Guide 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. Instead of giving conditioned air to the total home via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one room at a time. This delivers more direct temperature control, improving comfort and energy efficiency. 

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work? 

Mini-splits are most like heat pumps in the way they run. Both styles of equipment deliver electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to draw out heat from in a building and exhausting that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to work backward, heating your residence in the winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside. 

The largest contrast 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 is installed on the wall or ceiling in the room 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 like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

Several indoor units can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, permitting you to heat and cool your entire house with this system if desired. This configuration also makes zoning practical, a highly coveted feature that lets you customize 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 great choice for many households. Consider these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split may be a good choice for your home: 

  • You can heat and cool an entire house that lacks existing ductwork. 
  • You’ll be able to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unused spaces to save on your energy costs. 
  • Mini-splits provide extra heating and cooling for rooms that are hard to keep cozy. 
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or sunroom without the expense of adding ductwork or the annoyance of relying on window AC units. 
  • Mini splits are the perfect choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples might be period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions. 

What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are extremely 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 large number of Columbus homeowners are using ductless mini-splits: 

  • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through leaky air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Plus, if your house doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and cost connected to adding them. 
  • Choose the ideal temp 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 optimizing energy efficiency. 
  • Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling unused rooms: Closing supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, putting strain on the equipment and negating any likely savings. But with detached air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool specific spaces only when you need them. 

Trust Stevenson Service Experts to Add Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner 

Much like standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require careful sizing and Expert installation to provide the most efficient performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Columbus can help you determine if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then support you with figuring out the correct equipment size and model to make your house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For added information, or to request an appointment, contact Stevenson Service Experts at 614-334-3192. You can also schedule an appointment online

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