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

August 18, 2017

Most homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners.

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

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they operate. Both styles 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 heat outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to run backward, adding warmth to your residence in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside.

The main contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t have to have ductwork. Instead, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the space you wish to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line link to an outdoor condensing unit through a small conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks similar to an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can work off of one outdoor condenser, permitting you to heat and cool your total home with this system if if you want. This configuration also makes zoning possible, an extremely coveted feature that permits you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool specific spaces.

Mini-split basics infographic Livermore 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My Home?

Mini-splits are a fantastic option for the majority of households. Think about these reasons why using a ductless mini-split might be right for you:

  • You can heat and cool a total house that doesn’t have existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to turn off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied areas to save on your utility bills.
  • Mini-splits provide supplementary heating and cooling for spaces that are hard to keep comfortable.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or sunroom without the cost of installing ductwork or the hassle of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini split systems are the perfect choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Advantages of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are highly effective systems, but you could still be considering why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Livermore homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through cracked air ducts on its way to all rooms. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Plus, if your house doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the annoyance and price connected to putting them in.
    • Find the right temperature for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a warm nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency.
    • Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant areas: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting stress on the equipment and negating any potential savings. But with individual air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool specific rooms only when you need them.

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

    The same as standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require accurate sizing and Expert installation to ensure the best performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Livermore can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then help you with figuring out the exact equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For added details, or to book an appointment, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 925-364-5427. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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