Are Mini-Split Air Conditioners Safe?
Are you looking for a way to cool a home addition or perhaps an area of the home like a workshop or garage that doesn't have central air access? For example, you may have a home that doesn't have ductwork, which means that to add central air, you would need to pull down the walls to start over. That's expensive. This is where mini-split air conditioners may help.
As noted by Service Experts, mini-split air conditioners are like heat pumps in the way they work. They create cool air using electricity. Hot air moves over coils that have refrigerant running through them, which helps to draw out the heat, creating cooled air. These systems don't require ductwork, which means they could be very simple to install even in an older home or an area that's quite large.
Yet, they may not seem safe. Could someone break into the home through these openings? Is there a risk of gas leaks that could expose the family to concerns? Here's what you need to know about mini-split air conditioner safety.
There's no carbon monoxide risk
One of the most common concerns for homeowners installing a mini-split air conditioner is that there is a carbon monoxide risk. This toxic gas occurs when combustion takes place, especially within a smaller or enclosed area. This could happen in an air conditioner with ductwork. However, that's not a concern with a mini-split.
There's no ductwork to create that small, enclosed space needed for this to happen. For that reason, a mini-split creates no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, says PowerSave AC. The same applies to natural gas leaks. This is another gas that could build up in the home and create a high risk for health complications. Natural gas leaking into a living space can happen if there's no ventilation or a valve is open. Mini-split air conditioners do not use natural gas but instead run on electricity, which makes them a super reliable solution that does not create a gas leak risk.
No intruder risk to worry about
A mini-split air conditioner runs through a hole created in a wall to allow small lines to run to the condenser outside. For some property owners, that can seem like a risk. Could someone break into the home?
The chances are very good of that not happening. Unlike a window air conditioner, mini-split systems do not have large openings. According to Attainable Home, they require a 2- to 3-inch hole to allow the lines to run into the home. That means there is no structural or other damage to the property. This area is properly secured and closed off to minimize any pests getting in as well.
Overall, mini-split air conditioners create no additional safety risk to homeowners than central air conditioners. Like all other systems, to work properly, they require maintenance, especially to remove mold growth risks and ensure air quality. For those thinking about installing one, they can be a very reliable solution overall.