Can I Install A Ductless Mini-Split AC In My Garage?
Ductless air conditioners also commonly known as mini-splits have become quite popular over the years. Because these units do not require installing ducts and other complicated features, the overall costs and effort put into making the entire unit function is not that much. Plus, ductless air conditioners tend to be a lot more efficient than the regular units out there. To answer the question: yes, you can install a mini split in your garage, but you should have it installed by an expert. Here are some important things to know.
What To Consider When Choosing A Mini-Split For Your Garage?
For installing a ductless AC in your garage, you have to consider various factors. The first and most important factor tends to be the energy efficiency of the unit itself. While looking for the perfect option out there, you will come across many.
Different air conditioners tend to have varying energy efficiency rating combined with specifications and features. Not every option needs to suit your needs and preferences. That said, you will need to consider the SEER rating of the unit as this shows the efficiency of the air conditioner.
A higher SEER rating denotes that the AC will be more efficient and will use comparatively less power than the air conditioners in the market that have a lower rating. But you need to keep in mind that the higher the SEER rating, the more the price of the unit.
Moreover, you should also consider the square footage i.e. the dimensions of the area. One of the most common mistakes people tend to make is ignoring this basic factor and opting for a size that does not match the dimensions of the area.
You should know neither a bigger nor a smaller unit is going to be efficient or effective. A bigger unit will keep short cycling because it will reach the set temperature more quickly than an AC ideally should. This will increase wear and tear of the unit and cause compressor problems in the near future. Plus, it may not control the humidity levels as effectively.
On the other hand, a smaller unit will have to work harder than usual to achieve the desired temperature which will lead to an increase in the consumption of electricity. So, either way, you are going to have rising energy bills at the end of the month instead of decreasing.
Can I Install A Ductless Mini-Split Myself?
Installing a ductless mini-split system in your garage might seem easy work in the videos but in reality, it is not. You need to have the right tools and skill for this. Poor installation will only increase the problems and the cost of running the mini-split. Most importantly, you may be at the risk of injuring yourself.
So, you should have an expert do it for you by paying a small fee. Instead of considering it an expense, you should take it as an investment. An expert using proper tools and equipment is going to install the unit the right way.
If you plan on installing it yourself, you might end up damaging the paint job or walls that will need repairs too. Therefore, consult an expert and have them install the system for you.
Do Ductless Mini-Splits Require Maintenance?
Ductless mini-splits like other household electrical appliances and accessories need maintenance. You should know that a ductless mini-split is also supposed to improve the air quality before it is circulated inside the garage. This means the air filter will need to be checked and cleaned regularly.
Moreover, if you plan on using the system throughout the year due to extreme weather conditions, you will need expert maintenance as well. Keep in mind that the longevity of the unit is directly dependent on its maintenance. While you can perform regular inspections and maintenance, when it comes to thorough maintenance, you will need to call in air conditioner repair services Huntington.
Using special tools and expertise, the expert will be able to go deep inside the unit and inspect for any potential issues. This allows them to fix the issues before they turn worse. This is yet again another reason why you need to invest in expert maintenance.
Ductless mini-splits tend to be expensive systems. If you can pay a relatively small amount to prevent issues from taking place in the future, you should not be hesitant about it.
Check For Insulation
Installing a ductless mini-split system in your garage requires the area to be properly insulated. In most cases, garages tend to have a lot of openings that cause air to escape and enter. So, before you can install a mini-split system in your garage, you will need to check and fix any cracks or damages in the walls.
Adding garage insulation is important otherwise the cool or warm air will escape and the unit will have to work harder to compensate for the loss. As a result, you will have to pay for rising energy bills at the end of every month. You will have to check the doors to see if there are any passages through which air can escape.
If there are minor leakages or cracks, you can cover them using duct tape for a while. But this is going to be a temporary solution, you will have to get them fixed by an expert later on.
What Are The Pros Of Installing A Ductless Mini-Split AC?
A ductless mini-split can be a great option to transform your garage into a living space. The best thing about it is that you won’t have to integrate your home’s HVAC system with it. As a general rule of thumb, you should not extend your home’s air conditioning system to the garage.
The reason is that it will reduce its efficiency and effectiveness. Having a mini-split system installed will give you more control over the temperature and settings. Plus, it will be a lot more efficient and effective.
In addition to that, installing ductless mini-split systems is a lot easier than systems with ducts. All you need to do is mount the indoor unit and place the outdoor unit in an open area. This saves a lot of time and effort, which reduces the labor costs.
What Are The Cons Of Installing A Ductless Mini-Split AC?
While there are some advantages to installing a ductless mini-split, there tend to be some disadvantages as well. To begin with, ductless mini-split systems can be expensive in some cases. Depending on the AC size and features, you can expect to pay slightly more than the regular units. But, still, they tend to be cheaper than air conditioners with duct networks.
Plus, installing a ductless mini-split may cause disturbance in the house. You might have to shift rooms for a day or two until the experts are done with their job.
Conclusion
Installing a ductless mini-split air conditioner in your garage is not too complicated. You simply need to be careful about your options and choose a reliable brand and contractor. We suggest Mitsubishi AC installation Ronkonkoma performed by an expert AC installer. Also, make sure you properly insulate the garage as well to contain and maintain the temperature. This might also help improve the value of your property.