Mini splits are showing up everywhere lately. Buyers in Geneseo, Conesus Lake, Livonia, Avon, Lima, Honeoye Falls, and Honeoye Lake are asking about them at showings, and more homeowners are using them to replace or supplement their central air systems. But are they worth the hype and are they really the future of home comfort?

What is a Mini Split?

A mini split is a ductless heating and cooling system that connects an outdoor compressor to one or more indoor air-handling units. Instead of pushing air through ducts, each unit directly heats or cools the room it is in.

They are ideal for older homes, additions, or cottages around Conesus Lake or Honeoye Lake, where running new ductwork is not practical.

Pros of Mini Splits

  • Energy efficient: no duct losses, which can waste 20–30 percent of energy in traditional systems

  • Zoned control: heat or cool specific rooms instead of the entire house

  • Flexible installation: great for homes or additions without existing ducts

  • Year-round comfort: most units heat and cool, making them a four-season solution

  • Quiet: far quieter than central blowers or window units

Cons of Mini Splits

  • Higher upfront cost than window units or replacing an existing furnace

  • Appearance: indoor wall or ceiling units are visible

  • Maintenance: filters need to be cleaned regularly

  • Multiple units: larger homes, like some Colonials in Avon or Lima, may require several heads

Mini Splits vs Central Air

  • Efficiency: mini splits usually win due to lack of duct losses

  • Coverage: central air is better for even, whole-home cooling from one thermostat

  • Cost: if you already have ductwork, central air can be cheaper. If not, mini splits often make more sense for many Geneseo and Conesus Lake homes

Mini Splits vs Window Units

  • Comfort and noise: mini splits are quieter and more consistent

  • Air quality: better humidity control and fewer allergens

  • Aesthetics: no blocked windows or dripping condensate

  • Value: window units cost less up front, but mini splits save more long-term

Ceiling Fans and CFM – Why They Still Matter

Even with a great mini split, ceiling fans are essential. They help circulate air, prevent hot and cold spots, and make your home feel more comfortable without constantly adjusting the thermostat.

CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures how much air a fan moves.

  • Standard ceiling fans: 4,000 to 5,000 CFM, good for most bedrooms

  • High CFM fans: 6,000+ CFM, ideal for open layouts, vaulted ceilings, or lakefront great rooms

A high-CFM fan keeps air moving evenly, helping your mini split perform more efficiently and reducing the need to crank the temperature up or down.

Are Mini Splits “Future Proof”?

Yes, but with a caveat. Mini splits are electric, energy-efficient, and align with the move toward cleaner energy. They reduce dependence on propane, oil, or gas, and they can easily pair with solar systems.

That said, not everyone wants to go all-in on electric. Some homeowners are cautious about relying solely on electricity and prefer having backup options like propane, a wood stove, or a small furnace.

For those who are hesitant, especially in rural parts of Livonia or Lima where outages are possible, a hybrid setup can be the best of both worlds. Mini splits can handle most of your needs efficiently, with a secondary system ready as backup.

And That’s the Bottom Line

Mini splits have earned their popularity. They are efficient, quiet, versatile, and well-suited to homes throughout Geneseo, Conesus Lake, Livonia, Avon, Lima, Honeoye Falls, and Honeoye Lake. Whether you are updating a historic home, improving comfort at a lake house, or planning a long-term investment in efficiency, mini splits are worth serious consideration. Just make sure you balance innovation with practicality for your home and lifestyle.