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

The majority of homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of giving conditioned air to the complete home via 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 most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they cool. Both styles of equipment provide electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from in a building and discharging that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to operate backward, adding warmth to your home in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The largest difference 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 link to an outdoor condensing unit through a small conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your total residence with this system if if you want. This arrangement also makes zoning practical, a highly attractive feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool individual rooms.

 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My Home?

Mini-splits are a great choice for many households. Think about these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split could be a wise choise for your home:

What are the Pluses of a Mini-Split System?

Ductless mini-splits are very effective systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of Albany homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

• Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through holey air ducts on its way to all rooms. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Also, if your residence doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and expense connected to adding them.
• Select 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 maximizing energy efficiency.
• Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling empty rooms: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting strain on the equipment and canceling any potential savings. But with independent air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool specific rooms only when you need them.

Depend on Roland J. Down Service Experts to Install Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

Much like standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits call for careful sizing and Expert installation to deliver the most efficient performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Albany can help you decide if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then help you with finding the correct equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

For added information, or to request an appointment, get in touch with Roland J. Down Service Experts at 518-417-2938. You can also schedule an appointment online.