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

Many homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of providing conditioned air to the total residence with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This provides more direct temperature control, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. 

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work? 

Mini-splits are most similar to heat pumps in the way they operate. Both styles of equipment provide electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from inside a building and exhausting that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to operate backward, adding warmth to your residence in the winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside. 

The main contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t have to have 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 join to an outdoor condensing unit through a little conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks similar to an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

Several indoor units can connect to an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your entire home with this system if wanted. This configuration also makes zoning feasible, an extremely attractive feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool individual areas. 

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

Mini-splits are a great solution for many households. Think about these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split may be a smart choice for you: 

• You can heat and cool an entire residence that doesn’t have existing ductwork. 
• You’ll be able to switch off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied rooms to save on your energy costs. 

• Mini-splits give supplementary heating and cooling for rooms that are difficult to keep comfortable. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed porch without the expense of adding ductwork or the inconvenience of relying on window AC units. 
• Mini-splits are the perfect choice for spaces where traditional ducts 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 capable systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more the U.S. homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through leaky air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Along with that, if your home doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the hassle and price associated with putting them in. 
• Select the best temperature for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while optimizing energy efficiency. 
• Save money and energy by not heating and cooling unused areas: Closing supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, putting stress on the equipment and invalidating any likely savings. But with individual air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool specific spaces only when you need them. 

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

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

For added information, or to get an appointment, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 866-397-3787. You can also schedule an appointment online.