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

The majority of homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than giving conditioned air to the complete residence via a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This allows more advanced 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 operate. Both types of equipment deliver electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This requires using refrigerant to draw out heat from within a building and exhausting that warmth outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to operate backward, heating your residence in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and adding it inside. 

The largest difference 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 mounts directly to the wall or ceiling in the area you are looking to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line link to an outdoor condensing unit through a narrow conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser. 

Several indoor units can connect to one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full residence with this system if wanted. This configuration also makes zoning feasible, a very desirable feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct areas. 

Mini Split chart

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

Mini-splits are a good choice for many households. Consider these reasons why using a ductless mini-split could be a wise choice for you: 

  • You can heat and cool a complete home that has no existing ductwork. 
  • You can turn off the heat and air conditioning in unoccupied rooms to save on your heating and cooling costs. 
  • Mini-splits provide supplementary heating and cooling for areas that are tricky to keep cozy. 
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a residence addition or enclosed patio without the expense of installing ductwork or the annoyance of having window AC units. 
  • Mini split systems are the natural choice for spaces where overhead ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions. 

What are the Advantages of a Mini-Split System? 

Ductless mini-splits are very capable systems, but you may still be considering why you would want to install it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why more Columbus homeowners are using ductless mini-splits: 

  • Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through leaky air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you nearly 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Plus, if your residence doesn’t already use ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and cost associated with putting them in. 
  • Choose the right temperature for all rooms: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a comfortable nursery—all while making the most of energy efficiency. 
  • Save money and energy by not heating and cooling unused areas: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can disturb it, straining the equipment and invalidating any likely savings. But with independent air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool specific areas only when you need them. 

Rely on Stevenson Service Experts to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner 

Much like traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits need careful sizing and Expert installation to ensure the greatest performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Columbus can help you determine if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then support you with determining the correct equipment size and model to make your residence as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. 

For extra details, or to request an appointment, contact Stevenson Service Experts at 614-334-3192. You can also schedule an appointment online