3 Areas To Use Mini-Splits For Supplemental Heating And Air Conditioning

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Are there times when your central heating and cooling system suffers inefficiencies? Over time, central HVAC units can become deficient due to increased heating and cooling loads. Instead of replacing the entire system, you can use mini-splits for supplemental heat and air conditioning. Mini-splits are ductless reverse-cycle units that can be used to heat and cool individual rooms. Below are a few areas where you can use mini-splits for supplemental heating and cooling.

Unconditioned Garage

Running your central HVAC ductwork through the garage can cause serious heating and cooling inefficiencies. Most garages aren't insulated; therefore, they act as a medium for heat loss, which can overwork your central HVAC system. Since some heated or conditioned air gets lost through the garage walls, your system will consume more energy to heat or cool the space.

Installing a mini-split in a garage is an excellent way of heating and cooling the space. You can run the air only when the garage is in use, which reduces the split unit's energy consumption. By isolating the garage from your central heating and cooling unit, you allow the system to perform optimally and provide sufficient airflow to the rest of the home. 

Large Master Bedroom

The location of the master bedroom can lead to insufficient heating and cooling. In some homes, master bedrooms are located in the farthest wing away from the central HVAC unit. With ducted systems, heated or conditioned air takes a long time to reach the room. Thus, if your ducts aren't properly insulated, they will suffer heat loss and gain. Consequently, you will be forced to crank up the air, which can overwork your central unit.

Instead of exposing your central unit to increased heating and cooling loads, invest in a mini-split for your master bedroom. A mini-split unit can supplement the central system or solely heat and cool the room. Either way, you get to enjoy a properly heated or cooled space all year round.

Finished Basement

Basements have unique heating and cooling needs compared to the rest of the home. During summer, your basement may be cold while the rest of the house is uncomfortably hot. Therefore, you can't air-condition the space together with the other rooms. Also, basements tend to be more humid than other parts of the house, and your central unit may fail to get rid of the excess moisture.

Installing a mini-split in your finished basement allows you to manage the room's heating and cooling needs. You can individually cool and heat the space as needed throughout the year. For improved comfort, pair the split unit with a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture in the air.

Mini-splits can provide supplemental heat and air conditioning in areas where your central system isn't performing optimally. Contact an HVAC contractor, such as Charles & Sons Remodeling, for mini-split installation services.  


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