There’s a not-so-new competitor in town that’s putting central air conditioning to the test: ductless mini-split air conditioning. These systems offer installation flexibility, and they have a smaller size, which makes for a less complex installation and operation in the first place. A mini-split system is comprised of a few components that are installed separately, and most systems can be completed within a couple of days. Still curious about these systems and how they work? Read on to learn more.
The Ductless Mini-Split System
These air conditioning units come with a few various parts. There is the outdoor condenser or compressor and the indoor handling unit that allows you to control the temperature and cooling level in your home. There is also a conduit that runs from the units to the outdoor compressor, which contains:
- A power cable
- Suction and refrigerant tubing
- A condensate drain
This conduit only requires a small hole in the wall and the units can be up to 50 feet from the outdoor condenser. It’s a great way to cool rooms throughout the house without having a huge central air unit that’s an eyesore.
It’s also great because it saves on the ductwork—no more replacements or lost energy. When you consider that ducting can lose as much as 30% of the heat or cool air that is circulated through the home, that’s a big win.
How it Works
Once the system is installed, you can simply use the thermostat to set the temperature in each room or zone. Then, the mini-split system will go to work providing the cooling that your space needs. The indoor unit features coolant-filled coils and the warm air from the room blows over the coils, transferring the heat outdoors and releasing cooler, drier air into the space.
This system is more direct than central air and mini-splits are relatively quiet compared to central air systems. They’re also more energy-efficient, so while they may cost more upfront, they’ll save you more in the long run. Plus, you can customize the installation of your system by choosing various indoor unit features like mounting them on the ceiling in a recessed fashion to keep them more out of sight.
How to Choose
Ultimately, the decision as to how to heat and cool your home is yours to make. While an upgrade of your existing central air system might seem effective enough, there could be several perks to changing to a mini-split system. Ultimately, you’re going to want to talk to a professional installer and get the low-down on what options are best for heating and cooling your home. If you’re looking for something with less effort and less ductwork, this could be the ideal choice.
Take the time to explore all the different mini-split systems on the market today and check out what homeowners have to say about them—the chances are good that you’ll find plenty of positive reviews that can help you make the right decision about air conditioning for your home.
Read more about - 5 Features of the Ductless Mini-Split That You’ll Love and Efficient Ways to Cool a Home in the Summer with a Ductless Mini-Split