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

August 18, 2017

The majority of homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than providing conditioned air to the full residence through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This allows more advanced temperature control, increasing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits are most similar to heat pumps in the way they operate. Both types of equipment provide electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from within a building and issuing that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to operate backward, adding warmth to your residence in the winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The biggest distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need ductwork. Alternatively, 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 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, enabling you to heat and cool your complete residence with this system if if you want. This arrangement also makes zoning possible, an extremely attractive feature that lets you choose when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct spaces.

Mini-split basics infographic San Antonio 

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

Mini-splits are a fantastic choice for most households. Consider these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split could be a wise choise for you:

  • You can heat and cool an entire home that has no existing ductwork.
  • You’ll be able to switch off the heat and air conditioning in empty areas to save on your energy costs.
  • Mini-splits provide added heating and cooling for rooms that are hard to keep cozy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or sunroom without the expense of installing ductwork or the hassle of using window AC units.
  • Mini-splits are the natural choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be historic 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 capable systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more San Antonio homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through leaky air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Along with that, if your house doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the hassle and price connected to adding them.
    • Select the ideal setting for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while optimizing energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling unused rooms: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, putting stress on the equipment and invalidating any possible savings. But with individual air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool certain spaces only when you need them.

    Trust Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    As with regular HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need accurate sizing and Expert installation to ensure the most efficient performance. Our experienced mini split installers in San Antonio can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then support you with finding the precise equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For added information, or to schedule an appointment, call Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air at 210-404-4233. You can also schedule an appointment online.