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

August 18, 2017

The majority of homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of delivering conditioned air to the total house via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This delivers more direct temperature control, increasing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they cool. Both types of equipment offer electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from within a building and exhausting that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to operate backward, warming your residence in the winter by removing 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. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which is installed on the wall or ceiling in the space you wish to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line link to an outdoor condensing unit through a narrow conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can connect to an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your complete house with this system if if you want. This arrangement also makes zoning feasible, an extremely popular feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool individual spaces.

Mini-split basics infographic Grand Island 

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

Mini-splits are a fantastic option for many households. Think about these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split might be a smart choice for you:

  • You can heat and cool a complete home that has no existing ductwork.
  • You can shut off the heat and air conditioning in unused spaces to save on your energy expenses.
  • Mini-splits give supplementary heating and cooling for areas that are difficult to keep comfy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed patio without the hassle of putting in ductwork or the inconvenience of using window AC units.
  • Mini split systems are the perfect choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples are historic houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Advantages of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are extremely effective systems, but you may still be thinking why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Grand Island homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through cracked air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Along with that, if your house doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the annoyance and cost that comes with adding them.
    • Choose the ideal temperature for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a warm nursery—all while optimizing energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling unused rooms: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting stress on the equipment and invalidating any likely savings. But with individual air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool particular spaces only when you need them.

    Trust McElroy Service Experts to Add Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    As with standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need accurate sizing and Expert installation to ensure the most efficient performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Grand Island can help you determine if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then support you with determining the precise equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For more information, or to book an appointment, get in touch with McElroy Service Experts at 308-210-4398. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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