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

The majority of homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. In place of providing conditioned air to the total residence through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This allows more direct 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 offer electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to extract heat from within a building and issuing that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to run backward, heating your home in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside. 

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

Several indoor units can link to one outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your complete residence with this system if if you want. This configuration also makes zoning feasible, an extremely popular feature that lets you customize when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct spaces. 

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

Mini-splits are a great solution for the majority of households. Think over these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split could be a wise choice for your needs: 

• You can heat and cool an entire house that lacks existing ductwork. 
• You’ll be able to shut off the heat and air conditioning in empty rooms to save on your utility expenses. 

• Mini-splits provide supplementary heating and cooling for rooms that are hard to keep comfortable. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed patio without the expense of adding ductwork or the hassle of having window AC units. 
• Mini-splits are the ideal choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples are historic 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 might still be wondering why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Fort Lauderdale homeowners are using ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the pitfalls 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 expenses. Also, if your home doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the hassle and expense that comes with putting them in. 
• Choose the ideal temperature for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency. 
• Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling unused areas: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting stress on the equipment and negating any likely savings. But with detached air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool specific spaces only when you need them. 

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

The same as common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need meticulous sizing and Expert installation to provide the greatest performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Fort Lauderdale can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then help you with determining the correct equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For extra information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314. You can also schedule an appointment online.