You do not need a ductless unit in every room of your home. However, a single wall-mounted ductless unit can only cool one room or unobstructed zone (with good airflow). Thus, most Red Deer homeowners opt to install a wall-mounted mini split AC unit in each main living space they want to keep cool.

Keep in mind that one outdoor ductless condenser unit can support multiple (up to four) indoor units. Thus, one outdoor unit and four indoor units would cool four rooms.

Not sure how many ductless mini split air conditioner units you need or where they should be located? The ductless air conditioner installation experts at Plumber in Red Deer can help. Our professional HVAC technicians will help you decide how many indoor units you need, where to install them, and what size and model of mini split AC will work best for your Red Deer home.

Typically, a mini split AC does not use a lot of electricity. Ductless air conditioners can use anywhere from 0.30 to 4+ kWh (kiloWatt-hours) of power per hour. That said, the amount of electricity your ductless mini split air conditioner will use depends on several factors, including:

• Outdoor temperature vs. desired indoor temperature – the greater the difference between the outdoor and desired indoor temperature, the more electricity your mini split AC will use. 
• BTU rating (i.e. the size of the unit) – generally, the higher the BTU, the more energy the unit will consume. 
• Unit efficiency – the higher the efficiency rating, the less electricity the ductless mini split air conditioner will use. 
• Zone size – the larger the area, the more electricity your system will need to cool it. 
• Insulation in your home – if your home has good insulation, your mini split AC will require less energy to reach and maintain your desired indoor temperature. 
• Usage – the more you use the system, the more energy it will consume.

Although mini split ACs have numerous advantages, there are also several disadvantages of ductless air conditioners that homeowners must consider.

The main disadvantages of ductless air conditioning include:

• Initial cost – the cost to install a ductless mini split air conditioner is similar to that of a forced air system and much more expensive than a portable AC.
• Aesthetics – with a ductless air conditioner, the indoor evaporator unit is mounted to a wall or ceiling. Some homeowners do not like this aesthetic and prefer a more inconspicuous central air conditioning system.
• Regular maintenance – like a forced air system, a mini split AC requires routine maintenance. For example, the filter of each interior evaporator unit should be cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks (or more frequently if you smoke or have pets).
• Risk of leaking – Due to the indoor condenser being mounted on the wall inside your home, there is always a possibility of leaks. Regular maintenance should help prevent this, but there have been instances where tenants or homeowners neglected proper maintenance, resulting in leaks that damaged walls, decor, and other belongings.

Ductless air conditioners offer reliable and efficient cooling – so installing a mini split AC is worth it for many Edmonton homeowners. That said, a ductless mini split air conditioner is not worth it for every home.

Here are some situations in which a ductless air conditioner is worth it:

• Efficiency is your top priority.
• You want to lower your monthly energy bills.
• You live in an apartment or condo.
• You are adding an addition to your home (e.g. suite, bonus room, sunroom, etc.).
• You want to control the temperature in each room separately.
• You need to cool a room with temperature issues (e.g. a room with large, south-facing windows).
• You want to install AC in a house that has no existing ductwork.

As long as a ductless air conditioner is properly installed and adequately maintained, it will last approximately 10 to 15 years or more. Thus, ductless mini split ACs have about the same lifespan as traditional forced air systems.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mini split AC system lasts as long as possible.

• Have a professional ductless air conditioner installation company install your mini split AC.
• Schedule routine ductless AC maintenance with a local HVAC company.
• Address ductless mini split air conditioner repairs promptly.
• Regularly clean the filters in your mini split AC units.