Over the past few years we have all observed the U.S. HVAC industry’s fascination with ductless “mini-split” AC systems. Recent HVAC trade shows have been crowded with OEM’s promoting this “new” way of providing home comfort. National TV ad campaigns along with modern media PR tactics would make us think it is just a matter of time before we all rip out our central AC systems and get with the rest of the world (i.e. Japan, China and Europe) in the way we keep our homes and businesses cool and comfortable. The AC & Heating Connect staff did some research on the facts about ductless systems which might be of interest to contractors and distributors as they plan for the future growth of this segment. Myth #1 – The sales of ductless mini-spit systems continue to grow and will dominate the U.S. market in a few years. Industry statistics would not support this statement. While the ductless segment has posted impressive growth rates in the U.S. since 2005, the growth rates have been slowing recently and the largest ductless segment (small, single evaporator systems) have not grown at all since 2010.

These sales remain stable at about 260,000 units per year, or only about 4% of total unitary AC shipments. Some larger VRF-style commercial systems continue to grow at higher rates, but their numbers in the U.S. remain small at only 28,000 units per year. Myth #2 – Ductless mini-splits are ideal whole-home HVAC solutions in the U.S. The current economic facts about ductless simply do not support this claim. The installed costs associated with using mini-splits to cool and heat an average 2,000 square foot home with ductless mini-splits would cost almost three times the cost of simply replacing your central AC system with another ducted system. Even in a home where you had to provide new ductwork for the central system, you could still expect to spend about 50% less on a typical central AC system installation versus the more expensive ductless options. Myth #3 – Ductless mini-splits are more energy efficient because there are no air leaks in the duct work. What people who make this claim fail to mention is that in ducted homes which have poorly installed and leaking air ducts, the conditioned air is probably leaking out of the ductwork but it is going into the conditioned space somewhere and helping to keep the house cool.

In those cases the cooling energy is really not lost to the homeowner. While mini-splits don’t have duct losses, they do have other losses. Instead of distributing conditioned air throughout the home, mini-splits distribute refrigerant. In many cases these refrigerant lines are run outside the conditioned space and in these cases there are thermal losses associated with energy transferring from those lines to the space outside the home. parts of an central air conditioning unitA legitimate energy loss occurs when you are heating or cooling your backyard with mini-split refrigerant lines (see photo below). how to fix ac unit fan motorDuct leaks that leak into the conditioned space are not really losses at all unless they escape to an unconditioned space. lg ac parts accessories

The other claim made by mini-split advocates is that they provide energy saving due to “zoning” or shutting off energy use in unoccupied rooms. What they fail to mention is there are other modern methods to zone off rooms besides using ductless methods. There are many ways to achieve zoning. Myth #4 – Ductless mini-splits provide superior comfort and quality of life. The problems with ductless cooling are not well understood by many U.S. consumers since they are relatively new to this region. The typical comfort experience with mini-split systems could provide a real challenge for American consumers who are used to central AC systems with good air flow exchange, filtration and humidity control. Cold and hot spots are also common with ductless systems due to the spacing of the indoor units. In addition, there are concerns about US homeowners’ reaction to the aesthetic and architectural impact of having air conditioning systems hanging on several interior walls and having refrigerant lines running to various rooms on the sides of their homes.

Before installing a ductless system with multiple evaporating units it might be good to show your customer some photographs of some of your previous mini-split installations so they have proper expectations. Ductless mini-split systems are ideal for spot cooling situations in homes and businesses where ductwork is either not available or difficult to install. It is important for contractors to have these systems in their portfolio of HVAC solutions for certain situations and learning where and when to recommend them is essential. Knowing the facts associated with these new systems is also essential to avoiding problems when customers are surprised by the many “myths” about this technology. Q.  What is the average sales growth rate for ductless mini-splits in the U.S. since 2010? A.  The overall growth rate has been under 3 percent since 2010, mostly driven by the growth of large multi-evap VRF style systems which grew from a very small base of 17,000 systems shipped. 

The most popular, smaller, single evap systems have not grown since 2010. Q.   What percentage of total unitary air conditioners sold in the U.S. are mini-splits? A.  Ductless mini-splits represent about six (6%) percent of U.S. unitary AC shipments Q.  What percentage of homes in the U.S. are using central HVAC systems with ductwork? A. 75% of homes in the US are ducted central systems,  14% use room air conditioners, and approximately 2% use ductless mini-splits as the only source of air conditioning. Q.  Where are mini-splits being successfully applied in the U.S.? A. Our contractor research suggests that single room additions and light commercial applications with no existing ductwork are the most common successful mini-split applications in the U.S.Homeowners thinking about installing a split AC system, or ductless air conditioning system, in their homes should also be aware of all the costs associated with doing so. After all, it is necessary not only to purchase the AC unit itself, but to have it installed by a trained and qualified HVAC professional.

Unlike a simple window unit, there are a few specific connections that must be made between the condenser and the evaporators to ensure the system runs properly. Furthermore, proper insulating must be done to maximize energy efficiency. When hiring an HVAC company or contractor for mini split AC installation, there are some specific factors that must be taken into account. The cost of the unit itself usually ranges between $1,100 and $1,400. Beyond that, however, there are of course labor costs associated with any mini split installation. Depending on the amount of time it takes to install the unit and the number of evaporators being installed with it, labor can cost anywhere from $600 to $700 and usually takes around 10 hours. Finally, there is also the cost of the materials needed to properly install and insulate the unit, such as tubes and insulation. Homeowners should expect to spend around $40 to $50 on these materials altogether. Researching and gathering quotes from various HVAC companies is key.

Furthermore, having the installation done at certain times of the year, such as the fall or winter, can yield lower costs, as HVAC companies tend to be less busy. Homeowners should also be on the lookout for special promotions and discounts, such as free installation or discounted labor. Homeowners who do not have ductwork in their homes and are considering a mini split air conditioning system should start by carefully weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of such a system. One of the largest advantages of installing a mini split AC system is the fact that there is no need to retrofit an existing home with the appropriate duct and ventilation work, which can cost thousands of dollars. Furthermore, since these ductless AC systems do not require much complex wiring or tubing, they tend to take less time to install, lowering the average cost to install a mini split AC system. Another great aspect of a split air conditioner is the fact that they can be customized to the home.

For example, one condenser may have as many as four evaporators connected to it, all of which can serve different rooms around the home. These evaporators can be independently controlled, which is great for keeping electric costs down. For example, if a homeowner wants to cool just one room in the home, all he or she has to do is shut off the evaporators to the rest of the home. Finally, unlike a window-mounted air conditioning unit, most mini splits are mounted on the ceiling and do not need to be exposed through a window to the home's exterior. This creates an increased sense of security for homeowners as break-ins through window units are sadly quite common. Of course, mini split AC systems do not come without their potential drawbacks. For starters, these units are not nearly as energy efficient as a forced-air system like central AC. In fact, according to Energy.gov, mini split AC units can cost 30% more to run than a central air conditioning unit. Furthermore, not all homes are well suited for mini split air conditioning systems.

It will take a qualified HVAC contractor to come out to a home, assess the space and determine whether or not such a system can be installed. Finally, some homeowners are also unhappy about the look and space requirements of the split AC system. As we already said, mini split systems are cheaper (to install) than most other air conditioning systems. While a split AC unit may not cool a room like a heat pump or traditional system, it does provide the necessary coolness we all need. Fortunately, when comparing the average installation costs, you’ll understand why some homeowners choose mini split AC systems. In addition, if you don’t have ductwork in place, you would have to install it. According to our duct installation cost estimator, that will add roughly $1,000 to your total installation cost. When choosing a mini split AC system, homeowners need to decide which unit is best for them. In general, there are two common types of mini splits: Single zone units are less expensive, but are generally only used to cool one area of the home.

These are ideal for smaller spaces such as studio apartments. However, multiple zone units are designed to cool several spaces within a home. These also tend to be more expensive, as the capacity for these systems must be higher and more powerful. Like other air conditioning systems, mini split AC systems move hot and cold air where you need it. In the summer, your mini split evaporator will remove the heat inside your house, transport it to you condenser and release it outside. In the winter, the system can reverse the process and bring cold air outside. Furthermore, mini splits are also great for moving cold or hot air from one room to the other. Therefore, if your basement is cold (which they tend to be) and you’re sleeping in your bedroom, the mini split can take that cold air from the basement and move it upstairs. Like other AC systems, the capacity of mini splits is based on its BTU and SEER rating. Both help determine the strength of airflow. A single unit should be rated at 24,000 BTU with a SEER of at least 17.

To determine what system you need, please check out AJ Madison’s BTU calculator. Design should be considered with any home remodeling project and mini splits are no different. Luckily, you can install your mini split AC system in a few different areas. Mini splits can be attached to your ceiling or wall. High up on the wall is more common, but as time has evolved, more homeowners are disguising them in the ceiling. If you choose to install your mini split ac unit in the ceiling, you can have it suspended, recessed or concealed. As you might imagine, recessed or concealed units are very popular for smaller units. The less noise in the room, the larger it will feel. The location of your mini split AC system must be considered before purchase. While a mini split installation is not easy for the common homeowner, it is possible. Luckily, it’s much like installing a heat pump, which we outlined in How To Install A Heat Pump. If you’re installing a recessed or concealed unit, consult a local HVAC pro.