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

August 18, 2017

Most homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of providing conditioned air to the entire residence with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This allows more direct temperature control, enhancing 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 kinds of equipment deliver electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from inside a building and issuing that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to work backward, adding warmth to your house in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The biggest contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t have to have ductwork. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the room you want 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.

More than one indoor unit can connect to an individual outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your full residence with this system if wanted. This arrangement also makes zoning practical, a highly popular feature that lets you customize when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct rooms.

Mini-split basics infographic Calgary 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split the Best Choice for My House?

Mini-splits are a fantastic option for most households. Think over these reasons why using a ductless mini-split could be right for you:

  • You can heat and cool a complete home that doesn’t have existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied spaces to save on your energy expenses.
  • Mini-splits provide added heating and cooling for spaces that are hard to keep comfortable.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed porch without the cost of adding ductwork or the annoyance of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini-splits are the natural 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 Benefits of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are highly capable systems, but you could still be wondering why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of Calgary homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through leaky air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Also, if your home doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the annoyance and cost associated with installing them.
    • Find the right temperature for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling unused areas: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting stress on the equipment and canceling any likely savings. But with individual air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool specific spaces only when you need them.

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

    Much like traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need careful sizing and Expert installation to provide the greatest performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Calgary can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then assist with figuring out the correct equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For more information, or to schedule an appointment, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 403-279-5760. You can also schedule an appointment online.