Mini-splits
Mini-splits for the rooms ducts never served
A ductless system is for a space that needs its own cooling — an addition, a home office, a garage apartment, or a room that stayed warm while the rest of the house felt fine.
What we’d tell you first
Plain notes, the way a tech would say them on the phone. Then call or book if you want someone at the house.
- 1
No cool
Look outside. If the condenser is silent, check the breaker and the disconnect next to the unit. If the fan is running and the air at the vent is warm, or the breaker trips again, stop resetting it and call. That is a part, a coil, or a safety switch — not another thermostat click.
- 2
Humidity
A house can hit 74 and still feel wet. Dropping it to 68 just makes it run longer. Note which rooms feel clammy and whether it short-cycles. Airflow, runtime, and the drain come before a dehumidifier or a new system.
- 3
Clogged drain
Water in the air-handler closet, or a system that starts and then dies, is often the condensate line. Shut it off if water is on the floor. A simple clog sometimes clears from the outside pipe. If it comes back this week, the trap or the slope needs a look.
When a mini-split is the cleaner answer
Stretching old ducts into a new wing often wastes money. A properly placed mini-split cools the room you actually use without forcing the whole house system to chase one hot corner.
We talk through head placement, condensate routing, and outdoor unit location — including HOA and sight-line rules common in Boca Pointe, Broken Sound, and Mission Bay.
Process on install day
Confirm wall structure, drain path, and outdoor pad or bracket. Pull a dedicated circuit when the panel can support it. Vacuum, charge per manufacturer, and verify the room reaches comfort without icing.
Application choices
Single-zone for one room. Multi-zone when several additions share an outdoor unit. Not every Boca floor plan wants ductless for the whole house — we will say when central remains the better spine.
Local climate notes
Condensate never stops in this humidity. Exterior line-hide and wet-rated outdoor placement matter after storms. Coastal pads still see salt — rinse and inspection habits apply.
Questions we’d answer on the phone
The short version before anyone is standing in the yard.
Can a mini-split replace my whole system?
Sometimes for smaller homes or deep renovations. Most Boca houses still want a central system for the main floor plan, with ductless for the odd room. We will say which path fits after we see the space.
Do HOAs allow mini-splits?
Many do with placement limits. Share association rules when you book so outdoor equipment and line-hide meet the community standard.