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

August 18, 2017

Many homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. In place of giving conditioned air to the total home through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This allows 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 kinds of equipment deliver electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from in a building and exhausting that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to operate backward, adding warmth to your house in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside.

The main contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t have to have ductwork. As an alternative, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which mounts directly to the wall or ceiling in the area you wish 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.

More than one indoor unit can connect to one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full house with this system if wanted. This arrangement also makes zoning feasible, a very coveted feature that allows you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool specific areas.

Mini-split basics infographic Charleston 

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

Mini-splits are an excellent choice for many households. Think about these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split might be a smart choice for your needs:

  • You can heat and cool an entire home that has no existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to switch off the heat and air conditioning in unused areas to save on your heating and cooling bills.
  • Mini-splits deliver supplementary heating and cooling for rooms that are hard to keep cozy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed porch without the hassle of putting in ductwork or the inconvenience of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini splits are the ideal choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples are 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 highly capable systems, but you may still be wondering why you would want to choose it over a common furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Charleston homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through holey 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 include ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and expense associated with putting them in.
    • Choose the ideal temp for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant areas: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, straining the equipment and invalidating any possible savings. But with independent air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool specific spaces only when you need them.

    Depend on Pardee Service Experts to Install Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    As with common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need careful sizing and Expert installation to provide the greatest performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Charleston can help you determine if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then support you with finding the exact equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For extra info, or to schedule an appointment, contact Pardee Service Experts at 843-410-6103. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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