Top Considerations When Installing a Ductless Mini-Split A/C or Electric Heat Pump
If you’re thinking about investing in a ductless mini-split air conditioning system or electric heat pump in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut, you want to choose the best HVAC provider for the job! So how can you make sure you find the right fit? We’ve put together a checklist of questions to ask when you start talking with an energy provider about installing a ductless mini-split air conditioning system or electric heat pump.
Related Post: Using Ductless Heat Pumps to Cool & Heat Your Home in MA or CT
Questions to Ask When You’re Thinking about Ductless Air Conditioning
1. How does a ductless mini-split heat pump work?
First and foremost, if you aren’t familiar with ductless mini-split air conditioning, ask plan and simple: how does this work? The A/C provider that you’re working with should be able to give you a quick rundown of how ductless mini-split A/C systems use one outdoor unit and one or more indoor units to provide zoned cooling in the home.
2. What ductless mini-split brands do you carry?
Find out what brands they carry so that you can do a little more research on the side. You want to choose an equipment manufacturer with a good reputation for longevity and learn more about their products and warranties.
3. Will a ductless mini-split A/C work for the layout of my home?
Explain the layout of your property, if you have an open concept layout or rooms that are more divided. Sharing this information will help your consultant determine what size system would be best and how many units you’ll need based on your cooling preferences.
4. How many indoor units will I need?
Once you get the gist of how a ductless mini-split air conditioner works you can talk with your air conditioning consultant about what setup would be best for your home. If you have a small space or are looking to add A/C to just one room in the house, you’ll probably only need one interior unit. If you’re looking for whole-home cooling, multiple units may be recommended.
5. Can I add a ductless mini-split system even if my home has heating ductwork?
This is a great question to ask! While it’s true that ductless mini-split A/C systems are the best solution for homes without ductwork, they can also be a great choice for homes with ductwork as well. Choosing a ductless mini-split system over central air conditioning can come down to preference, cost, and convenience.
6. Can I use my ductless mini-split for supplementary heat?
One great benefit of using a ductless mini-split air conditioner to cool your home is that some models include a supplementary electric heat pump feature. You can use the heat feature on chilly nights or when the seasons start to change so that you can warm up your space without having to switch on your boiler or furnace.
7. Have you installed a lot of these systems in my area?
You want to work with a provider that knows your area and has installed systems for your neighbors. Get a feel for where they do business and if they have a credible reputation.
8. Do you have any customer testimonials I could see?
Speaking of credible reputation, ask if they can point you toward some customer reviews. Whether they are on Google, Facebook, or their website, reading over some reviews from other customers that have installed ductless air conditioning with this company is a good point of reference for their quality of work. You’ll get insider information on extra aspects of the process, like if their installation techs are friendly and how they work in the home.
9. Do you have any information about rebates or financing opportunities?
This is one question you don’t want to skip! There are many programs that offer significant rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient ductless mini-splits. You’ll be able to find out what you can get back on your investment and also learn about financing options to help make upfront costs more manageable.
10. Does your company maintain or repair ductless mini-split air conditioners?
Your future self will thank you for asking this question now. Finding a good HVAC company to install your ductless mini-split air conditioning system is great, but finding one that can also take care of it for you down the road is even better. A full-service A/C provider will be able to help maintain your equipment and be available to service your system if you ever run into a problem.
Talk with the Experts about Adding a Ductless Mini-Split to Your Home
FSi Oil and Propane is proud to be the leading full-service HVAC provider in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. We install ductless mini-split systems from the best brands on the market. Contact us to talk with our experienced customer service team to find out if a ductless mini-split is the right choice for your home!