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

Most homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than providing conditioned air to the full home through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This provides more direct temperature control, improving comfort and energy efficiency. 

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work? 

Mini-splits are most like heat pumps in the way they run. Both kinds of equipment offer electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from within a building and discharging that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to run backward, warming your house in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside. 

The largest contrast 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 fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the space you want to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line link 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 link to one outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your total house with this system if wanted. This set-up also makes zoning practical, a very attractive feature that allows you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool individual spaces. 

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

Mini-splits are a good option for most households. Think about these reasons why using a ductless mini-split may be a good choice for your home: 

• You can heat and cool a total house that lacks existing ductwork. 
• You can switch off the heat and air conditioning in unused spaces to save on your utility costs. 

• Mini-splits deliver extra heating and cooling for areas that are hard to keep comfy. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or sunroom without the cost of putting in ductwork or the hassle of having window AC units. 
• Mini splits are the perfect choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be historic homes, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions. 

What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are very efficient systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to choose it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more the U.S. homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through cracked air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Also, if your house doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the annoyance and expense connected to adding them. 
• Choose the ideal temp for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency. 
• Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant spaces: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, putting stress on the equipment and canceling any possible savings. But with individual 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 regular HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need accurate sizing and Expert installation to provide the most efficient performance. Our skilled mini split installers in the U.S. can help you determine if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then help you with determining the precise equipment size and model to make your house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For added info, or to book an appointment, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 866-397-3787. You can also schedule an appointment online.