Are you tired of being hot in your bedroom this summer? Or freezing in the family room, hoping that your A/C will work hard enough so you can sleep? Today, you do not have to do either – or in the case of many of our customers both. That was, of course before they installed one of these new units.
Thanks to advances in HVAC technology, mini-split ductless air conditioning has become the choice for homes and businesses. Especially where traditional cooling systems cannot be feasibly installed. These systems are comprised of an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handler. Ductless systems work in a similar way to central air systems but on a smaller scale. Similar to their central counterparts, mini splits have two main components. The first is an outdoor compressor/condenser and the second is an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain. And it links the outdoor and indoor units.
Mini-split ductless Advantages
The main advantages of “mini-splits” are their small size and flexibility for the zoning of heating and cooling individual rooms. Some models even have four indoor air handling units connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the building. It could also depend on how much is needed in each zone. This, in turn, is affected by how well the building is insulated. Each of the zones has a thermostat. So conditioning is only required for that space when it is occupied.
Mini-split ductless systems have a whole lot to recommend, especially for owners of older homes. A ductless mini-split air conditioner is a good solution to cooling just one part of a house. Especially if that is the only problem area in the home.
Mini-split ductless system air conditioners are versatile. They can work in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings alike. They are extremely popular in multifamily housing units. Or as retrofit add-ons to houses with “non-ducted” heating systems. They are also great in additions and small apartments, as creating new or additional ductwork is not feasible.
Mini-split ductless – Easy and fast installation
Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are much simpler & easier to install since they do not require the expansive ductwork used in traditional central air configurations. For example, the hook-up between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a three-inch opening/hole through a wall for the conduit. Also, most manufacturers of this type of system can provide a variety of lengths of connecting conduits. So, if necessary, you can locate the outdoor unit as far away as 50 feet from the indoor evaporator. This makes it possible to cool rooms on the front side of a building or house with the compressor in a more advantageous or inconspicuous place outside of the building/house.
Mini-split ductless – Increased efficiency
Ductless air conditioning systems are up to 30% more efficient than central or window units, which means they will cool your home faster and maintain it that way. On those hot summer nights, you’ll feel the difference that comes with the greater capacity of a ductless system. Since mini splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.
Mini-split ductless – Savings
The ability to cool specific areas of your home at specific times allows you to control costs as well as temperature. The savings can be substantial, and many homeowners are pleasantly surprised to see how much their utility bills drop once they are no longer cooling an entire house all day long.
Mini-split ductless- Less noise
A ductless system is much quieter than a central or window air conditioning system.
Mini-split ductless –Compact size
A ductless system is much smaller than a central system or a window AC unit. Compared with other add-on systems, mini splits offer more flexibility in interior design options.
The indoor unit delivering the air is installed in a low-visibility location (mounted high up on a wall or suspended from a ceiling). The indoor air handlers can also be mounted flush into a drop ceiling, and floor-standing models are also available. Most indoor units have profiles of about seven inches deep and usually come with sleek, high-tech-looking jackets. Many also offer a remote control to make it easier to turn the system on and off when it’s positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling.
The outdoor unit is placed on a solid stable surface outside the home. And as stated above, a three-inch opening is all that is needed to connect a pair of lines that delivers electricity and removes condensate. Once installed, most homeowners don’t even know the indoor unit is there.
Mini-split ductless – Versatility & Safety
Ductless units can be used to cool and heat areas that are difficult to reach. This explains why they are a popular choice not only for older homes but in a variety of settings such as offices, hospitals, hotels, and even schools.
Split systems can also help to keep your home safer because there is only a small hole in the wall. Through-the-wall and window-mounted room air-conditioners can provide an easy entrance for intruders.
Please go to Energy Saver 101 infographic on home cooling to learn how ductless, mini-split air conditioners compare to other cooling systems.
Consider that qualified installers and service people for mini splits may not be easy to find. Be sure to hire an installer like Proudfoot Plumbing, Heating, and Air that is familiar with these products and their installation. Proudfoot has the necessary experience installing and servicing them If you need assistance please call Proudfoot Plumbing, Heating, and Air. You can also check out our mini-ductless page, or reach out to us on the form below, and will be glad to help and/or make recommendations for you.
Image Credit – Adobe Stock
