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Living in a historic or older home in Michigan comes with unique heating and cooling challenges. A central AC and furnace may not fully meet your comfort needs. You might not even have ductwork in place to distribute the conditioned air throughout the house. If this is the case for your home, you don’t have to fret about undergoing an expensive and invasive renovation. We can install a ductless mini-split that delivers precise temperature control to every room without disturbing your home’s original character. This type of flexible, non-invasive solution is a popular option for preserving the integrity of older architecture while maximizing comfort.
How Does a Ductless Mini-Split Work?
A ductless mini-split has two main parts: an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and indoor air handlers for each space you want to heat or cool. Each air handler connects to the outdoor condenser by a conduit containing refrigerant lines and power cables. The air handlers have air vents through which the cool or warm air flows into each room. Rather than burning fuel or pushing air through ducts like a central AC or furnace, a mini-split moves heat inside and outside of the home. The equipment runs quietly and achieves better energy efficiency by targeting specific zones.
Do I Need Any Ductwork at All to Run a Mini-Split?
The true beauty of a mini-split is that you don’t need any ductwork at all. This type of HVAC system is especially appealing for older homes built without central heat and air conditioning. You don’t have to worry about integrating bulky ductwork into your home’s current design. The system uses a small conduit to connect the indoor air handlers to the outdoor unit. The only thing required to bridge the two components is a small two-inch hole through an exterior wall.
Why Are Mini-Splits So Ideal for Older Homes in Michigan?
If you’re not sure whether to add a ductless system to your older home, it helps to understand the positives. A mini-split can perfectly bridge the gap between modern comfort and historic architectural preservation. There are several other reasons homeowners opt for mini-split systems.
No Worries About Duct Leaks
With central AC, the cool air flows through ductwork. Any holes or gaps in the ducts will allow the conditioned air to seep out. Leaky ducts also allow humidity and pollutants to infiltrate your ventilation system, which compromises the home’s air quality. Duct leaks can increase cooling costs by up to 30%. A mini-split eliminates the risk of energy waste because there’s no ductwork, so there are no duct leaks. 100% of the cool air will reach your living space.
Works With Boiler Systems
A lot of older homes in Michigan use boiler systems with cast-iron radiators for heat. They provide reliable, cozy warmth but don’t cool in summer. A ductless mini-split is a compatible companion that lets you modernize your home with air conditioning without resorting to window units. You can even run the mini-split for heating during mild spring and fall temperatures to reduce your reliance on oil or natural gas. A hybrid approach like this is ideal for historic homes that lack the structural space for traditional ductwork.
Perfect for Room-By-Room Temperature Control
It’s quite normal for older homes to have hot and cold spots that make some rooms uncomfortable. Drafty window frames and poorly insulated attics make it difficult to keep every part of the house at a consistent temperature. Installing a mini-split provides a flexible way to customize climate control in specific rooms or zones. We’ll install an air handler in each space where you want targeted cooling or heating. For bedrooms or home offices, family members can adjust the temperature to their preferences. You can also save money by choosing a more economical setting for less-used spaces, like a guest room.
Efficient Heating and Cooling for Year-Round Comfort
Mini-splits also work well in older Michigan homes without a forced air system or boiler because of their ability to both heat and cool. Modern ductless technology has come a long way in the last decade. Models designed for colder climates are more efficient than fuel-burning heaters even when temperatures drop below zero degrees. In the summer, they are as efficient as central air conditioning and cost much less to run than window units.
Flexibility for Additions and Renovations
Adding a sunroom, finishing a basement, or expanding an older home often creates challenges for your existing HVAC system. Extending ductwork or installing a larger central system to accommodate the new space can be costly and invasive. Mini-splits offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative, providing dedicated heating and cooling for new rooms.
Floor, Wall, and Ceiling Mounting Options
If you’re unsure about adding a mini-split because of aesthetic concerns, you’ll be happy to know there are multiple mounting options. Placing air handlers high on a wall usually provides the best air distribution and coverage. But we can always install them on the floor or even recessed into the ceiling. No matter a room’s shape or dimensions, we’ll strategically place the indoor units to avoid obstructing your decor.
How Many Air Handlers Does My Home Need?
The number of air handlers to install depends on how much coverage you want. A single handler can usually provide cooling and heating for up to 1,000 square feet of open space. Smaller homes typically require only one or two to keep the whole house comfortable. Larger homes, on the other hand, often need up to eight or more, especially if each bedroom has one.
We’ll carefully calculate the load of each room to determine the exact requirements. We also take window count and insulation quality into account. Older homes with single-pane windows or unsealed door frames may need more units to maintain the desired level of comfort.
How Long Does the Installation Take?
It usually takes about one or two days to install a mini-split. Since we don’t have to tear into your walls or ceilings, there’s no need for extensive structural renovations. Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised by how quickly the entire system is installed.
What Type of Maintenance Does a Mini-Split Need?
Maintenance for mini-split systems is minimal. You just need to regularly clean the air filters and wipe down the vents to prevent dust buildup. As for the outdoor part of the system, it helps to keep all landscaping at least three feet away. This ensures the outdoor coil has adequate airflow to release heat. We recommend professional tune-ups at the beginning of each heating or cooling season. We’ll clean internal components, tighten loose connections, and lubricate moving parts to make sure your systems run efficiently.
Contact Your Local HVAC Experts
At Matheson Heating, Air, & Plumbing, we have served the residents of Commerce Township, MI since 1946. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems, including ductless models. As a local business, we focus on developing long-term customer relationships. This means you can expect quality work at reasonable prices.
Contact us today to request a quote and learn more about the benefits of adding a mini-split system to your home.
