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

August 18, 2017

Most 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 total home through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This allows more advanced temperature control, enhancing 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 provide electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from in a building and issuing that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to run backward, heating your house in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The biggest distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t have to have ductwork. Instead, 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 link 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, permitting you to heat and cool your total house with this system if if you want. This set-up also makes zoning practical, a highly desirable feature that permits you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool specific spaces.

Mini-split basics infographic Richmond 

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

Mini-splits are an excellent choice for many households. Think over these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split could be a wise choise for your home:

  • You can heat and cool a complete house that lacks existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to switch off the heat and air conditioning in unused areas to save on your utility costs.
  • Mini-splits provide additional heating and cooling for areas that are difficult to keep cozy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed porch without the hassle of adding ductwork or the hassle of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini splits are the perfect choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be period homes, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are extremely efficient systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to choose it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Richmond homeowners are getting 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 expenses. Along with that, if your residence doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and cost associated with putting them in.
    • Choose the right setting for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a warm nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency.
    • Conserve 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 canceling any potential savings. But with independent air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool particular spaces only when you need them.

    Trust Eveready Service Experts to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    Much like standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need meticulous sizing and Expert installation to ensure the greatest performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Richmond can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then help you with finding the precise equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For more info, or to get an appointment, get in touch with Eveready Service Experts at 804-548-4480. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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