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

Many homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners. 

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than delivering conditioned air to the total house via 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 operate. Both styles of equipment offer electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to extract heat from inside a building and exhausting that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to work backward, heating your residence in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside. 

The biggest 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 space you are looking 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. 

More than one indoor unit can connect to a single outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your total residence with this system if if you want. This configuration also makes zoning possible, a highly popular feature that lets you determine when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct areas. 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split the Best Option for My House? 

Mini-splits are an excellent solution for most households. Think over these reasons why using a ductless mini-split could be a good choice for your needs: 

• You can heat and cool a complete house that has no existing ductwork. 
• It’s possible to turn off the heat and air conditioning in unused rooms to save on your heating and cooling expenses. 

• Mini-splits deliver added heating and cooling for areas that are difficult to keep cozy. 
• Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed patio without the expense of installing ductwork or the hassle of relying on window AC units. 
• Mini-splits are the ideal choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples are 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 very capable systems, but you might still be considering why you would want to select it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Calgary homeowners are using 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 each room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Along with that, if your home doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and price connected to adding them. 
• Find the right temperature 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 vacant spaces: Securing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, straining the equipment and invalidating any likely savings. But with independent air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool particular rooms only when you need them. 

Rely on A1 Chesney Service Experts to Add Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner 

As with standard HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need accurate sizing and Expert installation to provide the greatest performance. Our knowledgeable mini split installers in Calgary can help you figure out if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then assist with determining the precise equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For extra info, or to get an appointment, call A1 Chesney Service Experts at 587-315-5271. You can also schedule an appointment online.