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

Most homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than providing conditioned air to the full home with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This delivers 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 cool. Both kinds of equipment offer electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from inside a building and discharging that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to run backward, adding warmth to your house 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 fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the space you are looking to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line join 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 connect to one outdoor condenser, permitting you to heat and cool your total house with this system if wanted. 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 could be a good choice for your home: 

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

• Mini-splits deliver extra heating and cooling for areas that are hard to keep cozy. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or enclosed patio without the cost of installing ductwork or the hassle of having window AC units. 
• Mini splits are the perfect choice for spaces where ductwork 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 capable systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to choose it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Hilton Head Island homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through cracked air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you as much as 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Also, if your house doesn’t already have ducts, you avoid the annoyance and cost connected to adding them. 
• Select the ideal setting for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency. 
• Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant spaces: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, putting strain on the equipment and invalidating any possible savings. But with independent air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool certain areas only when you need them. 

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

The same as regular HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need accurate sizing and Expert installation to provide the most efficient performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Hilton Head Island can help you determine if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then help you with finding the precise equipment size and model to make your house as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For added details, or to book an appointment, contact Epperson Service Experts at 843-619-3781. You can also schedule an appointment online.