Guidebook to Mini-Split Air Conditioners: What They Are and How They Operate

August 18, 2017

Most homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of delivering conditioned air to the total home through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This allows more targeted temperature control, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they cool. Both types of equipment provide electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to remove heat from within a building and discharging that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve enables the system to operate backward, warming your house in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and adding it inside.

The biggest difference 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 want to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line connect to an outdoor condensing unit through a little conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Multiple indoor units can link to one outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your full residence with this system if if you want. This set-up also makes zoning practical, a very coveted feature that permits you to choose when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct areas.

Mini-split basics infographic Calgary 

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

Mini-splits are a fantastic solution for many households. Think over these reasons why using a ductless mini-split may be a wise choise for you:

  • You can heat and cool a total home that doesn’t have existing ductwork.
  • It’s possible to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unused spaces to save on your heating and cooling costs.
  • Mini-splits provide added heating and cooling for areas that are tricky to keep comfortable.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed patio without the expense of installing ductwork or the annoyance of using window AC units.
  • Mini split systems are the ideal choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples are period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Pluses of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are very capable systems, but you could still be thinking why you would want to select it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Calgary homeowners are using ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t pass through leaky air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Plus, if your home doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and expense that comes with adding them.
    • Choose the right temperature for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office cool while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling empty spaces: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, straining the equipment and invalidating any potential savings. But with independent air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool certain spaces only when you need them.

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

    Much like traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits require accurate sizing and Expert installation to ensure the greatest performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Calgary can help you decide if a mini-split system will match your needs. We can then support you with figuring out the precise equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For more information, or to get an appointment, get in touch with A1 Chesney Service Experts at 587-315-5271. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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