Many people like small cooling units because they take up less space and make less noise. They fit well in small homes and help keep rooms cool on hot days. Plenty of houses in Canada now use them. Almost two thirds of the power used in homes goes to heating and cooling.
These small systems look easy to use but they also have some downsides. Some people buy them quickly and later feel they made a mistake. Before you choose one for your home it is good to know what can go wrong.
In this blog Blue Sea Plumbing will help you look at the main problems so you can make a smart choice.
Key Takeaways
- Mini split systems save space and cool single rooms well but they also come with limits you should know before you buy.
- Setup costs are high but BC homeowners may qualify for rebates of up to $6,000 through CleanBC and BC Hydro.
- The wall unit can look odd in some rooms.
- They need regular cleaning and care to keep the air cool and fresh.
- They work best for small areas and single rooms, not for cooling an entire house at once.
What Is a Ductless Mini Split?
A ductless mini split is a small air system that cools one room at a time. It does not need big air pipes inside the walls. Instead it has two parts. One part hangs on a wall inside the room and the other part stays outside the house.
This type of air system works well when a home has no space for large air pipes. It is also good for new rooms or small spaces. If you are not sure what kind of cooling system your home needs our air conditioning team can help you find the right fit.
How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?
A ductless air conditioner pulls warm air from inside the room. It moves that air through a cooling part inside the wall unit. The air turns cool and goes back into the room. At the same time the warm air goes outside through small tubes.
The tubes carry a special gas that moves between the inside and outside parts. It helps take heat away from the room. This keeps the space cool and fresh.
Each room can have its own small unit. This saves power and makes the house more comfortable.
You can ask Blue Sea Plumbing for air setup or cooling care.
Disadvantages of Mini Split Systems
Here is what you need to know before you buy.
High Setup Cost
This type of air system can cost more to put in than a window or floor unit. You need a skilled person to fix it on the wall and join the wires right. The cost is higher at the start but it can save money on energy later. In BC you may be able to lower that upfront cost through government rebates. Visit our rebates page to see what is available for your home.
Wall Unit Can Look Odd
The wall part of the system can stand out in a small room. Some people do not like how it looks on the wall. Others do not mind it. If looks matter to you it is good to see the unit in person before you buy.
Needs Care Often
This system needs care to work well. You must clean the air filters often so dust does not block the air. If the filters are not cleaned the unit may stop making cool air. The coils also need care to keep the air clean and fresh. For help with cleaning and check-ups contact Blue Sea Plumbing.
Not Best for Very Cold Days
In very cold places a mini split may not work well for heating. It can have a hard time making warm air when it is freezing outside. If you live somewhere that gets very cold a furnace or boiler may be a better fit. You can read more about your heating options in our guide on the best heating system for house in Canada.
Small Air Reach
This type of system cools one room at a time. It cannot send cool air to every room in the house. If you want to cool more than one room each room needs its own unit. This can cost more if your home is big.
Refrigerant Can Leak
The gas inside the tubes that helps cool the air can sometimes leak. If it leaks the system stops working well. You may notice the air is not as cold as before. A leak also needs a licensed person to fix it. It is not safe to try on your own. If you think your unit has a leak call Blue Sea Plumbing right away.
Drainage Can Be a Problem
Mini splits remove water from the air as they cool. That water needs somewhere to go. If the drain line gets blocked water can drip inside the room or cause damage to the wall. Keeping the drain line clear is part of regular care. Our plumbing repair team can help if you notice water dripping from the unit.
Outdoor Unit Makes Noise
The outside part of the system makes some noise when it runs. In most homes this is not a big problem. But if the unit is near a bedroom window or a quiet outdoor space the noise can be a bother. It is worth thinking about where the outside unit will go before you buy.
BC Rebates for Mini Split Systems
If you live in Surrey or anywhere in BC you may be able to get money back when you buy a qualifying mini split heat pump.
BC Hydro and the CleanBC program offer rebates of up to $6,000 for eligible homeowners. This can help cover the high setup cost which is one of the biggest downsides of these systems.
Visit our rebates page to find out what is available and whether your home qualifies.
When Is Ductless Cooling a Good Choice?
A ductless mini split works well in one room or a small space. If your house has no air pipes this system can help without the need for big changes to your walls.
If you add a new room or fix an old one you can put a mini split unit there. It can cool that space fast and easily.
This air system is best for one spot not for a whole house. Each room needs its own unit. That is why it works well in small flats or for cooling one room at a time.
It also uses less power than big air systems. If you live in a small home and want to cool one place this system is a smart pick.
If your home feels warm or your system does not cool well Blue Sea Plumbing can help. Our team can check your air unit and fix any issue fast.
FAQs
What is ductless cooling?
Ductless cooling is a way to cool air without pipes in the walls. The unit has two parts. The inside part blows cool air into the room. The outside part sends the warm air out. It is a good choice for rooms that do not have existing air ducts.
How long does a mini split system last?
When you keep it clean a mini split can work well for 15 to 20 years. Clean the filters every month and call a professional for a full check-up once a year to keep it running well.
How much does it cost to install a mini split in Surrey BC?
The cost of installing a mini split in Surrey typically starts from around $2,500 to $3,000 for a single room unit and can go higher for multi-zone setups. BC homeowners may be able to reduce this cost through CleanBC and BC Hydro rebates. Visit our rebates page to learn more.
Can a mini split heat my home in winter?
A mini split can provide heat in mild winters like those in Surrey and the Lower Mainland. However in very cold temperatures below minus 15 degrees Celsius some older models lose efficiency. Newer cold climate heat pump models handle colder temperatures better. For homes in colder parts of Canada a furnace or hybrid system may be a better fit.
Do I need a professional to install a mini split?
Yes. A mini split needs proper electrical wiring, refrigerant handling, and mounting on an outside wall. This is not a safe DIY job. An incorrect installation can cause leaks, poor performance, or safety risks. Our air conditioning team at Blue Sea Plumbing handles full installation safely and to BC code.
Mini splits use the same heat pump technology as larger systems, so if yours is making unusual sounds, our article on why heat pumps get noisy and how to fix it can help you figure out what’s going on.
