Another hot San Diego summer is approaching and will be here before you know it! Planning ahead will give you the best options to keep your home or office cool and comfortable all summer long.
Older homes especially have poor insulation and there is rarely enough room for central air conditioning. A better solution to beat the heat is the mini-split or “ductless” air conditioner. Outlined below are the reasons why mini splits are becoming so popular, especially as energy prices increase.
Older homes especially have poor insulation and there is rarely enough room for central air conditioning. A better solution to beat the heat is the mini-split or “ductless” air conditioner. Outlined below are the reasons why mini splits are becoming so popular, especially as energy prices increase.
- Mini-splits are significantly cheaper than central air conditioning. A central AC system can cost $10,000-$20,000 depending on the existing conditions and size of the house. A mini split system averages $1,800-$2,900 installed per zone.
- Mini-splits are much more efficient. AC is rated according to SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.) Most central AC units are 14 SEER; a very expensive central AC unit might be 16 or 18 SEER. Most of the mini-splits we install are 20-25 SEER without breaking the bank.
- The install on a mini-split is much less involved. We can usually complete it in a day. There is only a 3″ diameter hole from the outside condenser to the inside air handler, which is why they are called ductless AC units.
- Most mini-split units have the ability to heat as well; these are called heat pumps.
- Mini-splits are very quiet; most people don’t even realize they are on.
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Keith Berkley is the owner of Berkley Construction, Inc. a San Diego Construction Company specializing in providing design strategies and construction service solutions to improve the value of your property.