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

August 18, 2017

The majority of homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than providing conditioned air to the total home via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This provides more direct temperature control, improving 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 styles of equipment provide electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to draw out heat from within a building and exhausting that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to work backward, adding warmth to your house in the winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The main difference between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t have to have ductwork. As an alternative, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which mounts directly to 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 much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full residence with this system if desired. This set-up also makes zoning practical, a highly popular feature that allows you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct areas.

Mini-split basics infographic West Chester 

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

Mini-splits are an excellent option for the majority of households. Think over these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split could be a smart choice for your needs:

  • You can heat and cool a total home that doesn’t have existing ductwork.
  • You’ll be able to turn off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied areas to save on your utility costs.
  • Mini-splits deliver extra heating and cooling for rooms that are tricky to keep comfortable.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or sunroom without the cost of installing ductwork or the annoyance of using window AC units.
  • Mini splits are the ideal 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 very effective systems, but you may still be wondering why you would want to select it over a common furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of West Chester homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through cracked air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Plus, if your home doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the hassle and price connected to installing them.
    • Choose the ideal temp 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 optimizing energy efficiency.
    • Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant spaces: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting stress on the equipment and invalidating any possible savings. But with individual air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool particular areas only when you need them.

    Trust Wesley Wood Service Experts to Add Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    Much like traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits call for meticulous sizing and Expert installation to ensure the greatest performance. Our skilled mini split installers in West Chester can help you decide if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then assist with determining the exact equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For added information, or to schedule an appointment, get in touch with Wesley Wood Service Experts at 484-401-7577. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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