Ductless Mini-Split Services in Denver, CO
Mini-splits are heating and cooling systems that allow you to control the temperatures in individual rooms or spaces without the need for traditional ductwork.
Ductless mini-splits are becoming more than just an alternative heating and cooling solution in the Denver metro area. They’re gaining popularity with those who want more control over indoor comfort in their Denver-area home.
Proper installation is a priority for your ductless mini-split system to work properly.
What’s a Mini-Split or Ductless AC System?
Mini-splits are ductless HVAC systems that are debatably one of the most efficient ways to control the temperature in your home or condominium. They’re also commonly known as ductless wall-mount mini-split air conditioners and heaters.
Ductless air conditioning and heating is perfect for additions, garages, apartments, single-family homes, commercial spaces, and places where ducts can’t be installed.
Inside, there are one or more wall-mounted units that connect to an outdoor fan and compressor. There’s a unit attached inside your home to provide air circulation and a unit outside that vents to the fresh air.
Unlike a conventional central AC system that generates cold air at a single point and distributes it via ducts, the ductless system can be in every room and you can control the temperature for each room. This makes mini-splits more precise, more efficient, and cheaper to run than a central AC.
The indoor unit will blow your hot indoor air over cold evaporator coils. The refrigerant that runs through these coils then travels to the unit outside and removes the heat from your home. During winter, it’s the exact opposite. The heat is transferred from the outdoors into heating indoors. Like a common AC, it uses a cold refrigerant to absorb heat from the outdoor environment.
In Colorado, you may need supplemental heat in addition to the mini-splits. People with heat pump systems might have trouble heating their homes when temperatures drop below freezing.
Ductless heating and cooling units are fantastic because you don’t need to install any ductwork in your home. That can be a money saver and save valuable time.
The exact mini-split system you need depends on your home and your comfort preferences. Read on to find out the perfect mini-split system for you and your family.
Where Should I Install a Ductless Mini-Split System?
A mini-split is optimal for whole-home heating or air conditioning if you currently don’t have ducts, since ductwork is difficult and costly to install. Mini-splits avoid ductwork entirely by placing small wall units in each of room where you want total temperature control.
The mini-split is one of the quietest comfort control systems you can install, and they’re incredibly energy-efficient. Even during extreme weather conditions, mini-splits provide consistent, comfortable heat and cooling.
The mini-split heat pump is also the most efficient form of heating for your whole-home heating needs and can cut energy usage by 60% according to ENERGY STAR®. This can save you between $1,000 and $2,000 annually on energy costs.
Learn more about your home — call Absolute Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air today at 720-669-4188.
Which Mini-Split Do I Need?
There are many options in the mini-split market. Each has its own benefits to help keep you comfortable:
Single-Zone Mini-Split
The single-zoned mini-split is a single indoor unit and a single outdoor unit. This is the setup for a single room. If you’d like to control the temperature in multiple rooms or your whole home or condominium, this isn’t the option for you.
Multi-Zone Mini-Split
The multi-zone mini-split system is two or more indoor units for one outdoor unit. Even though there’s one outdoor unit, all the indoor units can be in separate rooms and run by the one outdoor unit.
Wall-Mounted Mini-Split
The wall-mounted mini-split is one of the most popular styles. In this setup, the indoor unit is installed 6 to 8 feet up on the wall. It’s one of the least expensive options.
Floor-Mounted Mini-Split
The floor-mounted mini-split is similar to the wall-mounted unit. They’re installed at the bottom of the wall instead of 6 to 8 feet up the wall.
Ceiling Cassette Mini-Split
Ceiling cassette mini-split systems are installed into the ceiling, making them almost invisible. Unlike the floor and wall mounts, the ceiling cassette is a sleek option that can stay basically out of sight.
What Size Mini-Split Do I need?
Mini-splits come in different sizes to cool and heat different size homes, condominiums, apartments, additions, and garages. To properly size a mini-split, you must know the square footage of the room you’d like to heat or cool. A properly sized mini-split is the best way to save money on the initial investment and your electricity bill.
To install a mini-split properly, you’ll need to compare the size of your rooms in square footage to the BTU of the mini-split system you want to purchase. Below, we have an easy-to-interpret BTU comparison chart:
If your ceilings are higher than 8 feet, add 20% more BTUs.
If your climate has days that are seasonally over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, add 30% BTUs.
Where Do I Install a Mini-Split?
The beauty of the mini-split system is that it can be installed almost anywhere in your home. Not all locations are created equal. Some spaces might be better suited for a mini-split, such as a condominium.
Ideal Locations for a Mini-Split
The first requirement for a mini-split is that it be placed where the air can circulate and be spread evenly throughout the room. It should allow for easy access to the air filter for regular cleaning as well. If it’s in a bedroom, the mini-split should be above the bed or close to the bed to allow for maximum cooling or heating.
Installing a Mini-Split in the Attic
If you want to install a mini-split in your attic, it’s possible, and we can do that for you. We’ll then route the mini-split from the attic to a ceiling cassette system. This allows the heated or cooled air to be distributed around your home or condominium evenly.
This is the easiest way to hide a mini-split, but still get the benefits of cooling and heating separate rooms. If you want ductwork as well, that’s possible.
Placement of the Outdoor Fan, Compressor & Heat Pump
The outdoor compressor is necessary to allow for the heat pump and condenser to reach fresh air. Preferably, the outdoor compressor is in the most open and well-ventilated area. It’s also important for it to be accessible for repairs and maintenance from a technician.
We understand this isn’t always the most desirable location and we’ll work with you to find the ideal location for your mini-split’s outdoor compressor and heat pump.
What’s a Heat Pump & How Does a Mini-Split Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump is part of the mini-split system’s efficient unit that provides warm air to your home or condo. It’s an energy-efficient alternative to the traditional furnace and air conditioner. It can be combined with baseboard heaters to provide even more heat for very cold climates.
The heat pump itself doesn’t create heat. It redistributes heat from the ground or air and uses the refrigerant in the system to circulate heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor compressor.
Powering the Mini-Split
It can be confusing to determine what kind of outlet you’ll need to install to get your mini-split up and running. Typically, they need a special 220-volt power plug. The breaker will have to have additional space and size to be able to accommodate the additional voltage.
Some smaller mini-splits use a 110-volt power plug, though. These are the small 9k to 12k BTU systems for a square footage of 650 and smaller.
Which Brand of Mini-Split Should I Get?
There are many brands to choose from when you’re considering a mini-split. It can be overwhelming to choose the best brand for your home or condo.
That’s where we come in! We can assess the size of your home and your needs, and provide an accurate quote on the best mini-split brand for you. Popular brands include:
- Mitsubishi Mini-Split System
- MrCool Mini-Split System
- LG Mini-Split System
- Daikin Mini-Split System
- Gree Mini-Split System
Common Mini-Split Problems
Since mini-splits are used year-round instead of a conventional furnace and AC system, they can be prone to problems and need repairs over time.
Common mini-split problems we address include:
- The mini-split system is freezing.
- The system isn’t heating.
- The mini-split is leaking water.
- The mini-split isn’t cooling.
- There’s an odd smell when the system is running.
At Absolute Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air, we can address these issues and answer all your mini-split questions to ease your mind about having a new mini-split installed in your home.
Mini-splits need regular maintenance, so it’s important if you’re having problems with fish smells, vinegar smells, no cooling, or no heating, that you call us immediately to remedy the issue.
We offer ductless AC installation in Northglenn, CO, Denver, Boulder, Commerce City, and surrounding communities.
Ready to install a ductless mini-split system in your home? Contact Absolute Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air today to get a quote.
