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

August 18, 2017

Many homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of giving conditioned air to the entire home with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This allows more direct 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 cool. Both types of equipment deliver electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to extract heat from in a building and issuing that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to operate backward, warming your residence in the winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The largest contrast 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 want to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line connect to an outdoor condensing unit through a narrow conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

More than one indoor unit can connect to an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your total house with this system if if you want. This set-up also makes zoning possible, an extremely desirable feature that allows you to determine when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct areas.

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Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My House?

Mini-splits are a great choice for the majority of households. Consider these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split may be right for you:

  • You can heat and cool an entire home that lacks existing ductwork.
  • You can shut off the heat and air conditioning in empty rooms to save on your utility expenses.
  • Mini-splits provide added heating and cooling for spaces that are difficult to keep cozy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed patio without the hassle of installing ductwork or the inconvenience of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini-splits are the natural choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples might be period homes, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Advantages of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are very effective systems, but you might still be thinking why you would want to choose it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of Ravenna homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through leaky air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Also, if your residence doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the hassle and expense connected to installing them.
    • Choose the ideal setting for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency.
    • Save money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant rooms: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting strain on the equipment and canceling any likely savings. But with individual air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool specific areas only when you need them.

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

    The same as standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require meticulous sizing and Expert installation to ensure the most efficient performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Ravenna can help you decide if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then help you with figuring out the precise equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For more details, or to book an appointment, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 330-236-4793. You can also schedule an appointment online.