Should a Mini Split Run All the Time?

 

A ductless, mini-split system operates differently from a centralized heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system. Most centralized systems rely on the presence of air ducts in place, connected to a furnace, usually gas burning. The heated air then moves through the ducts to every room in a home. For cooling, an additional air conditioner is added, with a condenser unit outside the home that uses the same ductwork to distribute cool air.

A mini-split, ductless system, does away with vents. The mini-split units are installed in specific rooms or regions of a space. Since mini-splits don’t operate with a duct network, many people wonder if a mini-split needs to run longer or even all the time, compared to a centralized HVAC system.

More Time, Better Efficiency

Central systems are designed to heat air to much higher temperatures, between 130 and 140 °F. It “blasts” heat into every room where there’s a duct. Mini-splits heat air between 85 and 95 °F and then disperse that into any area that requires it, based on the assessment of an HVAC expert on where to place the units for maximum efficiency and your settings.

A mini-split system may run longer than what people are used to with a central system. However, mini-splits are also 30% more efficient in their operation than central systems, so despite running longer, they use less energy. In central systems, some heat is invariably lost “in the ducts” as air travels from the furnace, through ducts, to the different vents. Mini-splits eliminate this deficiency.

Why Do Mini Splits Run All the Time?

A mini split that runs all the time is not broken but it’s supposed to do so because it is more energy-efficient. Traditionally, air conditioners shut off when they reach the set temperature. Then, they start to run again when the temperature drop. On the other hand, most mini splits never shut off because they are equipped with inverter technology. Mini splits with inverter technology never stop operate until you turn them off. They always run at a percentage of their capacity based on how much cooling is needed for your house or room. These mini splits are often called inverter mini splits.

More Comfortable

Because mini splits that run constantly are able to regulate their capacity, they are capable of maintaining a steady room temperature which creates a more comfortable environment for your house or room.

Conventional start/stop air conditioners often cool a room too much before they stop running. Afterward, the room may get too warm before they start running again. Such a cooling cycle often makes us feel an obvious temperature fluctuation which is not very comfortable especially when we sleep. We may be woke by the significant temperature rise.

On the other hand, mini splits that run constantly start cooling a room with their full capacity. When the room reaches the set temperature, they reduce their cooling to a level just enough to maintain the desired room temperature. Thus, we won’t experience any temperature fluctuation and feel more comfortable.

Do Constantly-Running Mini Splits Consume More Electricity?

Mini splits that run constantly do not consume more electricity. In fact, they save 58% energy compared to mini splits that do start and stop. The energy efficiency of a start/stop mini split usually is 10 SEER while a mini split that runs constantly is mostly above 20 SEER. The higher the SEER, the better the energy efficiency of the mini split.