If you have an older home that does not have an air conditioning system installed, you are likely now searching for alternative methods that don’t require hefty funds and extensive installation efforts.
When deciding which option is the best for your home you will likely draw comparisons between the following two solutions; a high-velocity air conditioner or a mini-split air conditioner.
As both are popular options, it can be difficult to know which one is best suited to your home. Below we have identified the features of each conditioner along with the benefits and drawbacks associated with each in the hope that you will be able to make an informed decision as to which one is the best option for your requirements.
What is a High-Velocity Air Conditioning System?
High-velocity air conditioning systems function in a similar manner to older HVAC systems with the main difference being identified in the size as the aforementioned is a significantly smaller system. They provide an effective way of generating hot or cool air so that homeowners can change the temperature as and when required. They also work to remove moisture and dust from the air creating a more pleasant environment.
The duct systems of high-velocity air conditioners tend to have a circumference within the range of 2 to 4 inches and because of this, they will fit inside your home without requiring any walls or ceilings to be cut to do so. Traditional air conditioning units on the other hand have much larger duct systems. The front of these air conditioners feature vents that are responsible for projecting this air into your home.
What Are the Advantages of a High-Velocity Air Conditioning System?
So, what makes a high-velocity AC a good option?
More Visually Pleasing
As an indoor handler, a high-velocity air conditioning system is much more aesthetically pleasing compared to a wall-mounted ductless unit. They can be installed in more unseen areas of your home places e.g basements or attics where they will not be very obtrusive. A home that doesn’t require forced air heat can also avoid the need for bulky ductwork. Thanks to the small size of the vents, they can be placed in less visible places.
More Effective at Removing Humidity
Air conditioners of this kind are known to remove around 30% more humidity from the air which is going to be hugely beneficial for those located in warmer and more humid climates. Aside from this, they will also move air through the home much quicker so that it is going to feel cooler sooner.
Easy to Install
When compared to traditional units, they are much easier to install into homes that do not have any existing ductwork. This is because they do not require walls or ceilings to be cut as the tubing is smaller and much more flexible.
Although they are more expensive, they can also help to reduce costs as less prep work is required before installation.
One Unit Can Cool Your Home
If you are intending to cool your whole home rather than a single room, you only require one of these systems to do so. As mentioned, the duct systems are much smaller and more effective in pushing cold air into multiple rooms inside your home.
What Are the Disadvantages of a High-Velocity Air Conditioning System?
Even though this could be a good choice, these units have some limitations.
Produce More Noise
As these systems push the air through the vents and ductwork with more speed and velocity a higher volume of noise is going to be generated as a consequence. Careful consideration when deciding where the vent will be useful because you will likely benefit from placing it in an alternative room to one that is going to be occupied quite frequently.
More Expensive
Although a high-velocity air conditioning system helps to reduce costs by dismissing the need for cutting walls and ceilings to install the duct system, the upfront cost is much heftier than standard units.
Temperature Zoning is More Difficult
Adjusting the temperature of individual rooms inside your home can become much more difficult because the one system is responsible for delivering cool air to the entire home.
Because of this, the temperature is going to be the same inside all rooms of the house. To eliminate this issue you may wish to introduce multiple air handlers.
What is a Mini-Split Air Conditioning System?
A mini-split air conditioning system also known as a ductless mini-split does not require the use of ducts as implied by the name. Instead, they function via two components; an outdoor compressor and an indoor handling unit. As they do not require the use of duct systems, this type of system is ideal for those who have limited available space.
The indoor and outdoor units are connected via a single duct. The indoor system will collect and cool the air before returning it to your living space. The heat from the warm indoor air will then be collected by the indoor system and sent to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit will then dump this heat outside.
What Are the Advantages of a Mini-Split Air Conditioning System?
Getting a mini-split AC can provide the following benefits:
Produce Less Noise
In comparison to other air conditioning units, mini-split systems don’t produce as much noise. This is because the units are placed outside and away from the inside compressors and the fans tend to function at a slower speed so the air isn’t being pushed through as intensely as they are in high-velocity air conditioning systems. Additionally, because they do not require ducts they operate much more smoothly and quietly.
Flexible Temperature Zoning
Those with larger homes can opt for an outdoor unit that is connected to multiple indoor handling units. Some models come with as many as four indoor handling units, however, it is important to choose according to the size of your home and how much heating and cooling is required. As such you can set a different temperature on each of the indoor units so you aren’t restricted to setting every room inside your home at the same temperature.
No Ductwork Means Easy Installation
As these systems are not designed with ducts, they are much easier to install. This is because they are connected by a small cable which will only require a small hole to be made in the wall to connect the outside and indoor units. For this reason, they are an ideal choice for those who don’t have the available space to accommodate a unit that utilizes a duct system. Some will also come with lengthier cables which provide greater flexibility regarding the distance in which the outdoor unit can be positioned from the indoor unit.
No Loss of Energy Through Ducts
Because these units are ductless they are at less risk of losing energy, a problem often associated with ductwork air conditioning systems. As a result, units of this kind are deemed to be much more energy-efficient.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Mini-Split Air Conditioning System?
While a mini-split might fit the bill, keep these things in mind when purchasing one.
Not as Aesthetically Pleasing
Unlike high-velocity air conditioning units, mini-split systems are less visually pleasing because they will typically be mounted to a wall or ceiling inside your home. As such, some may find their appearance rather distracting.
To Cool an Entire Home, Multiple Units Are Required
Many mini-split air conditioning systems have around 1 to 4 indoor units that can be connected to one outdoor unit. If you have a larger home you will likely require the use of multiple indoor units. While this effectively allows you to set different temperatures in different rooms you are going to be confronted with increased installation costs as a result.
Finding the Best Size and Location Can Be Challenging
Before installing the unit you will first need to calculate the size of the unit that you require and the area of your home that offers the best place for installing the unit. A unit that is oversized or wrongly positioned will be ineffective in delivering the warm or cool air that is required.
Which System Should I Choose For My Home?
There are going to be many factors that contribute to your decision. As you can see there are advantages and disadvantages associated with each system. While high-velocity air conditioning systems are a better option for those who want to cool their entire homes, however, mini-split air conditioning systems allow you to cool multiple rooms and set a different temperature for each if required.
Also, consider the space that you have available. Mini-split systems do not use ducts and so they are an ideal option for those who are restricted on the space that they have to accommodate the installation components of the unit, however, they are going to be positioned in more visible areas which some may find off-putting. Both systems are considered to be a rather costly investment. If you remain unsure as to which one is better for your home you may benefit from consulting a professional who can provide you with additional advice.
