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

August 18, 2017

Many homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of delivering conditioned air to the full house through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone 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 run. Both kinds of equipment offer electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from in a building and exhausting that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to work backward, warming your home in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The biggest contrast between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t require ductwork. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which mounts directly to the wall or ceiling in the area you wish to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line join to an outdoor condensing unit through a narrow conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

More than one indoor unit can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, permitting you to heat and cool your complete home with this system if if you want. This arrangement also makes zoning practical, a highly popular feature that lets you choose when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct rooms.

Mini-split basics infographic Hilton Head Island 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My Home?

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

  • You can heat and cool a complete residence that has no existing ductwork.
  • You’ll be able to shut off the heat and air conditioning in empty spaces to save on your utility expenses.
  • Mini-splits give supplementary heating and cooling for rooms that are hard to keep comfortable.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed patio without the cost of installing ductwork or the annoyance of having window AC units.
  • Mini-splits are the perfect choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples might be period homes, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are highly capable systems, but you could still be considering why you would want to select it over a common furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Hilton Head Island homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the drawbacks of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through leaky air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Also, if your residence doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and price associated with putting them in.
    • Choose the right temp for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant areas: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, putting strain on the equipment and negating any potential savings. But with detached air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool certain spaces only when you need them.

    Depend on Epperson Service Experts to Add Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    The same as traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require meticulous sizing and Expert installation to deliver the most efficient performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Hilton Head Island can help you figure out if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then support you 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 get an appointment, contact Epperson Service Experts at 843-619-3781. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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