7 Reasons San Diego is Perfect for Ductless Mini-Split Systems

7 Reasons San Diego is Perfect for Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Are you looking for the right AC system for your home? Click here for seven reasons why San Diego is the perfect place for ductless mini-split systems.

A mini-split is a type of heating and cooling system that allows you to control the temperature in specific rooms or spaces. Unlike traditional HVAC systems, they offer the added convenience of zone control. You can set each one to a different temperature, which allows you to easily adjust the temperature in your home. 

As a San Diego resident, your climate is ideal for a mini-split. These systems function best in warm, moderate climates where the weather doesn’t get too chilly. 

Today, we’re sharing the features that make this SoCal oasis just right for mini-split systems and how you can get one for your home!

What Is a Mini-Split System?

Before we dive into why a mini-split AC makes sense for San Diego homes, let’s start with the basics. What is a mini-split system and how does it work?

In short, mini-splits have two main components. These include:

  1. An outdoor compressor/condenser
  2. An indoor handling unit/evaporator 

Unlike conventional heating and air conditioning systems, mini-splits contain little-to-no ducts, and most are completely ductless. Instead, refrigerant lines connect the interior fan and evaporator unit to the outdoor compressor. 

To use your mini split, you’ll place the indoor unit in the room or “zone” that you want to heat or cool. Instead of pushing and pulling air to a central indoor unit, each room handles its own temperature regulation through the fan and evaporator unit. 

The indoor unit takes in the warm air and cools it by pushing it over a cooling agent, such as evaporator coils. Once it absorbs the heat, it pushes it to the outdoor unit. There, the outdoor unit takes the hot air and sends it outside. 

Even if you already have a central HVAC system installed, a ductless mini-split can offer even more comfort that you can rely on all year long!

Why Is San Diego Perfect for Mini-Split Systems?

As a San Diego, you might have already realized that you’re in a great spot. You’re close to tons of history, culture, pristine beaches, and world-class attractions.

However, did you also know that the type of climate you live in makes your home ideally situated for a mini-split system? Let’s take a look at a few reasons why this is the case.

Steady Climate

For a mini-split to function effectively, it shouldn’t be subjected to extreme changes in temperature. When it’s super hot or super cold outside, it makes it difficult for the unit to eject or absorb heat. 

Over time, this can cause too much wear and tear on its internal components, which can cause performance and efficiency to decline. In most cases, this degradation isn’t too noticeable during the summer months, but you’ll notice it when the mini-split has to work overtime to keep your room warm on a particularly frigid night. 

Thankfully, San Diego doesn’t see too many of those drastic temperature changes. This region enjoys a steady, relatively stable climate with an average temperature that hovers between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even in the colder winter months, the minimum temperature stays above 45 degrees. Any rain or snow accumulation is minor and minimal. 

In fact, San Diego’s weather is so mild that Zillow once named it the most pleasant place to live in the United States! When you install a mini-split at your home, you can rest assured that it won’t be subjected to intense temperature changes that could wreak havoc on its parts. 

Moderate Summers

Another perk of living in San Diego is that you can count on it to be sunny, but not overly hot or humid. The warm season here lasts for about three months, but you never have to worry about sweltering. Even in the hottest month of August, the average high is 77 degrees and the low is 68 degrees.  

What does this mean for your mini-split system? It means that it doesn’t have to work too hard to cool your zone down! There’s less wear and tear on the internal gears, which can help it last longer. 

Architecturally Appropriate

San Diego residents have long known that they wouldn’t have to deal with scorching hot summers. As a result, many early homes in this area were built without the space or capacity to handle a central air conditioning system. 

If you live in an older home, this might be true for you. While you shouldn’t get too hot as the temperatures start to rise, you still deserve the peace and comfort that an HVAC system can bring! This is where a mini-split comes in.

A ductless mini split is simple and quick for a technician to install, and it can make a world of difference in how cool and comfortable your home stays. Even brand-new homes can benefit from the extra efficiency and support they provide. 

Lower Utility Bills

Finally, let’s talk about one of the top reasons why it’s smart to install a mini-split at your San Diego property. Modern, energy-efficient ones could help you lower your monthly utility bills! When the temperature is especially mild, you can even use your mini-split systems to heat or cool certain rooms on an as-needed basis, rather than running your central HVAC system all throughout the house. 

Instances like the recent SDG&E rate hike request are prompting local homeowners to look for any ways they can to conserve energy, and this is a great place to start. 

Learn More About Mini-Split Systems Today

If you want to keep your San Diego home comfortable, reduce your energy costs, and improve your home’s overall efficiency, then mini-split systems are a smart way to go!

The sunny city you live in is perfectly situated for these types of units, thanks to its moderate climate and steady temperatures. To learn more about how these systems work and whether they’re right for your home, reach out to us and book an appointment today!

Air Conditioning Options For Your Home: Ductless Mini-Split Vs Central Air Units

When it comes to staying cool in states such as California, choosing the best air conditioning unit for your home can quickly become a confusing experience especially since there is a large selection to choose from.

When you do research, you are most likely to come across the two most popular options which include Ductless Mini-Split & Central Air. The biggest difference between the two air conditioning systems are the look, the price, and the amount of annual maintenance. 

Depending on your specific needs and the size of your home, you can make your HVAC purchase decision a bit easier by reading this article.

Central Air Conditioning

One of the most common types of air conditioning units that are in homes are known as central air conditioning (or central A/C). The central air conditioning system works by cooling air at a central location. From there, the air is distributed to and from rooms by one or more fans and ductwork.

They are usually long lasting and virtually invisible, but they do require maintenance here and there.

Advantages of Central Air 

  • Consistent temperature everywhere in your home, all year long. 
  • Air pushed through the ducts if filtered. This means higher indoor air quality.
  • The possibility of both a heating and air conditioning combo unit. 

Disadvantages of Central Air 

  • Higher electricity bills – According to Energy.gov, “In an average air-conditioned home, air conditioning consumes more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.”
  • Keeping indoor air quality clean means frequent duct maintenance
  • If you don’t have ductwork, you will need to have it installed. 

Ductless Mini-Split System

Another common type of air conditioning used in homes are known as ductless, mini split-system air conditioners (mini splits). These applications are great choices for smaller homes and apartments where installing ductwork is not feasible. Instead, it uses an individual fan and evaporator unit for each room it will be installed in. 

These units are a bit quieter, energy efficient, and more adaptable than traditional central air systems. 

Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split System 

  • Small size & flexible which allows homeowners to create zones of comfort within their home. 
  • Energy efficient which means far less electricity used compared to an old school window unit. 
  • Quieter which means much less ambient noise compared to central air or window units. 

Disadvantages of Ductless Mini-Split System 

  • Ductless systems are a bit costly when you analyze the BTU per hour performance compared to central air systems. 
  • There must be a place to drain the water near the outdoor unit
  • Some homeowners do not like the appearance of the Ductless system. 
  • Cooling capabilities are limited and not a good choice for larger homes. 

What Air Conditioning System Is Best For My Home? 

Based on the information above and the size of your home, you should be able to make an easy decision on whether you need central air or a ductless mini-split system. There are both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to both A/C systems. Carefully considering your circumstances will let you know which system to go with.

In simple words, a ductless mini-split system can be a great choice for homes that are smaller in size and don’t have ductwork. For bigger homes that do have ductwork, central air conditioning may be the better option.

For more information on HVAC systems and what options are available to you, contact Semper Solaris today and one of our experienced