Is a Mini “Split” Air Conditioner Right For Me?

Apart from the amazing benefits of a mini split air conditioning unit, there are other factors you should consider when choosing to install this style of system.

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When it comes to heating and cooling your home, you have options – but which option is most appropriate for your home?

One of the newer styles of air conditioning units is the mini split air conditioner and, given all of its great benefits, it may be the best fit for cooling and heating your home.

What is a Mini Split Air Conditioner?

A mini split air conditioner is a combination heating and cooling system. It allows you to control the temperatures in individual rooms or spaces.

How it Works

A mini split air conditioning unit involves two components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor evaporator/air handling unit.

The indoor handling unit blows warm air from inside your home over cold evaporator coils. The cool air is blown back into your home while the heat that is absorbed from the air is moved to the outdoor unit.

The outdoor compressor releases this warm air outside. The system continues this cycle to keep your home cool.

Mini split air conditioning units can also include a heat pump, which converts cold air into warm air in order to heat your home. Having one can eliminate the use of a furnace.

Installation

Installing a mini split air conditioner involves a small 3 inch hole through the wall of your home to the outside for the conduit. The conduit consists of the power and communication cables as well as the copper tubing and condensation drain line – it connects the indoor and outdoor units.

Small indoor units are then installed in individual rooms.

Is a Mini Split Air Conditioner Right For Me?

If your home requires an air conditioning system to maintain and cool and comfortable temperature during the hotter months, you may want to consider installing a mini split air conditioning unit instead of window or duct-based units.

Benefits of a Mini Split AC

When comparing a mini split AC to other air conditioning systems, the overall installation is easier and requires no duct work throughout your home. This is beneficial as well, since ducts tend to leak and this duct leakage means that cool air is lost and the unit has to work harder to keep your house cool.

When your unit works harder, it requires more energy to do so. Having a ductless system, and reducing cool air leakage, increases the energy efficiency of your home’s cooling system.

You also save money because the temperatures of your home can be zoned. Because the indoor units are installed individually in each room, you can choose which units are running and which are shut off.

This is especially helpful since mini split AC can be installed with a heat pump, meaning that you can also choose which rooms you heat during the wintertime. Of course, like any major appliance, It’s always best of have a professional install any cooling equipment.

When to Choose a Mini Split AC

Apart from the amazing benefits of a mini split air conditioning unit, there are other factors you should consider when choosing to install this style of system.

Houses that are 2000 square feet or larger may require a more heavy-duty system to accommodate the large space. However, if your home is less than 2000 square feet, a mini split AC is perfect.

Because you can choose which rooms to heat or cool, having a mini split AC unit is preferable for homes in which some rooms are not used on a regular basis.

Lastly, mini split AC units are designed with filters to prevent dust build up within your home. Systems that rely on ducts are more likely to blow around dust and allergens.

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