Many people wonder how a new mini split can work with a central air system in the same house. The short answer to this question is yes! They definitely can work together.
This article will break down the real questions of how they work together, when they should work together, and what are the benefits of them working together. Let's get started!
Can You Use a Mini Split with Central Air?
Can You Use a Mini Split with Central Air?
How Do Mini Splits Work with Central Air?
If you are asking the question "Can you use a mini split with Central Air", you most likely have a central air system in your home and are interested in adding a mini split. This can be due to a few reasons: the most common being that there is a room in the house that is still uncomfortable even with the central air system working at its best.
Now that we know that mini splits can work with central air, we need to ask ourselves HOW.
Individual, Separated Systems
You can always install a mini split that is separate from your central air system in your house. It would be powered and controlled completely separately. This way you don't need to do anything with your existing central air system.
Let's say you just bought a new construction home that has a brand new central air system. This central air system works great for the majority of the house. However, there is a room on the second floor that is always uncomfortable. This happens often with rooms that are furthest from the system.
You can install a mini split system that would exclusively heat and cool that outlying room to make it as comfortable as you need it.
Hybrid Options
Mitsubishi
If you are interested in installing a new mini split in your home, there is a way to combine it with your central air system. This setup can work if you are interested in replacing your older central air system.
Mitsubishi Electric has a product catalog that allows you to connect both a ducted air handler along with various types of mini split indoor units to a multi-zone outdoor unit. This way you can save on equipment and utility cost.
Not only can you connect both a ducted central air unit and a ductless unit, but you can connect up to 8 indoor units to one outdoor unit with Mitsubishi.
Mr. Cool VersaPro
Mr. Cool recently introduced the VersaPro line that allows you to connect both wall mounted mini split units and central air ducted units to one multi-zone outdoor unit. The cool thing about the VersaPro series is that it is 100% DIY based.
Homeowners can now replace their older air handler, install a new mini split, and combine both indoor units on one multi-zone DIY outdoor unit.
This is a game changer for some homeowners that can't afford to pay a HVAC service company for their installation rates.
There are some limitations to this series. Only 18,000, 24,000 and 30,000 BTU central air ducted air handlers are available for multi-zone. If you have a larger home you may have an air handler that is larger than 30,000 BTU.
When Should You Install Mini Split?
Here are a few reasons why you would consider installing a mini split that would work alongside your existing central air system.
- Your central air system does a poor job conditioning a room that you use often (i.e. an office, gym, or sunroom)
- You don't want to waste money ramping up your central air system just to feel comfortable in one specific room.
- You built an addition to the house and there is no way to run ductwork from your existing central air system to that new space
- You desire a specific room to be an entirely different temperature than the rest of your house.
There are plenty of other reasons why someone would want to install a mini split in a house that already has a central air system. Contact the Got Ductless to see if it makes sense for you!
Benefits of Installing a Mini Split that Compliments Your Central Air System
1. Lowered Utility Costs
There are times when a central air system needs to be set at lower temperatures in order for certain parts of the house to feel comfortable. This extra work is not free. Your central system is working over time and consuming more energy in trying to make all parts of the house comfortable.
Installing a high efficiency mini split in those uncomfortable spaces takes a load off of the central air system, causing it to be more efficient. Some may argue that introducing a completely new system and running it will offset the energy cuts of the existing system. While this may be true in theory, most mini splits are close to double the efficiency of a large central air system.
2. Regained Livable Space
There are certain rooms in the house that are just too uncomfortable to enjoy so you turn them into storage. Say a cold, finished basement or stuffy third floor bedroom. Instead of just settling for unusable space, consider using a mini split to regain that livable square footage.
Why work from a coffee shop when you can turn that stuffy room into a home office. Or why go to a gym with the excuse you don't have space at home when you can convert your garage into a comfortable workout space.
These are just a few silly examples of how mini splits can help a central air system out in making the entire home an asset for your family's lifestyle.
3. Targeted Cooling
The postive thing about central air systems is that it they can heat and cool and entire house from one air handler in a hidden space like a basement, closet, or attic. Although there are other positives of central air systems, there is one blaring negative: there is minimal temperature control apart from what's set on the thermostat.
Let's say you have a work gym in your garage or basement and you want it cold in there to help cool you off as you work out. Instead of setting your entire house's temperature to 68 F, you can install a mini split in the gym and isolate the 68 F climate to just the gym. This is true temperature control that a central air sytsem will never be able to accomplish.
Conclusion
You can most definitely use a mini split with a central air system. You can either install it separately as a standalone system or you can combine it into one multi-zone mini split system. There are many benefits of installing a mini split system to compliment an existing central air system. Here's a quick summary:
Lowered Utility Costs
Regained Livable Space
Targeted Conditioning
If you are curious about mini splits and want to see the options available to you please visit our store or connect with us at 866-399-0206 to have a ductless pro guide you along in your brainstorming.
The Author: Mark with Got Ductless
Mark has been around ductless mini splits for over a decade. Residential sales, installation, and design experience have given him a well-rounded knowledge of the technology and its benefits. Check out the Got Ductless Youtube channel to see and hear more from Mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose the Right Mini Split?
The first step you need to take is determining which size mini split you need. You can either use our calculator or get expert advice by calling us at 866-399-0206 during business hours.
When Should I Replace My Central Air System?
The general life expectancy of a central air system ranges between 15-30 years. Most of the time the older the system gets the more inefficient it becomes. At some point it makes more sense to invest money in a newer efficient system than to pay for the utility expenditure of an older system.
Can I get Credits and Rebates for buying an Electric Mini Split?
Yes! There are many mini splits that qualify for both local utility rebates and federal tax credits. Most Mitsubishi multi-zones qualify so you can make your entire home comfortable while saving big.
How Can Got Ductless Help Me?
Got Ductless can help you determine whether or not a mini split is the right solution for your home. We can also assist you in choosing the right size unit and matching you with the best fit brand.
