All About Mini-Split Air Conditioners: What They Are and How They Cool

Most homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of providing conditioned air to the complete residence via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone 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 cool. Both models of equipment deliver electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from in a building and issuing that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to operate backward, warming your residence in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside.

The biggest distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need ductwork. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which mounts directly to the wall or ceiling in the space you are looking to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line join to an outdoor condensing unit through a little conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can connect to one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full residence with this system if desired. This configuration also makes zoning feasible, a highly popular feature that lets you determine when, where and how much you heat and cool individual areas.

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

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

• • You can heat and cool a complete home that has no existing ductwork.

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

• • Mini-splits deliver added heating and cooling for rooms that are difficult to keep cozy.

• • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed patio without the expense of installing ductwork or the inconvenience of having window AC units.

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

What are the Benefits of a Mini-Split System?

Ductless mini-splits are highly capable systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to install it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more the U.S. homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

• • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through cracked air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Plus, if your house doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the annoyance and expense connected to adding them.

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

• • Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant areas: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting strain on the equipment and invalidating any potential savings. But with detached air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool particular areas only when you need them.

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

The same as standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits call for careful sizing and Expert installation to deliver the greatest performance. Our experienced mini split installers in the U.S. can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then support you with determining the precise equipment size and model to make your house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

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