All About Mini-Split Air Conditioners: What They Are and How They Operate

August 18, 2017

Most homeowners are acquainted with central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a kind of ductless heating and cooling. Instead of providing conditioned air to the full residence through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool one room at a time. This allows more advanced temperature control, increasing comfort and energy efficiency.

How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?

Mini-splits are most similar to heat pumps in the way they cool. Both types of equipment offer electric cooling, similar to an air conditioner. This uses refrigerant to draw out heat from within a building and exhausting that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to work backward, heating your home in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The largest contrast 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 fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the room you want to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line join to an outdoor condensing unit through a narrow conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Several indoor units can work off of an individual outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your full house with this system if desired. This arrangement also makes zoning practical, a very desirable feature that permits you to determine when, where and how much you heat and cool specific rooms.

Mini-split basics infographic Canada 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My Residence?

Mini-splits are a fantastic choice for many households. Consider these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split could be a smart choice for your home:

  • You can heat and cool an entire home that has no existing ductwork.
  • You can shut off the heat and air conditioning in empty rooms to save on your energy expenses.
  • Mini-splits give additional heating and cooling for rooms that are hard to keep comfy.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed patio without the hassle of adding ductwork or the annoyance of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini split systems are the ideal choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Perks of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are very efficient systems, but you may still be thinking why you would want to select it over a traditional furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Canada homeowners are installing ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By giving heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through holey 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 include ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and expense that comes with installing them.
    • Select the best temp for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office chilly while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling vacant rooms: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting strain on the equipment and invalidating any potential savings. But with detached air handlers in all rooms, you can heat and cool specific areas only when you need them.

    Trust Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    As with common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits call for meticulous sizing and Expert installation to ensure the most efficient performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Canada can help you decide if a mini-split system will fit 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 more details, or to request an appointment, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 866-397-3787. You can also schedule an appointment online.