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

August 18, 2017

Most homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. In place of delivering conditioned air to the entire residence via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one room at a time. This provides more direct temperature control, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble 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 issuing that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to work backward, heating your residence in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside.

The largest difference between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t require ductwork. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which is installed on the wall or ceiling in the room 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 like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can work off of a single outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your full residence with this system if if you want. This arrangement also makes zoning possible, an extremely coveted feature that permits you to determine when, where and how much you heat and cool specific areas.

Mini-split basics infographic Saint Charles 

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

Mini-splits are an excellent solution for the majority of households. Think over these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split may be a smart choice for your home:

  • You can heat and cool an entire residence that lacks existing ductwork.
  • You can shut off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied rooms to save on your utility expenses.
  • Mini-splits provide additional heating and cooling for rooms that are tricky to keep cozy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed patio without the cost of installing ductwork or the annoyance of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini splits are the perfect choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples are historic houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Pluses of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are extremely efficient systems, but you might still be thinking why you would want to install it over a common furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of Saint Charles homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through holey air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Plus, if your home doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the hassle and price connected to adding them.
    • Select the best setting for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant areas: Closing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, straining the equipment and negating any possible savings. But with individual air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool certain rooms only when you need them.

    Trust Golden Seal Service Experts to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    The same as common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need meticulous sizing and Expert installation to provide the greatest performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Saint Charles can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then help you with finding the correct equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For added info, or to book an appointment, get in touch with Golden Seal Service Experts at 630-246-2698. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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