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

Most homeowners are informed about central air conditioners

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. In place of providing conditioned air to the entire house via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one room at a time. This allows more advanced temperature control, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. 

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work? 

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

The biggest contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t require 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 link to an outdoor condensing unit through a little conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

Several indoor units can work off of a single outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your entire house with this system if wanted. This set-up also makes zoning feasible, a very coveted feature that lets you determine when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct spaces. 

Mini Split chart

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My House? 

Mini-splits are a good choice for the majority of households. Consider these reasons why using a ductless mini-split might be a wise choice for you: 

  • You can heat and cool a complete home that lacks existing ductwork. 
  • You can switch off the heat and air conditioning in empty areas to save on your utility expenses. 
  • Mini-splits provide extra heating and cooling for spaces that are tricky to keep cozy. 
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or sunroom without the cost of installing ductwork or the inconvenience of relying on window AC units. 
  • Mini split systems are the ideal 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 Advantages of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are extremely capable systems, but you could still be considering why you would want to choose it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of Columbus homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits: 

  • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through cracked 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 home doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the annoyance and expense that comes with installing them. 
  • Choose the best temp for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency. 
  • Save money and energy by not heating and cooling unused rooms: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, putting strain on the equipment and canceling any potential savings. But with independent air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool specific spaces only when you need them. 

Rely on Stevenson Service Experts to Add Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner 

Much like standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need careful sizing and Expert installation to deliver the greatest performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Columbus can help you decide if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then help you with finding the exact equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For added details, or to schedule an appointment, get in touch with Stevenson Service Experts at 614-334-3192. You can also schedule an appointment online

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