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

August 18, 2017

Most homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. In place of delivering conditioned air to the total house through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one room at a time. This allows more advanced temperature control, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they run. Both types of equipment deliver electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from within a building and exhausting that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to run backward, adding warmth to your house in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The biggest contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need ductwork. As an alternative, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the space you wish 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 similar to an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can work off of one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full house with this system if desired. This set-up also makes zoning possible, a highly desirable feature that permits you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool individual spaces.

Mini-split basics infographic Atlanta 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My Home?

Mini-splits are a good option for the majority of households. Think about these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split could be a wise choise for your home:

  • You can heat and cool an entire residence that has no existing ductwork.
  • You’ll be able to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied spaces to save on your utility bills.
  • Mini-splits give added heating and cooling for areas that are tricky to keep comfy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed porch without the hassle of adding ductwork or the annoyance of having window AC units.
  • Mini-splits are the ideal choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples are period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are very capable systems, but you may still be thinking why you would want to install it over a common furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Atlanta homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By delivering heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through leaky air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Along with that, if your home doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the annoyance and price connected to installing them.
    • Select the ideal temperature for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while optimizing energy efficiency.
    • Save money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant areas: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting strain on the equipment and negating any likely savings. But with independent air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool certain rooms only when you need them.

    Depend on Peachtree Service Experts to Install Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    As with traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits call for meticulous sizing and Expert installation to deliver the greatest performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Atlanta can help you figure out if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then support you with figuring out the exact equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For extra info, or to request an appointment, call Peachtree Service Experts at 678-235-9699. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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