Blog Post

Mini-Splits vs. Central Air Conditioner: What is the right one for you?

Dustin Edwards • Sep 07, 2023

Southern California has some of the most ideal weather in the entire country. However, there are days when it becomes uncomfortably hot. For this reason, most rentals are equipped with some form of climate control. While some landlords opt to provide a window unit, these could be more efficient at cooling the whole rental. Ideally, a landlord should provide tenants with a proper core system for their cooling needs. 


Many tenants dealing with southern California’s heat prefer something more efficient. Two forms of cooling include the use of a Mini-split unit or Central Cooling.


In today’s article, we will go over the benefits of each and help you understand the better cooling solution for your rental property.


Mini-Split Unit

Mini-splits are also called ductless heating. It's a climate control system that doesn't require ducts and vents to be installed throughout the home. The system is split into two parts: the compressing unit, installed outdoors, and a separate indoor unit where the cold air comes out, hence the moniker of a “mini-split.”


Because a mini-split does not require ducts, they tend to be more efficient as there is no heat transferring through ductwork compared to a traditional central air conditioning system. Another benefit of a mini-split unit is its all-in-one system, allowing it to be incredibly versatile.


One of the disadvantages of a mini-split system is the initial cost can be higher than that of central cooling. This may sound counterintuitive because a mini-split unit is smaller and more efficient. However, if a home already has ducting work done, a mini-split will frequently cost more to install. A mini-split can also be a bit of an eyesore to some. The indoor unit is usually bulky and installed in awkward areas that can bother some tenants, as well as the lines required to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Sometimes, the lines are installed in areas that aren’t aesthetically pleasing, like a prominent side of the home or on the rooftop.


Central Air Conditioning

Central A/C is a system in which atmospheric air is cooled in a central location and distributed through the home via air ducts and vents. Central A/C has an outdoor unit like a mini-split, meaning it’s as quiet as a mini-split.


It's a common misconception that replacing a central A/C unit with a mini-split is cheaper. This isn’t true. The most significant expense for central A/C is the labor involved with installing said ducts. If the home already has the duct work complete, it's unlikely to be cost-effective to switch.


The air ducts may lose cooling efficiency due to heat transfer in the home. Nevertheless, those ducts also provide several benefits. Options for filtration with central A/C are far more resilient and efficient when compared to mini-splits. Because of this, some tenants consider central A/C preferable, especially those who worry about air quality.


Unfortunately, there are more long-term expenses for central A/C, such as an increased electrical bill and duct
maintenance. Maintenance should be done regularly to the ductwork, as major repairs can come with a significant price tag. If this becomes the case, consider switching to a mini-split system altogether.


Both central A/C and mini-split have many similarities and are often interchangeable when tenants seek a comfortable rental. Ultimately, your solution will vary based on how your rental is designed and built. If you are interested in installing a central A/C or mini-split system or are unsure if it’s worth switching from one to the other, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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