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

The majority of homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. In place of delivering conditioned air to the complete house with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This allows more advanced temperature control, increasing 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 kinds of equipment deliver electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to remove heat from inside a building and issuing that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to operate backward, adding warmth to your residence in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside. 

The main contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t require ductwork. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the space you want to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line connect 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 link to an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your entire home with this system if wanted. This arrangement also makes zoning feasible, a highly desirable feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool specific spaces. 

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

Mini-splits are a fantastic option for many households. Consider these reasons why using a ductless mini-split may be a wise choice for you: 

• You can heat and cool a complete residence that has no existing ductwork. 
• It’s possible to switch off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied rooms to save on your heating and cooling bills. 

• Mini-splits give supplementary heating and cooling for rooms that are difficult to keep comfortable. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or sunroom without the expense of installing ductwork or the inconvenience of relying on window AC units. 
• Mini split systems are the perfect choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples are historic houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions. 

What are the Pluses of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are extremely efficient systems, but you could still be thinking why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of Fort Lauderdale homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through leaky air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Also, if your residence doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the hassle and expense connected to putting them in. 
• Find the ideal setting for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency. 
• Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling empty rooms: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, straining the equipment and canceling any potential savings. But with detached air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool particular rooms only when you need them. 

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

Much like common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need accurate sizing and Expert installation to ensure the best 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 support you with figuring out the exact equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For more info, or to get an appointment, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314. You can also schedule an appointment online.