Mini-split air conditioners are the answer to cooling any occupancy spaces that are either not equipped with or unable to accommodate air ducts. Central air conditioning requires elaborate HVAC ductwork to move warm air from inside the building to an outdoor condenser where it gets released. Ductless AC provides cooling without any ductwork while enabling the ultimate zone control. Read on to learn more about the advantages of ductless mini-split air conditioners.
What is a Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner?
Ductless AC enables homeowners to enjoy a cooled indoor atmosphere similar to what is gained from an HVAC system but without the extensive disruption to their home life. Mini-split air conditioners are comprised of an outdoor condenser that can handle up to four indoor air handlers. These air handlers are typically installed throughout the living spaces to deliver cool air where you need it.
The outdoor condenser is the workhorse extracting all that stuffy hot air from inside the home through the conduit that is drawn through small 3-inch holes. This conduit connects each handler to the condenser creating a path for refrigerant tubing. The only thing you need to extend handlers farther inside the home is the proper length of the conduit.
How The Mini-Split System Works
Ductless AC installations are simple. The air handlers may be mounted on a wall, ceiling or on floor-based pedestals. Within the air handlers are the components that enable the transport of cool air into the home while keeping the humidity out for the most comfort and best indoor air quality. The air handler houses the thermostat settings, filters, electrical components, blower motor and evaporator coil.
Mini-splits are often used in tandem with a boiler that heats the home in the colder season. If the boiler should break down, the mini-split system can be used to heat the house. The ductless mini-split system is basically a heat pump. The condenser pulls the warm air from inside the home and filters it back as thermal energy to heat the rooms through the air handlers. Note: This heating method will not be as powerful as that which your boiler generates, however, it can be of help in a pinch.
Residential Boiler Installations
Boiler-based systems produce radiant heat from hot water distributed through a network of water pipes in the floor or leading to radiators in the rooms. The hot water radiates heat up into the room and relies on the principle that hot air rises.
Boiler installation involves numerous tasks and requires some engineering. Your plumbing engineer will be connecting pumps and pipes and water outlets. The boiler needs to connect to your cold-water mains supply as well as electrical heating controls. There are gas, oil or electric-fueled boilers. Today’s modern technology has resulted in some very efficient boilers that will last up to 30 years.
Advantages of a Ductless AC System
Mini-split air conditioners are versatile. They are suitable for a variety of environments including the home, apartments, offices, community facilities, factories, showrooms and any other occupancy spaces. They are particularly useful in sunrooms, additions and garages where a network of ducts was not originally installed. A radiant heating system along with a mini-split system both result in greater energy efficiency than forced air systems.
You have the ultimate control with a mini-split. You can use each handler separately to create zones in the home. You are not required to cool every single room in the house ensuring that every room vent remains open for optimal performance. You also do not leak air through a duct system. All the controls are right in your hand with remote controls.
Ductless mini-splits are both easy on the monthly expense as well as having a friendly price point. For a fraction of the cost of a forced-air system and nearly zero disruption, there is only minimal drilling of what amounts to 3-inch holes for the conduit. You have multiple options as to where and how you want the air handlers placed. Installation is fast with same-day performance.