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

August 18, 2017

Most homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. In place of giving conditioned air to the full house via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This delivers more direct temperature control, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they run. Both kinds of equipment offer electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to extract heat from inside a building and exhausting that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to run backward, heating your home in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The main contrast 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 area you wish to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line join to an outdoor condensing unit through a narrow conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can connect to one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your total house with this system if if you want. This configuration also makes zoning possible, a highly attractive feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool specific areas.

Mini-split basics infographic Savannah 

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

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

  • You can heat and cool a total house that has no existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unused rooms to save on your heating and cooling costs.
  • Mini-splits provide supplementary heating and cooling for spaces that are hard to keep cozy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or enclosed porch without the expense of installing ductwork or the hassle of having window AC units.
  • Mini-splits are the perfect choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples are historic houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are very efficient systems, but you could still be thinking why you would want to select it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Savannah homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through leaky air ducts on its way to all rooms. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Plus, if your residence doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the hassle and cost associated with putting them in.
    • Choose the right temp for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency.
    • Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant areas: Closing supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, putting stress on the equipment and negating any potential savings. But with detached air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool particular rooms only when you need them.

    Trust Coastal Service Experts to Install Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    Much like traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need meticulous sizing and Expert installation to deliver the best performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Savannah can help you decide if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then help you with figuring out the precise equipment size and model to make your house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For extra details, or to request an appointment, contact Coastal Service Experts at 912-208-2399. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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