The Ultimate Guide to Mini Split Heat Pumps & Air Conditioners
Everything You Need to Know About Sizing, Choosing, Buying, and Maintaining Your Ductless Mini-Split System
In the United States, the mini-split air conditioner is a relatively new concept in home cooling. Ductless AC systems were developed and released to the US public by Mitsubishi during the 1970s. Similar to their larger counterparts, these systems work by circulating refrigerated coolant through an indoor coil and an outdoor condenser.
But unlike traditional HVAC units
Ductless mini-split systems typically don't use ductwork, and these systems can be installed (in most cases) without any additional construction or renovations. Mini-split air conditioners are perfect for homes with unique or irregular architecture.
Mini-splits provide spot cooling and heating where traditional solutions are impractical, either because of the application or financial cost. Typical installations of mini-splits are in homes with remodeled kitchens, newer homes & apartment complexes that were designed without ductwork, and older homes that were built before air conditioning.
Mini-splits provide spot cooling and heating where traditional solutions are impractical, either because of the application or financial cost. Typical installations of mini-splits are in homes with remodeled kitchens, newer homes & apartment complexes that were designed without ductwork, and older homes that were built before air conditioning.
The flexibility of the indoor units also allows homeowners to be more creative where they install their air conditioning systems. In traditional HVAC installations, builders often have to plan for the ducts that will be needed to carry cool or warm air around the house. Because there's no ductwork with mini-splits, they come with built-in advantages over traditional systems. Mini-splits have drastically improved since the 1970s, making a growing number of people look to mini-splits as an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly whole-home solution over traditional ducted systems.
Mini-splits are refrigerant systems that cool and/or heat individual rooms or spaces. You can get an air conditioning only mini-split, but the majority of mini-splits are heat pumps.
Mini-split and ductless are usually used interchangeably, but they're not the same things. Mini-split refers to the category of the HVAC system, and ductless refers to the type of HVAC system. Most mini-splits are ductless and most ductless systems are mini-splits, but they don't have to be. There are ducted mini-splits and there are packaged ductless heat pumps.
A split HVAC system means the compressor and evaporator are "split" (not in the same housing) from each other. Mini-splits are just a miniature version of a split system. Mini-splits can have one or more evaporators connected to their compressors, which gives them an advantage over typical HVAC systems.
Mini-split and ductless are usually used interchangeably, but they're not the same things. Mini-split refers to the category of the HVAC system, and ductless refers to the type of HVAC system. Most mini-splits are ductless and most ductless systems are mini-splits, but they don't have to be. There are ducted mini-splits and there are packaged ductless heat pumps.
A split HVAC system means the compressor and evaporator are "split" (not in the same housing) from each other. Mini-splits are just a miniature version of a split system. Mini-splits can have one or more evaporators connected to their compressors, which gives them an advantage over typical HVAC systems.
As refrigerant turns from a liquid to a gas and back, it absorbs and releases heat. A compressor is a machine that changes a liquid refrigerant into a gas. It compresses (or squeezes) the liquid to pressurize it, making it very hot.
From there, the refrigerant is pushed to the outside coil and cools down by releasing its heat. It does this through condensation. When the refrigerant reaches the indoor coil, it's cooled down so much that it causes evaporation when it comes in contact with warmer indoor air. Evaporation takes heat out of the air, cooling the air down. The refrigerant is pulled back to the compressor to restart the cycle all over again.
That's how air conditioners and heat pumps work. The compressor pressurizes and heats the refrigerant, a condensing coil converts it to turn it into liquid, then an evaporating coil converts it to turn it back into gas. Heat is transferred into the refrigerant when it converts from liquid to gas, and out of the refrigerant when it's converted from gas to liquid. The main difference between air conditioners and heat pumps is the reversing valve which acts as a conductor telling the refrigerant which way to go. If the liquid is pushed toward the inside coil, it'll heat inside. If the liquid is pushed toward the outside coil, it'll cool inside.
Mini-splits are both air conditioners and heat pumps, with the majority of them being heat pumps.
From there, the refrigerant is pushed to the outside coil and cools down by releasing its heat. It does this through condensation. When the refrigerant reaches the indoor coil, it's cooled down so much that it causes evaporation when it comes in contact with warmer indoor air. Evaporation takes heat out of the air, cooling the air down. The refrigerant is pulled back to the compressor to restart the cycle all over again.
That's how air conditioners and heat pumps work. The compressor pressurizes and heats the refrigerant, a condensing coil converts it to turn it into liquid, then an evaporating coil converts it to turn it back into gas. Heat is transferred into the refrigerant when it converts from liquid to gas, and out of the refrigerant when it's converted from gas to liquid. The main difference between air conditioners and heat pumps is the reversing valve which acts as a conductor telling the refrigerant which way to go. If the liquid is pushed toward the inside coil, it'll heat inside. If the liquid is pushed toward the outside coil, it'll cool inside.
Mini-splits are both air conditioners and heat pumps, with the majority of them being heat pumps.
While there are lots of benefits of mini-splits, we should go over some of their drawbacks up-front. Two of the biggest ones are their cost of installation and their maintenance.
Installation Cost of Your Mini-Split System
The cost of installation for this type of system is usually relatively low. Most times, homes already have heating/cooling systems, and a ductless unit is only needed for a trouble area. The average cost to install a ductless mini-split air conditioner ranges from $3,000-$5,000. This includes labor costs and any additional materials needed for the project. But, the cost can vary depending on the type of installation and the number of indoor units you need.
Almost everything about the installation will affect the cost of installation in one way or another. We've been a part of thousands of in-home & phone consultations, and seemingly small things like where the outside condenser will be placed can play a big part in the overall cost of the installation of the system.
Almost everything about the installation will affect the cost of installation in one way or another. We've been a part of thousands of in-home & phone consultations, and seemingly small things like where the outside condenser will be placed can play a big part in the overall cost of the installation of the system.
Maintaining Your Mini-Split System
Another big drawback you'll want to consider is maintenance. Each indoor unit comes with a built-in filter that needs to be washed frequently. Manufacturers do try to make it easy for you by letting you set reminders for yourself on your remote & apps. But, it can be a lot more of a chore than you're used to if you have more than two indoor units.
Each filter washing can take 5 - 10 minutes and most manufacturers recommend you wash your filters every 3 months. If you have more than two indoor units, you can imagine this getting very tedious.
Missing a filter washing can be very detrimental to the evaporator (indoor unit). The parts of a mini-split are a lot smaller than central systems and they're not able to take nearly as much neglect. One or two missed cleaning usually isn't a big deal, but we've seen systems have to be replaced after only a couple of years of disrepair.
Each filter washing can take 5 - 10 minutes and most manufacturers recommend you wash your filters every 3 months. If you have more than two indoor units, you can imagine this getting very tedious.
Missing a filter washing can be very detrimental to the evaporator (indoor unit). The parts of a mini-split are a lot smaller than central systems and they're not able to take nearly as much neglect. One or two missed cleaning usually isn't a big deal, but we've seen systems have to be replaced after only a couple of years of disrepair.
From the installation process to their energy savings, ductless mini splits are quickly becoming one of the most popular types of air conditioning units in the US. They're not only easy to install, but they also provide significant savings in energy costs for homeowners.
Here are some of the benefits that ductless mini splits offer:
Here are some of the benefits that ductless mini splits offer:
Ease of Installation Process
The first benefit of mini splits is the installation process. They can be installed more quickly than traditional systems, which usually require lots of time and labor. Most mini-split installations, even whole-house systems, can usually be completed within a few days.
The installation process starts with an initial design consultation. If you have a good designer, they'll run you through all the different options you have for each room, show you where the indoor unit (evaporator) will go, and explain how each evaporator will connect to the main outdoor unit (condenser). Each indoor and outdoor are connected by refrigerant lines and communication cables - which can run through the interior or on the exterior of the house. And the indoor units are typically installed on exterior walls because the condensation they produce needs to be pushed outside some way.
During installation, there isn't much that needs to be prepared by the homeowner. The immediate area where the indoor units are being installed should be clear, and the wall needs to be finished.
The installation process starts with an initial design consultation. If you have a good designer, they'll run you through all the different options you have for each room, show you where the indoor unit (evaporator) will go, and explain how each evaporator will connect to the main outdoor unit (condenser). Each indoor and outdoor are connected by refrigerant lines and communication cables - which can run through the interior or on the exterior of the house. And the indoor units are typically installed on exterior walls because the condensation they produce needs to be pushed outside some way.
During installation, there isn't much that needs to be prepared by the homeowner. The immediate area where the indoor units are being installed should be clear, and the wall needs to be finished.
Saving Money on Energy Bills
You can lose up to 30% of the energy you use in traditional ducted systems just heating/cooling your ductwork. That means with a ductless system, you're getting immediate savings over a ducted system because there's no energy lost in ductwork.
And that's not where the savings stop. Mini-splits are designed with extremely efficient inverter compressors. Most heat pumps have single-stage compressors and push out 100% heating/cooling power whenever they're running. Inverter compressors help you save on energy because their compressors ramp up and down depending on the exact heating/cooling needs of the room.
Depending on the type of heating fuel you've used, you can expect savings of up to 40% on the energy you use to heat/cool your home when switching to mini-splits. Most people see a savings of 25% or higher when making the switch.
And that's not where the savings stop. Mini-splits are designed with extremely efficient inverter compressors. Most heat pumps have single-stage compressors and push out 100% heating/cooling power whenever they're running. Inverter compressors help you save on energy because their compressors ramp up and down depending on the exact heating/cooling needs of the room.
Depending on the type of heating fuel you've used, you can expect savings of up to 40% on the energy you use to heat/cool your home when switching to mini-splits. Most people see a savings of 25% or higher when making the switch.
Flexibility & Individualized Control
With mini-splits, in each room you have an evaporator (indoor unit) in, you have complete control over the temperature of that room. That's different than a centralized system like a boiler or ducted system.
Central systems give you the advantage of having one thermostat that controls the temperature of the whole house. But the disadvantage of having only one thermostat controlling the whole house is each room will be a different temperature. There are lots of examples where the thermostat is on the first floor, and the top floor is 10 degrees warmer or colder depending on the time of year. With ductless mini-splits, that's not the case.
Mini-splits sense the temperature in the room they're in. Because they're able to precisely measure the room's temperature, they're able to adjust their heating/cooling output to match what you set on your thermostat or remote control. In each room you have a mini-split, you're able to control the temperature in that room independently.
But keep in mind, refrigerant only flows one way - hot or cold. Residential heat pumps can only heat or cool at any given time. If you have a room that needs precise temperature control no matter what the temperature is outside, you'll need a ductless system with heat recovery. Heat recovery systems are a lot more specialized than regular heat pumps. Reach out to us or a contractor near you to if you need assistance with a mini-split with heat recovery.
Central systems give you the advantage of having one thermostat that controls the temperature of the whole house. But the disadvantage of having only one thermostat controlling the whole house is each room will be a different temperature. There are lots of examples where the thermostat is on the first floor, and the top floor is 10 degrees warmer or colder depending on the time of year. With ductless mini-splits, that's not the case.
Mini-splits sense the temperature in the room they're in. Because they're able to precisely measure the room's temperature, they're able to adjust their heating/cooling output to match what you set on your thermostat or remote control. In each room you have a mini-split, you're able to control the temperature in that room independently.
But keep in mind, refrigerant only flows one way - hot or cold. Residential heat pumps can only heat or cool at any given time. If you have a room that needs precise temperature control no matter what the temperature is outside, you'll need a ductless system with heat recovery. Heat recovery systems are a lot more specialized than regular heat pumps. Reach out to us or a contractor near you to if you need assistance with a mini-split with heat recovery.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
If you and your family are sensitive to certain allergens and irritants, installing a mini-split will protect you. With each room having an evaporator (indoor unit) mini-splits don't distribute dust from one area of your house to the other.
For homeowners with central heating and cooling systems, ducts distribute dust and other contaminants from one room to the other in your home as furnace or air conditioning units work. With mini-splits, each room with an evaporator has a filter removing dust, allergens, and smells from that room's air. Mini-splits are also constantly circulating the air in the rooms they're in, meaning the air in that room is constantly being filtered.
For homeowners with central heating and cooling systems, ducts distribute dust and other contaminants from one room to the other in your home as furnace or air conditioning units work. With mini-splits, each room with an evaporator has a filter removing dust, allergens, and smells from that room's air. Mini-splits are also constantly circulating the air in the rooms they're in, meaning the air in that room is constantly being filtered.
Better Than Whisper-Quiet Operation
Mini-splits are designed to run all day without interruption and to be as quiet as possible while still being extremely efficient. You don’t have to worry about disturbing people with noise coming from the outside unit either, it operates silently and efficiently just like the units hung on the walls inside your house.
Most indoor units can operate down to 24 decibels with some down to 19 decibels. To compare, a whisper is about 30 decibels and a normal conversation is around 60 decibels. Lots of people who've had mini-splits installed don't even hear them working most of the time.
Most indoor units can operate down to 24 decibels with some down to 19 decibels. To compare, a whisper is about 30 decibels and a normal conversation is around 60 decibels. Lots of people who've had mini-splits installed don't even hear them working most of the time.
Continually Advancing Technology
Most heat pumps haven't advanced much past where they were 25 years ago. When Carrier brought out "Puron" in 1996, they pushed the industry forward by helping commercialize R-410A refrigerant. R-22 was the dominant residential refrigerant at the time, but it's hazardous to the environment. In 2010, R-22 started to be phased out and all new systems needed to be manufactured with R-410A. As you can see, the industry moves fairly slowly.
But mini-splits have constantly introduced new technology. From nano-platinum and electrostatic anti-allergen filters to dual barrier coating, ductless systems continually use advanced technology to improve their products. Mitsubishi even improved their Hyper Heat H2i™ systems to push out even more heat in sub-zero temperatures.
Mini-splits lead the industry in efficiency, performance, and technology. We don't expect that to change anytime soon.
But mini-splits have constantly introduced new technology. From nano-platinum and electrostatic anti-allergen filters to dual barrier coating, ductless systems continually use advanced technology to improve their products. Mitsubishi even improved their Hyper Heat H2i™ systems to push out even more heat in sub-zero temperatures.
Mini-splits lead the industry in efficiency, performance, and technology. We don't expect that to change anytime soon.
Mini-split isn't right in every application. Sometimes it might be simpler and less costly to add or expand a central HVAC system. But there are times when mini-splits make more sense. Mini-splits would make sense:
If you'd like help finding a mini-split system, reach out because we can help. You can reach us through email, phone or find a contractor near you here.
- If you don't have ductwork in your home and you live in an area with four seasons and you want to be able to control the temperature without lifting heavy window air conditioners.
- If you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse that cannot accommodate ductwork installation.
- If your house doesn't have central air conditioning and you have multiple levels you want to cool/heat.
- If you only need cooling on one side of the house and want to save money by installing just one unit instead of expanding your current system.
- If you have one or two rooms that don't get heated/cooled properly by your central air conditioner and there's no way to expand your current ductwork (or you don't want to go through the hassle of expanding it).
These are some of the most common reasons people put in mini-splits. But there are mainly two: it's more cost-effective than a central system, and you want control over the heating & cooling in your house.
If you'd like help finding a mini-split system, reach out because we can help. You can reach us through email, phone or find a contractor near you here.
Many things go into the cost of a mini-split installation. All installations have to consider the equipment, materials, building construction, placement of units (both indoor and outdoor), electrical requirements of the house, and time it takes to install each part of the system.
Equipment Cost
The size of the system you're thinking about installing will directly dictate how much equipment needs to be purchased. Each "zone" is going to require an indoor unit. And you can combine up to 8 indoor units on a single outdoor unit.
Depending on the type of system you'd like, equipment gets more costly. Low-temperature heat pumps (can heat down to -17 degrees outside) cost a decent amount more than standard heat pumps (heats well until 40 degrees outside). For low-temperature heat pumps, the outdoor units can handle up to 8 indoor units as well, but sometimes it's more cost-effective to have two outdoor condensing units for more than three indoor units.
Depending on the type of system you'd like, equipment gets more costly. Low-temperature heat pumps (can heat down to -17 degrees outside) cost a decent amount more than standard heat pumps (heats well until 40 degrees outside). For low-temperature heat pumps, the outdoor units can handle up to 8 indoor units as well, but sometimes it's more cost-effective to have two outdoor condensing units for more than three indoor units.
Material Cost
There are all types of materials that go into installing a mini-split system. At a minimum, you'll need two refrigerant lines, a communication cable, a condensation line, a disconnect box, an electrical whip, and a high-voltage electrical line.
Some parts that can enhance an installation are refrigerant line covers, surge protectors, condensation pumps, UV lights, and ionizers. And some materials that are needed on every installation are tools, insulation, and sealant.
All the materials come into play when a contractor is evaluating the cost of an installation.
Some parts that can enhance an installation are refrigerant line covers, surge protectors, condensation pumps, UV lights, and ionizers. And some materials that are needed on every installation are tools, insulation, and sealant.
All the materials come into play when a contractor is evaluating the cost of an installation.
Building Construction
The type of building plays a part in how long the installation will take. For example, stone takes longer to drill through the brick, which takes longer to drill through than wood.
Smaller systems (one or two-zone systems) don't have to consider building construction, but larger ones do. The tougher the building construction is to work with, the longer it'll take to install - which increases the labor hours needed to complete the project.
Smaller systems (one or two-zone systems) don't have to consider building construction, but larger ones do. The tougher the building construction is to work with, the longer it'll take to install - which increases the labor hours needed to complete the project.
Placement of Indoor & Outdoor Units
A lot of the materials needed to connect the indoor and outdoor units depend on where the outdoor condenser and indoor evaporators' are placed. The farther away each indoor unit is from the outdoor, the more material the installation will use, increasing the overall price of the installation.
Also, the placement of the indoor units makes the installation easier or harder. The condensate that the indoor units produce needs to be drained. In the majority of installations, it's recommended to have your indoor units on an exterior wall. When placing the indoor unit on an exterior wall, you can drain condensate by gravity, making installations simpler and requiring less material - which lowers the overall installation cost.
Also, the placement of the indoor units makes the installation easier or harder. The condensate that the indoor units produce needs to be drained. In the majority of installations, it's recommended to have your indoor units on an exterior wall. When placing the indoor unit on an exterior wall, you can drain condensate by gravity, making installations simpler and requiring less material - which lowers the overall installation cost.
Electrical Requirements of The House
Most modern homes have the basic electrical requirements mini-splits need to operate. But, there are still applications where an electrical upgrade is needed. An electrical upgrade will increase the installation cost by at least $800 and could be up to $2500 depending on what the home needs.
Installation Time
One of the biggest factors for pricing is the time of installation. As a rule of thumb, half of the installation cost is materials, and half is labor. If a system online costs $1800, expect the installation labor to be right around the same.
Labor cost comes down to two things: overhead cost per hour and skilled labor per hour. Overhead is the cost to run a business. Contractors typically calculate overhead by the hour because it makes pricing simpler. Skilled labor is the technician's pay rate that they get paid from the company they're employed with.
Labor cost comes down to two things: overhead cost per hour and skilled labor per hour. Overhead is the cost to run a business. Contractors typically calculate overhead by the hour because it makes pricing simpler. Skilled labor is the technician's pay rate that they get paid from the company they're employed with.
Installation Pricing Rules of Thumb
Some general rules of thumb that will help give you a rough estimate: wall units are the least expensive option, each wall-mounted zone typically costs $3500 - $4000 installed, and you can combine three wall units into one ducted unit for about the same cost.
Every contractor has slightly different variations of pricing. But in general, here's what you can expect:
12,000 BTU High-Seer, Low-Temp Single Zone System - $5,992.00 (Average)
24,000 BTU Two-Zone Wall-Mounted Standard System - $8,213.00 for single day installations, $11,162.00 for two-day installations
36,000 BTU Three-Zone Wall-Mounted Standard System - $12,905.00 (should be a one and a half to two-day installation)
*each zone priced with 30' of a refrigerant line as an average
*each zone priced with 20' of refrigerant line cover as an average
Every contractor has slightly different variations of pricing. But in general, here's what you can expect:
12,000 BTU High-Seer, Low-Temp Single Zone System - $5,992.00 (Average)
24,000 BTU Two-Zone Wall-Mounted Standard System - $8,213.00 for single day installations, $11,162.00 for two-day installations
36,000 BTU Three-Zone Wall-Mounted Standard System - $12,905.00 (should be a one and a half to two-day installation)
*each zone priced with 30' of a refrigerant line as an average
*each zone priced with 20' of refrigerant line cover as an average
Get The Cost Of Your Mini Split Installation
What type of ductless mini-split system are you looking for?
Mini-splits come in five primary types: wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling-cassette, ceiling-suspended, and ducted.
Wall-Mounted Units
Wall-mounted mini-splits are the most commonly installed. They're usually the simplest to install because they're mounted high on the wall and out of the way. Currently, the capacity of wall-mounted units ranges from 6,000 BTU to 24,000 BTU for multi-zoned indoors, and 6,000 BTU to 36,000 BTU for single-zoned systems.
Floor-Mounted Units
Floor-mounted mini-splits resemble radiators and are out of the way for people who don't like the wall-mounted units. Currently, their capacity ranges from 9,000 BTU to 18,000 BTUs.
Ceiling-Cassette Units
Ceiling-cassette mini-splits are mounted in the ceiling and have a more seamless look. There are three different types of ceiling cassettes: 2' x 2' recessed ceiling cassette, 3' x 3' recessed ceiling cassette, and one-way cassettes. Currently, their capacity ranges from 9,000 BTU to 36,000 BTU for multi-zoned systems.
Ceiling-Suspended Units
Ceiling-suspended mini-splits are mounted from the ceiling and are typically used in commercial applications. Currently, their capacity ranges from 24,000 BTU to 42,000 BTU for single-zoned systems and 24,000 BTU only for multi-zoned applications.
Ducted Units
Ducted mini-splits are mounted in an attic or basement, and use ductwork to move hot/cold air around your house. They're usually used in tandem with other types of units and can be mounted on the same outdoor unit as other types of indoor units. There are three different types of ducted units: low-static, mid-static, and high-static. Currently, their capacity ranges from 9,000 BTU to 36,000 BTU for multi-zoned systems and 9,000 BTU to 42,000 BTU for single-zoned applications.
It's important to have the right size mini-split system that fits your needs. As a general rule of thumb, you can estimate 25 BTUs per square foot of the room you're heating/cooling. There are lots of factors that go into properly sizing a system, but rough calculations can get you 90% of the way there.
If you're in a colder climate, estimate 30 BTUs per square foot of the room you're heating/cooling. If you're looking for your mini-split to heat your house as your primary heat source, estimate the same 30 BTUs per square foot.
Other factors that add or take away the BTU capacity needed for each room are the insulation of your home, the number of windows in your room, the location of that room in the house, and the type of room. Kitchens usually require less heating capacity from their indoor units because there are a lot of appliances that generate heat, while bedrooms above the first floor usually require more cooling capacity.
If you'd like an estimate on the heating/cooling capacity of your room, use our indoor unit calculator.
If you're in a colder climate, estimate 30 BTUs per square foot of the room you're heating/cooling. If you're looking for your mini-split to heat your house as your primary heat source, estimate the same 30 BTUs per square foot.
Other factors that add or take away the BTU capacity needed for each room are the insulation of your home, the number of windows in your room, the location of that room in the house, and the type of room. Kitchens usually require less heating capacity from their indoor units because there are a lot of appliances that generate heat, while bedrooms above the first floor usually require more cooling capacity.
If you'd like an estimate on the heating/cooling capacity of your room, use our indoor unit calculator.
Once you go through the research process and decide a mini-split heat pump is right for your situation, you'll have to go through the process of getting estimates. The typical buying process has four steps: estimates, deciding, installation, and maintenance. Let's start at the beginning, the estimate process.
Getting Estimates From Mini-Split Installers
Deciding on the installer of your mini-splits is the most important decision of the whole buying process. Believe it or not, over 90% of HVAC installations are done incorrectly¹. And when a system is installed improperly, it doesn't last nearly as long as it should & it can cost 30% (or more) to run than it should².
¹ U.S. Department of Energy - Residential HVAC Installation Practices: A Review of Research Findings | Study & NIST Article
² National Institute of Standards and Technology - Sensitivity Analysis of Installation Faults on Heat Pump Performance | Abstract & Study
Doing a little research on the contractor you're inviting in your home is the first step. Make sure they've got the basics covered: they have a license, they have good reviews and they specialize in ductless.
Their license number should be on their website and their vehicles - look it up on your states' department of labor. Make sure the license (it should be a master HVAC license) they list is current and registered to someone in their business. If you need help finding the person listed on the license, ask the company - the licensee is usually the owner.
Good reviews are a prerequisite to the company you're looking into, but "bad" reviews are more helpful because you can see how they respond. There are services that "curate" reviews, really they're getting rid of all reviews less than four stars. "Bad" reviews are an opportunity to make your client happy, and how they respond is very telling on how they'll be when doing business with them.
Ductless specialization is important as well. While most HVAC companies technically know how to install mini-splits, there are intricacies in how the system is installed and how it works that specialists would know. A landlord called one of our install partners because his ductless unit was working, but it wasn't working very well. It turned out the installing company crossed almost all the lines on all 12 indoor evaporators and 3 outdoor condensers. And that's just one example of TONS. A specialist knows how to test for crossed lines - and lots of other issues that could pop up during installation.
¹ U.S. Department of Energy - Residential HVAC Installation Practices: A Review of Research Findings | Study & NIST Article
² National Institute of Standards and Technology - Sensitivity Analysis of Installation Faults on Heat Pump Performance | Abstract & Study
Doing a little research on the contractor you're inviting in your home is the first step. Make sure they've got the basics covered: they have a license, they have good reviews and they specialize in ductless.
Their license number should be on their website and their vehicles - look it up on your states' department of labor. Make sure the license (it should be a master HVAC license) they list is current and registered to someone in their business. If you need help finding the person listed on the license, ask the company - the licensee is usually the owner.
Good reviews are a prerequisite to the company you're looking into, but "bad" reviews are more helpful because you can see how they respond. There are services that "curate" reviews, really they're getting rid of all reviews less than four stars. "Bad" reviews are an opportunity to make your client happy, and how they respond is very telling on how they'll be when doing business with them.
Ductless specialization is important as well. While most HVAC companies technically know how to install mini-splits, there are intricacies in how the system is installed and how it works that specialists would know. A landlord called one of our install partners because his ductless unit was working, but it wasn't working very well. It turned out the installing company crossed almost all the lines on all 12 indoor evaporators and 3 outdoor condensers. And that's just one example of TONS. A specialist knows how to test for crossed lines - and lots of other issues that could pop up during installation.
Deciding on The Right Installer for You
A valid license, good reviews, and ductless specialization are a must before you get an estimate. Some criteria we think you should consider after you get an estimate (or a couple) are cleanliness, respectfulness, convenience, and pricing.
After personally doing thousands of in-home estimates, the way your designer/comfort advisor treats you is the way the company is going to treat you (usually). It's not a perfect indicator, but they were trained by that company in how that company does things. So things like asking if they can walk into a room, wearing booties/shoe protection around the house, wearing a mask, being respectful, etc. everything is a "tell" for how the installers are going to treat your home.
Again, if the designer/comfort advisor is accommodating to you and works around your schedule, usually the company will as well. And yes, pricing is an important consideration, but you should find a company that works within your budget and is respectful to you & your home.
After personally doing thousands of in-home estimates, the way your designer/comfort advisor treats you is the way the company is going to treat you (usually). It's not a perfect indicator, but they were trained by that company in how that company does things. So things like asking if they can walk into a room, wearing booties/shoe protection around the house, wearing a mask, being respectful, etc. everything is a "tell" for how the installers are going to treat your home.
Again, if the designer/comfort advisor is accommodating to you and works around your schedule, usually the company will as well. And yes, pricing is an important consideration, but you should find a company that works within your budget and is respectful to you & your home.
The Typical Installation Process
Installing takes place during the estimate/designing process. You're going through options on where the units will work in each room, and how they'll all connect to the outdoor condenser. The type of indoor unit, number of indoor + outdoor units will decide how things are installed.
Keep in mind, wall units are usually the simplest to install. They're mounted on the wall with one 2-1/2" hole (usually) drilled behind it. Same thing with floor units, but there's an extra consideration on the drain line because sometimes they'll be below grade and can't drain by gravity. Ceiling cassettes and ducted units require a little more consideration because of spacing and build construction.
Usually, your designer/comfort advisor will map out the design. They'll inform the project manager/lead technician, and if another site visit is required it'll be scheduled. On installation day, your install team will walk through your home and map out each indoor & outdoor unit. Next, they'll lay down coverings for furniture and your floor. Then, the work begins:
Keep in mind, wall units are usually the simplest to install. They're mounted on the wall with one 2-1/2" hole (usually) drilled behind it. Same thing with floor units, but there's an extra consideration on the drain line because sometimes they'll be below grade and can't drain by gravity. Ceiling cassettes and ducted units require a little more consideration because of spacing and build construction.
Usually, your designer/comfort advisor will map out the design. They'll inform the project manager/lead technician, and if another site visit is required it'll be scheduled. On installation day, your install team will walk through your home and map out each indoor & outdoor unit. Next, they'll lay down coverings for furniture and your floor. Then, the work begins:
- measuring & anchoring the wall bracket (per indoor)
- measuring & drilling a pilot (per indoor)
- drilling the piping hole (per indoor)
- mounting the indoor
- measuring & anchoring the outdoor
- measuring, cutting, running & anchoring refrigerant lines (with 14/3 communication wire, condensation line) & refrigerant line covers
- hooking up refrigerant lines, communication wire & condensation lines
- measuring, cutting, running & anchoring the high-voltage line with the disconnect and whip
- testing & start-up
Maintenance of Your Mini-Split After Installation
After your ductless system is installed, tested, and started up your maintenance routine begins! Initially, every couple of months you'll need to check the built-in filters to see how your system filters the air in your room. You'll figure out your homes' filter-washing cadence once you've checked a couple of times.
And once a year, you'll have to do a deep cleaning on the system to keep up your manufacturer warranty. Usually, the same company that installed your system will have a maintenance plan that you can sign up for. Whether you sign up for their plan or not, you'll need to clean the coils, check the refrigerant pressure, communication line voltage, clean and disinfect the drain lines, and check the integrity of the refrigerant line covers.
We'll create an in-depth guide on how to find a great contractor to work with.
And once a year, you'll have to do a deep cleaning on the system to keep up your manufacturer warranty. Usually, the same company that installed your system will have a maintenance plan that you can sign up for. Whether you sign up for their plan or not, you'll need to clean the coils, check the refrigerant pressure, communication line voltage, clean and disinfect the drain lines, and check the integrity of the refrigerant line covers.
We'll create an in-depth guide on how to find a great contractor to work with.
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