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How would you like a personalized comfort zone in your home? One where the temperature is customized to your liking and may be different than the temperature in the shared living areas or other rooms in the house. This  flexibility and customization are precisely why mini-split systems, also known as ductless air-source heat pumps, and their energy efficiency aspects are so popular. Let's talk about some mini-split basics and explore whether this type of system is a good fit for your home heating and cooling needs.

A mini-split system is a type of HVAC equipment used for heating and cooling, allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms or spaces. Similar to central heating and cooling, mini-split systems have two main components - an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit(s). A narrow conduit links the indoor unit(s) to the outdoor compressor.

While central heating and cooling systems feature an indoor unit connected by long lengths of ductwork, mini-splits are usually ductless. This means energy is not lost traveling through long stretches of ductwork. Installing the air-handling unit in a desired room enables you to control the temperature more precisely, reducing energy consumption. That's because you're adjusting the temperature to a single room or space instead of the whole home.

Is a mini-split system right for you? Mini-splits are a popular option in home additions, or to supplement heating and cooling in a space that may be furthest away from the main living area. In these instances, it may not be feasible to install or extend the ductwork. These systems are relatively easy to install requiring a small hole for the conduit connecting the indoor and outdoor units. Most systems can handle up to four indoor rooms or zones. Each of the zones can be customized because they include a thermostat that enables you to heat or cool the space as needed, saving energy and money over time.

Cool solutions: Mini-split systems bring additional benefits. They are quiet, improve indoor air quality, and are typically easy to install. Many come with remotes to make temperature control even easier, and because of their smaller size, mini-split systems have many placement options for indoor and outdoor units.

One of the greatest benefits of mini-splits is they typically have a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating that traditional central heating and cooling systems. The higher the unit's SEER rating, the more energy efficient it is.

Additional considerations: According to the Department of Energy, "mini-splits" cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton of cooling capacity. Aesthetics are another factor to consider, as some home-owners don't like the appearance of the indoor units, which are more visible than central air conditioning vents.

If you're considering an upgrade or additional heating and cooling equipment, talk to a qualified technician to learn if a ductless mini-split system could work for your home.

West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) offers rebates to members who install mini-split systems in their homes. This can be a conventional, stick-built home or a manufactured home. The rebates start at $300 per ton for qualifying units. To find out more, visit westflorida.coop or contact the co-op's Energy Services Dept. by calling 800-342-7400.