Introduction to the Mini-Split System
Hello and welcome to today’s video where we are going to talk about the mini-split system installed in a new construction house, covering 720 square feet. This is an absolutely ductless system, meaning there’ll be no ductwork, and one of the three cassettes serves the house. To get straight to the point, the price of this system is $6,225. For comparison, a traditional system with ductwork would cost approximately $4,500, which is the usual price paid for homes in the past. However, this time a mini-split system was chosen, resulting in slightly higher costs. As for the final result, there are mixed feelings, but let’s discuss the details of the system and the installation process.
Installation Details and Pricing
Some aspects of the installation didn’t sit right, such as the installers pinching themselves in a corner. They installed everything in a tight corner, making it difficult to work with in the future. On the exterior of the house, the appearance of the installation isn’t too appealing either. The installers chopped a hole in the wall using a sawzall, resulting in damaged trim instead of making a neat, round hole. Clearly, the craftsmanship of this job wasn’t impressive.
Despite the installation leaving much to be desired, the mini-split system has a SEER rating of 19, which is very good. Its BTU rating seemed a bit high on the paperwork but will be ironed out upon review with the company owner.
Why Choose a Mini-Split System?
One of the main benefits of a mini-split system is that your utility bills are significantly lower because the system is more efficient. You can heat and cool individual rooms, allowing you to control the temperature of each area of the house separately. This means that you don’t have to heat or cool the entire house to the same temperature, making the system more efficient and ultimately leading to lower utility bills.
The decision to switch from PVC pipes to a mini-split system added some interesting aspects to the job, but ultimately, this change means that the system will be more efficient in the long run.
Other Work Done During the Installation Period
During the installation process, other work was also being done, such as plumbing. The plumbers were fantastic to work with and did a great job in installing the required appliances for the house. The master bedroom unit of the mini-split system blows air on all four sides, which helps to improve the overall efficiency of the system.
Curiously, there were also some instances where the brooms appeared to be standing on their own during the installation process, adding a touch of witchcraft to the entire project.
Insulation and Future Work
In the next episode, the focus will shift to insulation, with R-15 insulation used in the walls and R-38 insulation installed in the ceilings and rafters. This will help to make the house nice and energy-efficient, backed up by the efficient mini-split system that’s being installed as well.
As the project progresses, more work will be done to ensure that the new house is as good as it can possibly be. The electricians continue to make fantastic progress, with clean and tidy work being the norm. With energy efficiency and proper insulation prioritized, the house is shaping up to be a great place to live.
Conclusion
Despite some hiccups with the installation process, the mini-split system still promises to offer excellent energy-efficient heating and cooling options for the house. By moving away from traditional ductwork systems and focusing on a more modular approach to heating and cooling, homeowners can expect to see lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment.
So, if you’re considering an upgrade to your heating and cooling system, it might be worth looking into a ductless, mini-split system. While it may come with an initially higher price tag, the savings on utility bills and the added convenience of customized temperature control in each room make it an investment worth considering.
Stay tuned for the next episode on insulation, and be prepared to see even more progress as the new house starts coming together. Take care, and we’ll see you in the next episode!