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

August 18, 2017

Many homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than providing conditioned air to the complete house with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This provides more targeted temperature control, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they cool. Both models of equipment deliver electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to extract heat from inside a building and exhausting that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to work backward, warming your residence in the winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The biggest difference between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need ductwork. Instead, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which mounts directly to the wall or ceiling in the room you are looking 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 like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

More than one indoor unit can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your entire house with this system if if you want. This configuration also makes zoning feasible, a highly coveted feature that permits you to determine when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct rooms.

Mini-split basics infographic Melbourne 

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

Mini-splits are a great solution for many households. Think over these reasons why using a ductless mini-split may be a smart choice for your needs:

  • You can heat and cool an entire residence that has no existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied spaces to save on your heating and cooling bills.
  • Mini-splits provide added heating and cooling for spaces that are difficult to keep cozy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or enclosed patio without the cost of adding ductwork or the inconvenience of having window AC units.
  • Mini splits are the ideal choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Benefits of a Mini-Split System?

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

    • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through cracked air ducts on its way to all rooms. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Plus, if your home doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and expense connected to installing them.
    • Select the ideal setting for every room: 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.
    • Save money and energy by not heating and cooling unused spaces: Closing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting strain on the equipment and canceling any possible savings. But with detached air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool particular spaces only when you need them.

    Depend on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    Much like common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need careful sizing and Expert installation to deliver the greatest performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Melbourne can help you decide if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then support you with determining the exact equipment size and model to make your house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For added info, or to schedule an appointment, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 321-428-7635. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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