Guide to Mini-Split Air Conditioners: What They Are and How They Cool

The majority of homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than providing conditioned air to the total residence through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one room at a time. This allows more targeted temperature control, increasing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits are most like heat pumps in the way they operate. Both styles of equipment provide electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to draw out heat from in a building and exhausting that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to run backward, warming your house in the winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside.

The biggest difference between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t require ductwork. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which is installed on the wall or ceiling in the room you wish to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line connect to an outdoor condensing unit through a little conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

More than one indoor unit can work off of one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full house with this system if desired. This arrangement also makes zoning feasible, an extremely desirable feature that lets you choose when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct spaces.

Is a Ductless Mini-Split the Best Choice for My Residence?

Mini-splits are a good option for many households. Consider these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split might be a wise choise for your needs:

• • You can heat and cool a complete house that lacks existing ductwork.

• • You can turn off the heat and air conditioning in unused rooms to save on your heating and cooling costs.

• • Mini-splits provide supplementary heating and cooling for spaces that are difficult to keep cozy.

• • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or sunroom without the expense of installing ductwork or the annoyance of relying on window AC units.

• • Mini split systems are the ideal choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.

What are the Advantages of a Mini-Split System?

Ductless mini-splits are extremely efficient systems, but you could still be thinking why you would want to select it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of the U.S. homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

• • Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through cracked air ducts on its way to all rooms. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Along with that, if your residence doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and cost that comes with adding them.

• • Find the ideal temp for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency.

• • Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling unused areas: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, straining the equipment and negating any potential savings. But with individual air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool particular areas only when you need them.

Depend on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to Add Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

The same as traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require careful sizing and Expert installation to ensure the best performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in the U.S. can help you decide if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then assist with finding the correct equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

For extra information, or to get an appointment, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at . You can also schedule an appointment online.