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

Many homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. In place of giving conditioned air to the complete home via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This provides more targeted temperature control, increasing comfort and energy efficiency. 

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work? 

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they run. Both types of equipment provide electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to remove heat from within a building and discharging that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to work backward, heating your house in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding 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 is installed on the wall or ceiling in the space you wish to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line join to an outdoor condensing unit through a narrow conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

More than one indoor unit can link to an individual outdoor condenser, permitting you to heat and cool your full home with this system if wanted. This arrangement also makes zoning practical, an extremely coveted feature that lets you determine when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct rooms. 

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

Mini-splits are a great option for most households. Think over these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split might be a wise choice for you: 

• You can heat and cool a complete house that doesn’t have existing ductwork. 
• It’s possible to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unused spaces to save on your utility bills. 

• Mini-splits give additional heating and cooling for rooms that are hard to keep comfortable. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or sunroom without the hassle of installing ductwork or the inconvenience of using window AC units. 
• Mini splits are the natural choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples are historic 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 effective systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to install it over a common furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Fort Lauderdale homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the drawbacks 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 as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Also, if your house doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the annoyance and expense connected to installing them. 
• Choose the right setting for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a warm nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency. 
• Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant areas: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, putting stress on the equipment and canceling any possible savings. But with detached air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool certain spaces only when you need them. 

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

The same as regular HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require careful sizing and Expert installation to deliver the best performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Fort Lauderdale can help you determine if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then help you with figuring out the precise equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

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