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February 1st, 2024
Is there one part of your home that your HVAC system struggles to heat and cool? Would it be next to impossible to add ductwork right now? Don’t worry – you still have options.
One option is to add a ductless mini-split, which can give you customized control over that specific space.
In this article, we break down the features, benefits, and costs of Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits. We’ll also discuss who may (and who may not) benefit the most from a Trane-Mitsubishi mini-split system.
Why Trane-Mitsubishi Ductless?
Over 130 years ago, Trane established itself as one of the U.S.’s leading innovators in the HVAC industry. Trane has remained an HVAC pioneer since founder James Trane invented the low-pressure heating system in 1885.
Japan-based Mitsubishi developed the ductless mini-split in 1959. Over the last six decades, homeowners and renters across Asia and Europe have relied on Mitsubishi’s ductless mini-splits.
But even though the ductless mini-split made it possible to cool (and even heat!) homes without modifying ductwork, mini-split systems didn’t catch on in the U.S. until recently.
Trane and Mitsubishi recognized the importance of offering high-quality mini-split systems. When the two companies came together in 2018, the result was a sophisticated, high-quality line of ductless mini-splits.
Become an Expert: HVAC Terminology
Before we dive any further into the Trane-Mitsubishi ductless line, let’s go over the HVAC terminology that we use with ductless mini-splits.
To get the most out of this article, you’ll need to know a little about the following:
- Ductless mini-split indoor and outdoor units
- Efficiency ratings for ductless mini-splits
And if you’d like to learn more about ductless mini-splits, check out this article that outlines the benefits and technology mini-splits offer.
Ductless Mini-Split Indoor & Outdoor Units
Like central heat pumps, ductless mini-splits are split systems.
Essentially, this means that a ductless mini-split is made up of two units – one outside unit and one inside unit. (Indoor units are also known as heads.)
These units are connected by tubing that allows refrigerant to move between them. As the refrigerant moves between the indoor and outdoor unit, your system heats or cools your home.
This sets ductless mini-splits apart from window-mounted air conditioners, which only require a single unit. We’ve heard stories of homeowners who attempted to install a Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-split themselves – only to realize that they were missing half of their system!
Ductless mini-splits also require more construction work than window-mounted systems. In order to install a ductless mini-split, an HVAC contractor has to cut a hole in the exterior of your home to connect your indoor and outdoor units.
Installing a ductless mini-split requires technical skills and knowledge. This is why we always recommend leaving mini-split installation to an HVAC contractor.
Efficiency Ratings for Ductless Mini-Splits
Many Trane-Mitsubishi mini-splits can both heat and cool your home. These ductless mini-splits have two efficiency ratings: SEER and HSPF.
A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating describes how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump can cool your home. All ductless mini-splits will have a SEER rating.
A Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating scores how well a heat pump heats your home. Ductless mini-splits that both heat and cool will have an HSPF rating.
In both cases, ductless mini-splits with higher SEER and HSPF ratings are more efficient.
To learn more, check out this article that covers SEER and HSPF ratings more in-depth. Or watch the videos at the beginning and end of this section.
Features of Trane-Mitsubishi Ductless Mini-Splits
The features of Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits set them apart from other ductless systems.
Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits can:
- Evolve with your needs
- Offer precise temperature control for specific areas of your home
- Operate hyper-efficiently and quietly
- Provide advanced filtration
- Offer longer warranties
The Trane-Mitsubishi ductless line offers a range of systems to fit various needs, lifestyles, and budgets. During your in-home estimate, discuss the features you’re interested in.
Features That Evolve with Your Needs
The features that evolve with your needs make Trane-Mitsubishi mini-splits stand out the most.
A majority of central HVAC systems and ductless mini-splits can typically only address the needs you have when you purchase them.
But Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits intuitively adjust to meet your needs. And since ductless mini-split systems can last up to 20 years, these features can be invaluable.
Trane-Mitsubishi ductless features that allow your system to evolve with your needs:
- 3D i-see Sensor: Creates a thermal profile of the room. This helps your mini-split gauge how many people are in the room and adjust its temperature and output.
- Econo Cool: Adjusts the amount of air directed towards occupants.
- Swing mode: Allows your indoor unit to move air throughout the room like an oscillating fan.
- Powerful Mode: Helps heat or cool the room to your set temperature more quickly.
Precise Temperature Control
All ductless mini-split systems can give you more control over the temperature in a specific part or room of your home. But Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits take temperature control a step further.
Many of the features we discussed in the previous section offer precise temperature control. But Trane-Mitsubishi ductless systems also use inverter technology.
Trane-Mitsubishi inverter technology has a few benefits, including:
- Precisely controls temperature
- More quickly heats and cools spaces to a set temperature
- Regulates energy usage
- Reduces energy consumption as much as 40% each year
- Only uses the amount of power necessary to heat or cool the space
Trane-Mitsubishi ductless systems also give you a range of options to control the temperature of your space. These options include wall-mounted thermostats, handheld controllers, and smartphone apps.
Hyper-Efficiency
Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits can get up to 33 SEER and 13.5 HSPF. That’s over 50% more efficient than many top-of-the-line central heat pumps. (The Trane-Mitsubishi ductless line does include a mini-split that’s 16 SEER and 9 HSPF.)
As with any HVAC system, how much money a higher-efficiency system can save you on energy depends on how you use your system.
High-efficiency ductless systems may be able to save you money on energy if:
- You frequently run your system
- You keep your home really warm during the winter and/or really cold during the summer
Features like Pro Heat Plus also allow Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits to continue heating when outside temperatures drop. Trane-Mitsubishi mini-splits can continue heating into outside temperatures as cold as -5 degrees.
On average, traditional central heat pump systems can only heat until temperatures outside drop to 35 degrees. When temperatures drop below 35 degrees, a central heat pump system will switch to auxiliary heat. This can increase your electricity bills if you have colder winters.
Since Trane-Mitsubishi ductless systems heat into colder weather, you can save money on energy costs and additional equipment.
Advanced Filtration System
Unlike window-mounted systems, Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits feature advanced filtration systems.
Depending on the model you choose, your mini-split may also be able to kill bacteria, alleviate allergies, and eliminate odors.
Many Trane-Mitsubishi ductless systems include the following:
- Nano-platinum filter: This filter kills bacteria and removes odors from the air with nanometer-sized platinum-ceramic particles.
- Electro-static enzyme anti-allergy filter: This filter uses static electricity to capture dust, mold, and bacteria. It then breaks these particulates down with enzymes.
Longer Warranty
When installed by an HVAC contractor, Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits have 10-year parts and compressor warranties.
But when a certified contractor installs your Trane-Mitsubishi mini-split, you receive 12-year parts and compressor warranties for a majority of models.
Fire & Ice is the only Ductless Pro contractor in the Columbus, Ohio area. To find a Ductless Pro contractor near you, check out Mitsubishi’s contractor locator page.
Other Trane-Mitsubishi Ductless Options
Trane-Mitsubishi ductless systems also offer more options for the location of your indoor unit.
The Trane-Mitsubishi ductless line offers three options:
- Wall-mounted indoor heads are installed at eye level or higher. Wall-mounted indoor heads are the most popular option.
- Floor-mounted indoor heads are installed on the lower portion of a wall.
- Ceiling-mounted indoor heads are typically flush with the ceiling in residential homes. Ceiling-mounted indoor heads can be a more subtle option.
How Much Does a Trane-Mitsubishi Ductless Mini-Split Cost?
In general, Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-split systems can cost between $5,500 - $9,900 for a single zone. This includes the cost of equipment, labor, and permits.
The cost of a Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-split depends on the model, the number of heads, and the size of the area (or areas) you’re heating or cooling.
Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits tend to cost more upfront than other brands’ mini-split options. But Trane-Mitsubishi mini-splits also offer the most quality and the most advanced technology available today.
But whether or not a Trane-Mitsubishi mini-split is a good investment for you depends on your comfort concerns. (We’ll talk a little about who could benefit the most from a Trane-Mitsubishi mini-split in the next section.)
To learn more, check out the video below or this article that breaks down the general price range for ductless mini-splits.
For more information, schedule an in-home estimate with your HVAC partner. Once your HVAC partner completes a load calculation, they should be able to provide a more accurate cost estimate.
Who’s a Good Fit for a Trane-Mitsubishi Ductless Mini-Split?
Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits can be a good fit for homeowners who want a quality system that will last. The Trane-Mitsubishi ductless line offers a range of options. But many do include the most sophisticated mini-split technology available today.
Because of this, Trane-Mitsubishi ductless systems may not fit all budgets, especially if you need to heat or cool multiple rooms or spaces in your home.
In general, a ductless mini-split system offers more temperature control over a space that’s difficult to heat or cool. Ductless mini-splits can also be a more cost-effective solution if your home doesn’t currently have adequate ductwork for a central HVAC system.
But if you have comfort concerns throughout your home, a ductless mini-split system will not be able to help unless you install indoor heads in every room. In these cases, a central HVAC system may be a better solution for your home.
To weigh the pros and cons, check out this article that breaks down the benefits and drawbacks of central HVAC systems and ductless mini-splits.
Take Back Your Space
A Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-split system can help you reclaim the spaces of your home that change with the seasons.
If you live in Central Ohio and you want to take back your home with a Trane-Mitsubishi ductless mini-split, we’d love to help!
At Fire & Ice, we take the time to understand your needs. And as Columbus’s only Ductless Pro contractor, we’re certified to install Trane-Mitsubishi ductless.
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