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

Most homeowners are informed about central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than providing conditioned air to the total home with a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This delivers more targeted temperature control, enhancing 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, just like an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from inside a building and discharging that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to run backward, adding warmth to your home in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and depositing it inside. 

The main contrast 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 fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the room you want to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line link 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. 

More than one indoor unit can link to a single outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your complete residence with this system if wanted. This configuration also makes zoning practical, an extremely popular feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool specific areas. 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My Home? 

Mini-splits are a good solution for most households. Think over these reasons why using a ductless mini-split may be a good choice for you: 

• You can heat and cool a complete home that lacks existing ductwork. 
• It’s possible to switch off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied areas to save on your heating and cooling bills. 

• Mini-splits deliver supplementary heating and cooling for spaces that are hard to keep comfortable. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or sunroom without the cost of putting in ductwork or the inconvenience of having window AC units. 
• Mini split systems are the ideal 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 Benefits of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are extremely capable systems, but you may still be thinking why you would want to install it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Fort Lauderdale homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits: 

• Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through cracked air ducts on its way to every room. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs. Plus, if your residence doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the hassle and cost that comes with installing them. 
• Select the right setting for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency. 
• Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling empty rooms: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting stress on the equipment and canceling any likely savings. But with independent air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool particular areas only when you need them. 

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

The same as standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits call for accurate sizing and Expert installation to ensure the most efficient performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Fort Lauderdale can help you decide if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then assist with determining the exact equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For added information, or to request an appointment, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314. You can also schedule an appointment online.