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

August 18, 2017

The majority of homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than delivering conditioned air to the complete home with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one room at a time. This provides more advanced temperature control, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits are most like heat pumps in the way they operate. Both types of equipment offer electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to remove heat from inside a building and discharging that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to run backward, warming your home in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The biggest distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need 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 connect to an outdoor condensing unit through a narrow conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

More than one indoor unit can link to an individual outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your entire house with this system if wanted. This set-up also makes zoning feasible, a highly attractive feature that allows you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct areas.

Mini-split basics infographic West Palm Beach 

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

Mini-splits are a great choice for most households. Think about these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split may be a good choice for your home:

  • You can heat and cool a total home that lacks existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to switch off the heat and air conditioning in empty rooms to save on your heating and cooling bills.
  • Mini-splits give additional heating and cooling for rooms that are difficult to keep comfy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed patio without the expense of putting in ductwork or the inconvenience of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini-splits are the perfect choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples are period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Benefits of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are extremely effective systems, but you might still be wondering why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more West Palm Beach homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through holey 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 house doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the annoyance and expense associated with installing them.
    • Select the best temperature for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling empty spaces: Closing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, putting stress on the equipment and invalidating any likely savings. But with individual air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool certain areas only when you need them.

    Rely on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    The same as regular HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require careful sizing and Expert installation to ensure the greatest performance. Our skilled mini split installers in West Palm Beach can help you determine if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then help you with finding the precise equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For added information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 561-629-1826. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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