in stores or the systems for that one guy who might want to install a centeral system. So if someone wants to they have to custom order from outside the country.
Hope fast does the air flow
Depending on the indoor unit, you can choose different airflow speeds! Most indoor models give you up to 5 fan speeds.
You miss several points
1. Far less energy to operate
30 amps at the breaker
2. Easy to install
There are companies that a DIY type can install with per charged lines.
3. The problem is for the consumer is that the companies installing are charging way to much for both the product and the installation
Those are great points! Thanks for adding to the conversation
Is 4K cdn for single head Mitsubishi hm split ok?
Okay for AC! If you need heat also you will over pay every day!
WRONG! are you still stuck in 1980's??? its 2023, wake up!
It depends on where you live! You do have to do cost comparisons of utilities for your area. Some states have very high electric rates, while others have high natural gas rates. It really does depend on the area.