To find out more about a ductless mini-split in McMinnville, speak to our heating and cooling team at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing. We’re here to help with all of your cooling needs.
In addition to ductless solutions, we also offer professional AC repair, thermostat services, indoor air quality services, AC maintenance, and AC installation in McMinnville, OR. We have all your home comfort needs covered!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a ductless mini-split is right for my home?
Choosing an HVAC solution can be tough, but ductless mini-splits are right for a wide range of situations. They’re especially ideal if your home doesn’t have existing ductwork or if you have specific areas that need better cooling/heating (like an upstairs bonus room, a new addition, or a sunroom). If you’re looking for high efficiency and zone-by-zone control, a mini-split is a great choice. Many McMinnville homeowners opt for ductless systems to supplement their central HVAC as well – for example, adding a mini-split to a master bedroom or garage workshop for extra comfort. A consultation with our Woodward Heating team can help determine the perfect setup for your home’s size, layout, and insulation conditions. We’ll assess your needs and let you know if ductless is the best solution (in most cases, it is a very versatile option!).
Will a ductless mini-split also heat my house during winter?
Yes, if you choose a ductless heat pump mini-split (as opposed to a cooling-only model), it will provide heating in the colder months. Heat pump mini-splits are very popular in Oregon because they deliver both functions. Even when outdoor temperatures drop, modern mini-splits can extract heat from the outside air and bring it indoors to warm your space. McMinnville winters can be damp and chilly, but a properly sized ductless heat pump is up to the task – often efficiently heating down to outdoor temperatures in the 20s (°F) or even below. This means you get year-round use: cool comfort in summer and cozy warmth in winter, all from the same system.
How long do ductless mini-split systems last?
Ductless mini-split systems are known for their longevity. On average, with proper maintenance, you can expect a mini-split to last about 15–20 years. This is comparable to or even longer than many traditional central AC units. The key to a long life is regular upkeep – cleaning filters, keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris, and getting annual professional maintenance. Fortunately, mini-splits have fewer moving parts under strain (no big blower moving air through ducts, for example), so they often experience less wear and tear. Woodward Heating’s team will help ensure your system stays in top shape throughout its life, so you can enjoy reliable comfort for decades.
Do I need any ductwork or vents for a ductless installation?
No ducts are needed at all – that’s the beauty of a “ductless” system! Each indoor unit delivers air directly into the room it’s in, so we don’t have to install any ductwork or use your existing vents (if you have them, they remain unused by the mini-split). The only alteration to your home is a small 3-inch opening in the wall for the conduit line. This line connects the indoor unit to the outdoor unit and carries the refrigerant, power, and communication wiring. Because there’s no ductwork, installations are faster and there’s zero energy loss from ducts. Your walls and ceilings stay intact, and you won’t see any big construction projects in your home. This makes ductless systems a very clean installation and a great option for older or finished homes where adding ducts would be disruptive.
What do I need to do to maintain my ductless mini-split?
Maintenance is simple and not time-consuming. As a homeowner, the main thing you should do is clean the filters on your indoor units regularly – typically once a month or every couple of months. It’s usually as easy as popping open the front panel, sliding out the filter, and either washing it or vacuuming off the dust, then letting it dry (if washed) and reinstalling it. Also, keep the area around your outdoor condenser unit clear of leaves, dirt, or debris so it has good airflow. Beyond those basics, an annual check-up by a professional technician is highly recommended. During a yearly service, our Woodward Heating tech will deep-clean the coils, check the refrigerant level, test electrical components, and ensure everything is running efficiently. This annual tune-up keeps your warranty intact (if applicable) and prevents small issues from turning into big problems. Overall, taking care of a ductless system is straightforward – and our team is always here to help with any maintenance or repairs to keep your mini-split performing its best.