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

The majority of homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than delivering conditioned air to the total home with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This allows more targeted temperature control, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits are most similar to heat pumps in the way they run. Both kinds of equipment provide electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to extract heat from inside a building and issuing that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to operate backward, adding warmth to your house in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The main contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t have to have 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 narrow 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, permitting you to heat and cool your entire residence with this system if if you want. This configuration also makes zoning practical, a very desirable feature that permits you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool individual rooms.

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My Residence?

Mini-splits are a fantastic solution for most households. Think over these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split might be right for you:

• • You can heat and cool an entire residence that doesn’t have existing ductwork.

• • You can turn off the heat and air conditioning in unused rooms to save on your utility costs.

• • Mini-splits provide supplementary heating and cooling for areas that are difficult to keep cozy.

• • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed porch without the cost of putting in ductwork or the hassle of having window AC units.

• • Mini split systems are the ideal choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples are 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 highly capable systems, but you may still be wondering why you would want to install it over a common furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more the U.S. homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

• • Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through leaky air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Plus, if your house doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the hassle and expense that comes with adding them.

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

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

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

Much like common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need meticulous sizing and Expert installation to deliver the best performance. Our skilled mini split installers in the U.S. can help you determine if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then help you with figuring out the exact equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

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