Considering installing a ductless mini split in your Highlands Ranch, CO, home? These small but mighty HVAC units offer several benefits, but how do you know if a ductless mini split is worth investing in? Discover everything you need to know about these systems, including mini split vs. central air conditioning comparisons, pros and cons of ductless mini splits in Colorado, and how the pros at Horizon Services can help with installation and maintenance.
What Is a Ductless Mini Split System?
Ductless mini splits are small, self-contained HVAC systems that can cool (and sometimes heat) a small space without the need for HVAC ductwork. They’re made up of an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler connected by a short conduit, allowing the system to adjust the temperature of any area it’s installed in.
Why Ductless Mini Splits Are Popular in Highlands Ranch Homes
There are a few key reasons for the popularity of mini split ACs in Highlands Ranch. If you’re building a home addition or remodeling part of your home, you may want to invest in these systems to keep the space cool. Ductless heat pump systems are a great solution for both the summer heat and the frigid Colorado winters.
Benefits of Installing a Ductless Mini Split
High Efficiency
One of the top reasons people choose ductless AC in Highlands Ranch is the high efficiency these units offer. Depending on your current system and the mini split you choose, these systems could heat a space up to 60% more efficiently and cool it 30% more efficiently, helping to reduce your energy bills.
Zoned HVAC
Another reason to invest in mini split installation in Highlands Ranch is the ability to control the temperature in specific zones of a home. These units are designed to heat or cool a smaller, confined space, such as a single room or a garage. This means you can set the temperature for each mini split separately.
Better Air Quality
Another consideration is indoor air quality, or IAQ. Most modern mini split systems offer advanced filtration technology that helps keep pollen, dust, mold spores, and other harmful pollutants out of your home’s indoor air.
Easier Installation
When compared to a central air conditioner or heater, mini splits are fast and easy to install. For the best results, leave the installation of a ductless heating and cooling system to a Highlands Ranch HVAC professional. The skilled team at Horizon Services will make sure your system is installed safely.
Quiet
Most of the mini split’s moving components are outside with the compressor, so they run more quietly than other HVAC units. This helps bring a little peace and quiet to any space.
Easier to Maintain
Another key factor is the ease of mini split maintenance. Colorado homeowners should still have their systems inspected once a year to catch issues and ensure optimal performance, but since there’s no ductwork to inspect, clean, or repair, the process is faster and simpler.
Versatile
Some ductless systems also offer heating capabilities via a heat pump. Most heat pumps can function all the way down to -13°F. Some work at even lower temperatures, which is perfect when you’re getting back from a wintery day of skiing at Echo Mountain. While many Colorado homeowners still have a furnace or boiler as a backup, ductless mini splits are a great way to heat your home for most of the winter at a fraction of the cost.
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
With their easy installation, quick maintenance, and highly energy-efficient cooling, Highlands Ranch homeowners might wonder whether there are any downsides to ductless mini split systems. Consider these potential drawbacks before making your decision:
- Higher upfront costs
- Indoor units are visible, affecting aesthetics
- Best for smaller rooms — larger spaces may require multiple units
- Multiple filters to check and change periodically
- Heat pump units won’t function in extreme cold
- Doesn’t offer full-home fresh air ventilation like central AC systems
While these aren’t necessarily dealbreakers, they still show the limits of this HVAC technology in Highlands Ranch homes.
Mini Split vs. Central Air: Which Is Right for You?
Is a mini split worth it, or should you opt for a more traditional central air conditioner in your Highlands Park home? At Horizon Services, we recommend sticking with a standard AC if you’re looking for a whole-home solution and already have existing HVAC ductwork. However, if you want to add HVAC to a smaller space without ductwork, the efficiency and ease of installation of a ductless mini split are worth considering.
Do Mini Splits Work Well in Colorado’s Climate?
Mini splits can be a great choice for Colorado’s climate. Ductless air conditioners can handle the temperate summers, and heat pump models can be effective in many parts of the winter. Determining the best mini split for Colorado homes is a key part of an HVAC technician’s job, so ask a Highlands Ranch HVAC pro at Horizon Services for guidance if you’re still weighing your options.
Installation Considerations for Highlands Ranch Homes
When you hire a Highlands Ranch HVAC service to install a mini split, there are a few key considerations your pro will make before finalizing the installation, including:
- Carefully sizing the unit for your space, the average climate, and the altitude.
- Placing the mini split’s outdoor unit away from high snow and ice zones.
- Ensuring safe power connections to the new unit.
- Navigating HOA rules, if necessary.
- Pulling permits, if necessary.
Mini Split Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Mini splits require regular maintenance to function reliably and efficiently, such as:
- Cleaning or replacing air filters every one to two months.
- Keeping the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass clippings, snow, and ice.
- Professional tune-ups to check and recharge refrigerants.
- Professional inspections of coils and other internal components.
- Professional electrical checks.
- Professional drain line flushing and cleaning.
For the best results, we recommend having your system professionally maintained once a year. This improves efficiency and extends the unit’s lifespan.
Schedule a Ductless Mini Split Consultation in Highlands Ranch
If you’re looking for versatile, efficient temperature control in part of your home, a ductless mini split could be the answer. At Horizon Services, we install countless mini splits each year, helping more homeowners get the comfort they deserve at a cost they can afford. Contact us today for more info about installing a ductless mini split.
