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

Many homeowners are informed about central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. In place of giving conditioned air to the total home with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one room at a time. This provides more advanced 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 models of equipment deliver electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to extract heat from within a building and discharging that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to run backward, heating your home in the winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside. 

The main 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 fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the room you want 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 similar to an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

Several indoor units can connect to one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your entire home with this system if if you want. This arrangement also makes zoning practical, a highly coveted feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct rooms. 

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

Mini-splits are a fantastic choice for many households. Think about these reasons why using a ductless mini-split might be a good choice for your needs: 

• You can heat and cool an entire residence that lacks existing ductwork. 
• It’s possible to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unused rooms to save on your energy costs. 

• Mini-splits provide additional heating and cooling for spaces that are hard to keep cozy. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed patio without the expense of putting in ductwork or the hassle of relying on window AC units. 
• Mini-splits are the natural choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions. 

What are the Pluses of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are highly efficient systems, but you might still be considering why you would want to choose it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Calgary homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through holey air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Along with that, if your home doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and expense associated with putting them in. 
• Choose the ideal temperature for every room: 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 empty areas: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, putting stress on the equipment and negating any likely savings. But with individual air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool particular spaces only when you need them. 

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

The same as traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require accurate sizing and Expert installation to provide the greatest performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Calgary can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then support you with figuring out the exact equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For more details, or to book an appointment, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 403-279-5760. You can also schedule an appointment online.