Ductless mini-splits are a great choice if you want to control the temperature in a specific room without affecting the rest of the house.
In countries where a large number of buildings lack centralized heating and cooling, ductless systems have become increasingly popular. Ductwork is a standard feature in the Midwest, and it can be found in virtually every home. Therefore, only a few homeowners are familiar with this choice.
In this article, we’ll describe what a mini-split is, how it works, and how it differs from standard HVAC systems.
First of All, What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?
Ductless mini-split systems do not require ductwork to function. A central air conditioner cools the entire house by pumping conditioned air from a single location. Each mini-split indoor unit has its own fan and evaporator coil, so it can only cool one room at a time.
To use a less technical term, mini-splits are a versatile option for many residences. They are very efficient heating and cooling systems that can be installed in inaccessible locations.
When discussing this type of system, the term “split” is used to indicate that both an outdoor and an inside unit are still required. In contrast, a “packaged” system incorporates both the heating and cooling components into a single outside cabinet. Mini refers to the fact that each unit, or “head,” is smaller than standard air conditioning or heating systems.
How Does It Work?
Air conditioning ductless mini-splits can provide year-round cooling. In addition to cooling, some of these appliances may also warm your home. The combined heating and cooling systems operate similarly to heat pumps, using electricity as their source of energy. Because of this, and for reasons we’ll go into in a moment, the equipment is highly effective.
In regions of the United States where all four seasons are distinct, cooling-only units are a rarity.
Since it operates like a heat pump, it transfers heat from outside into your home rather than producing it internally. During the colder months, this makes little sense. When it’s frigid outside, how does the system warm up the environment?
However frigid it may seem, there is still heat in the air that may be harnessed, and the technology can still deliver benefits. Mini-split systems also differ greatly depending on the number of indoor units, also called heads. Although household systems typically have fewer than eight indoor heads, they can all be controlled by a single outdoor unit.
This is a perk of a ductless system. The ability to split your brain into several distinct parts means you may employ exactly what you need to maintain your comfort, whether that’s for yourself or your entire family.
Let’s pretend you’re staying in a shared apartment that has two bedrooms. After all, this is a typical setting for ductless HVAC systems.
For one person, 74 degrees is the ideal temperature. For another, a comfortable temperature would be 68 degrees. So, which of the two may have their way?
Both of them, actually. The temperature in each individual room is adjustable. Similarly, this is one of the primary benefits of mini-split systems in comparison to traditional HVAC. Larger systems are usually better at servicing an entire house, but they don’t provide as much fine-grained control.
What Are the Different Types of Mini-Splits?
You’re most likely familiar with the wall-hung mini-split that hangs at or above eye level. Although typically installed in the ceiling, these systems also have the flexibility to be placed on the floor for zoned heating and cooling.
Ducted systems provide fewer alternatives as well. A mini-split system, for instance, can be installed with an air handler placed in an accessible location such as a crawl space or attic. This is necessary, for example, when a new section of a house is built without connecting to the existing ductwork for the distribution of air conditioning and heating.
Ductless systems can be as powerful as 5-6 tons (a ton is a measurement of the cooling capacity of an outside unit) for homes. It’s possible that a 0.5-ton outside unit might be sufficient for a single-head mini-split designed for a small space, but a 5-head split would adapt to changing conditions in the higher tonnage range.
Conclusion
Ductless mini-splits are becoming increasingly popular for their many features and benefits. Some of the main features include their energy efficiency, easy installation, and ability to provide both heating and cooling. They are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of settings.
That said, feel free to invest in one if you think it will provide the comfort that your household needs.
If you are looking for a company that installs ductless mini-split systems in Long Island, NY, look no further than our services here at Always On Green Home. We are HVAC contractors specializing in Mini Split systems. We have over 20 years of experience and guarantee a wonderful experience at a competitive price every time. Call us today to set your appointment, and let us install your mini-splits in no time!