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

Many homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of delivering conditioned air to the total home via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This provides more targeted temperature control, increasing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they operate. Both models of equipment deliver electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to remove heat from inside a building and discharging that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to work backward, warming your house in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The largest distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t require ductwork. Instead, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which mounts directly to the wall or ceiling in the area you wish to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line link to an outdoor condensing unit through a small conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks similar to an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

More than one indoor unit can work off of one outdoor condenser, permitting you to heat and cool your complete house with this system if wanted. This set-up also makes zoning practical, a very desirable feature that allows you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool specific areas.

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

Mini-splits are a great choice for most households. Think about these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split might be a smart choice for your needs:

• • You can heat and cool a total residence that has no existing ductwork.

• • You’ll be able to turn off the heat and air conditioning in unused areas to save on your heating and cooling expenses.

• • Mini-splits provide added heating and cooling for areas that are tricky to keep comfortable.

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

• • Mini splits are the natural choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples are period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.

What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System?

Ductless mini-splits are extremely capable systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to choose it over a common furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of the U.S. homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

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

• • Choose the right temp for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a warm nursery—all while optimizing energy efficiency.

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

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

As with standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need meticulous sizing and Expert installation to provide the greatest performance. Our experienced mini split installers in the U.S. can help you decide if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then assist with determining the precise equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

For extra details, or to book an appointment, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at . You can also schedule an appointment online.