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

Most homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. In place of giving conditioned air to the total residence with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one 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 similar to heat pumps in the way they cool. Both models of equipment deliver electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to remove heat from inside a building and issuing that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to work backward, heating your home in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside. 

The main distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need ductwork. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which is installed on the wall or ceiling in the room you are looking to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line connect to an outdoor condensing unit through a little conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks similar to an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

Several indoor units can link to an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full residence with this system if desired. This arrangement also makes zoning possible, a very attractive feature that permits you to determine when, where and how much you heat and cool individual rooms. 

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

Mini-splits are a fantastic choice for most households. Think over these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split may be a good choice for your needs: 

• You can heat and cool a total house that has no existing ductwork. 
• You’ll be able to switch off the heat and air conditioning in empty rooms to save on your utility expenses. 

• Mini-splits provide extra heating and cooling for areas that are difficult to keep comfy. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed porch without the expense of installing ductwork or the hassle of relying on window AC units. 
• Mini split systems are the ideal choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples are period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions. 

What are the Pluses of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are very effective systems, but you could still be wondering why you would want to select it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Windsor 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 each room. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Also, if your home doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the hassle and cost that comes with putting them in. 
• Select the right 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 optimizing energy efficiency. 
• Save money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant spaces: 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 every room, you can heat and cool certain spaces only when you need them. 

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

As with common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require careful sizing and Expert installation to deliver the greatest performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Windsor can help you determine if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then help you with figuring out the correct equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For more info, or to book an appointment, get in touch with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts at 226-773-3357. You can also schedule an appointment online.