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

Most homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than providing conditioned air to the full house through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This allows 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 cool. Both kinds of equipment offer electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to extract heat from within a building and discharging that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to operate backward, warming your residence in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside. 

The largest contrast 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 space you are looking to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line connect to an outdoor condensing unit through a little conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

Multiple indoor units can link to a single outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your total residence with this system if desired. This set-up also makes zoning practical, an extremely attractive feature that permits you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool individual spaces. 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My House? 

Mini-splits are a good option for most households. Think about these reasons why using a ductless mini-split could be a good choice for your home: 

• You can heat and cool a total residence that lacks existing ductwork. 
• You can switch off the heat and air conditioning in unused spaces to save on your utility costs. 

• Mini-splits provide extra heating and cooling for areas that are tricky to keep comfy. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed porch without the expense of putting in ductwork or the hassle of having window AC units. 
• Mini splits are the perfect choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be historic homes, 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 choose it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of San Antonio homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through cracked air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Also, if your residence doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the hassle and expense that comes with installing them. 
• Choose the right temp for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency. 
• Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant spaces: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, straining the equipment and canceling any possible savings. But with individual air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool particular areas only when you need them. 

Depend on Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air to Install Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner 

The same as regular HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need careful sizing and Expert installation to provide the best performance. Our skilled mini split installers in San Antonio can help you figure out if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then assist with determining the exact equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

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