All About Mini-Split Air Conditioners: What They Are and How They Cool

Many homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than delivering conditioned air to the full house through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This allows more direct temperature control, increasing comfort and energy efficiency. 

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work? 

Mini-splits are most like heat pumps in the way they run. Both kinds of equipment provide electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from within a building and discharging that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to run backward, warming your house in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding 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 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 little conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

More than one indoor unit can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your total house with this system if desired. This set-up also makes zoning practical, a highly attractive feature that allows you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool specific spaces. 

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

Mini-splits are a good option for most households. Think about these reasons why using a ductless mini-split might be a good choice for your home: 

• You can heat and cool a total house that lacks existing ductwork. 
• You can shut off the heat and air conditioning in empty spaces to save on your energy costs. 

• Mini-splits deliver extra heating and cooling for areas that are difficult to keep comfy. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or sunroom without the hassle of putting in ductwork or the hassle of having window AC units. 
• Mini-splits are the perfect choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples might be historic homes, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions. 

What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are extremely effective systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to choose it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Dallas homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through cracked air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Also, if your house doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and cost connected to adding them. 
• Choose the best temperature for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while optimizing energy efficiency. 
• Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling empty spaces: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, straining the equipment and canceling any possible savings. But with detached air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool specific areas only when you need them. 

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

The same as regular HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need careful sizing and Expert installation to provide the most efficient performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Dallas can help you figure out if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then assist with determining the correct equipment size and model to make your house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

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