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

Many homeowners are informed about central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than giving conditioned air to the full home through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This provides more targeted 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 operate. Both models of equipment provide electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to remove heat from in a building and issuing that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to run backward, heating your home in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside. 

The biggest distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need ductwork. Instead, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which mounts directly to the wall or ceiling in the area you are looking 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 similar to an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

Several indoor units can work off of one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full residence with this system if if you want. This arrangement also makes zoning possible, a very attractive feature that permits you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool individual rooms. 

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

Mini-splits are a great choice for many households. Think about these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split may be right for your needs: 

• You can heat and cool an entire house that has no existing ductwork. 
• You’ll be able to turn off the heat and air conditioning in unused spaces to save on your energy bills. 

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

What are the Pluses of a Mini-Split System? 

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

• Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through holey air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Along with that, if your house doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the hassle and expense that comes with adding them. 
• Find the best setting for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency. 
• Save money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant spaces: Closing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, straining the equipment and canceling any possible savings. But with detached air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool particular areas only when you need them. 

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

As with common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need careful sizing and Expert installation to provide the best performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Edmonton can help you figure out 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 house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For extra information, or to request an appointment, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 587-404-0790. You can also schedule an appointment online.