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

Many homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than delivering conditioned air to the entire residence via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This delivers more targeted 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 cool. Both styles of equipment provide electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from within a building and discharging that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to work backward, adding warmth to your residence in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The biggest distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t have to have ductwork. As an alternative, 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 small conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your full home with this system if if you want. This arrangement also makes zoning possible, a very popular 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 great option for many households. Think over these reasons why using a ductless mini-split could be right for you:

What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System?

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

• Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through holey air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Plus, if your home doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the hassle and expense connected to adding them.
• Find the right setting for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency.
• Save money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant rooms: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, straining the equipment and negating any potential savings. But with individual air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool certain spaces only when you need them.

Trust Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to Install Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

Much like common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need meticulous sizing and Expert installation to deliver the most efficient performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Gainesville can help you decide if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then support you with determining the correct equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

For extra details, or to request an appointment, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 352-414-4006. You can also schedule an appointment online.