All About 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 form of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than giving conditioned air to the entire residence with 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 styles of equipment provide electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to draw out heat from inside a building and discharging that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to work backward, heating your residence in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside.

The largest contrast 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 mounts directly to 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 small conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Several indoor units can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your entire residence with this system if wanted. This configuration also makes zoning feasible, a very coveted feature that permits you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool specific spaces.

Mini-split basics infographic Dallas 

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

Mini-splits are an excellent choice for the majority of households. Think over these reasons why using a ductless mini-split could be a good choice for you:

  • You can heat and cool a complete house that doesn’t have existing ductwork.
  • You can shut off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied spaces to save on your heating and cooling expenses.
  • Mini-splits deliver extra heating and cooling for rooms that are difficult to keep comfortable.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed porch without the cost of adding ductwork or the inconvenience of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini splits 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 highly efficient systems, but you might still be considering why you would want to select it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Dallas homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through leaky air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Plus, if your residence doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and expense connected to installing them.
    • Choose the right setting for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a warm nursery—all while optimizing energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling empty rooms: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, straining the equipment and negating any possible savings. But with individual air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool specific areas only when you need them.

    Trust Levy & Son Service Experts to Install Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    Much like standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need meticulous sizing and Expert installation to ensure the most efficient performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Dallas can help you figure out if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then assist with figuring out the exact equipment size and model to make your house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For extra info, or to book an appointment, contact Levy & Son Service Experts at 469-250-0932. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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