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

August 18, 2017

The majority of homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of providing conditioned air to the entire residence through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This delivers more direct temperature control, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits are most similar to heat pumps in the way they run. Both types of equipment provide electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from in a building and issuing that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to operate backward, adding warmth to your residence in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The main 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 want 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 like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can link to one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your entire residence with this system if wanted. This arrangement also makes zoning possible, a very attractive feature that lets you determine when, where and how much you heat and cool individual rooms.

Informational Graph 

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

Mini-splits are a great solution for the majority of households. Think about these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split might be right for your needs:

  • You can heat and cool a total home that lacks existing ductwork.
  • You can shut off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied spaces to save on your heating and cooling costs.
  • Mini-splits give supplementary heating and cooling for spaces that are difficult to keep comfy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or sunroom without the cost of installing ductwork or the inconvenience of having window AC units.
  • Mini splits are the perfect choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples might be period homes, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Pluses of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are highly capable systems, but you might still be thinking why you would want to install it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Shreveport homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through leaky air ducts on its way to all rooms. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Plus, if your residence doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the annoyance and cost associated with putting them in.
    • Select the best setting for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while optimizing energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant rooms: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, putting strain on the equipment and invalidating any likely savings. But with detached air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool particular rooms only when you need them.

    Rely on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to Add Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    As with traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require careful sizing and Expert installation to ensure the most efficient performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Shreveport can help you determine if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then help you with finding the exact equipment size and model to make your house 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 318-588-8163. You can also schedule an appointment online.

    chat now widget box