AMA - Could Mini-split HVAC Systems Have Problems?

Today's episode in another AMA episode - Ask Me Anything. Robin asks...

In one of the previous episodes, you had mentioned about the advantages of using mini-splits in terms of cost savings. I had spoken to an HVAC specialist about this concept, and he mentioned some drawbacks. 

- Any kind of serious maintenance/replacement down the line would require tearing down walls which can be quite expensive. 

- Tenants cooking something greasy and clogging up the outlets. 

- Operational efficiency: In the case of a furnace, tenants are familiar with changing the furnace filters which are quite simple.

- In Canada, the weather can be quite extreme like what he had experienced in January and even using some resistive elements may not generate enough heat inside the units.

Just wondering what are your thoughts regarding these concerns.

Thanks,

Robin