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

August 18, 2017

The majority of homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. In place of giving conditioned air to the full house through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This allows more advanced temperature control, increasing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they run. Both models of equipment offer electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to draw out heat from in a building and exhausting that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to work backward, adding warmth to your residence in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The biggest 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 fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the room you want to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line link 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.

Several indoor units can work off of a single outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your full home with this system if wanted. This configuration also makes zoning practical, a highly coveted feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool specific areas.

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Is a Ductless Mini-Split the Best Option for My Home?

Mini-splits are a good choice for the majority of households. Think about these reasons why using a ductless mini-split could be a good choice for your home:

  • You can heat and cool an entire residence that has no existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to switch off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied areas to save on your energy bills.
  • Mini-splits provide additional heating and cooling for spaces that are tricky to keep comfortable.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed patio without the expense of installing ductwork or the hassle of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini split systems are the natural choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples might be historic houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are very efficient systems, but you could still be considering why you would want to install it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Kingston homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through leaky air ducts on its way to all rooms. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Along with that, if your house doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the annoyance and price connected to adding them.
    • Select the best temperature for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a warm nursery—all while optimizing 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 balance, putting stress on the equipment and invalidating any likely savings. But with independent air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool specific rooms only when you need them.

    Rely on Kingston Home Services by Enercare to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

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

    For added details, or to request an appointment, get in touch with Kingston Home Services by Enercare at 613-817-1591. You can also schedule an appointment online.