Most homeowners are most familiar with central air conditioners.
Mini-split systems are a form of ductless heating and cooling. In place of providing conditioned air to the total house through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a lone room at a time. This allows more targeted temperature control, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
How Do Mini-Split Air Conditioners Work?
Mini-splits most closely resemble heat pumps in the way they run. Both models of equipment offer electric cooling, just like an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to remove heat from within a building and issuing that heat outside. Then, a reversing valve permits the system to work backward, adding warmth to your home in the winter by pulling heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.
The largest distinction between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need ductwork. As an alternative, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which mounts directly to the wall or ceiling in the room 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.
More than one indoor unit can work off of one outdoor condenser, allowing you to heat and cool your total house with this system if wanted. This set-up also makes zoning possible, a highly coveted feature that lets you determine when, where and how much you heat and cool specific rooms.
Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My House?
Mini-splits are an excellent option for many households. Think about these reasons why getting a ductless mini-split could be right for your needs:
You can heat and cool an entire residence that lacks existing ductwork. You can turn off the heat and air conditioning in unused areas to save on your utility expenses. Mini-splits provide added heating and cooling for areas that are hard to keep cozy. Use a ductless system to heat and cool a home addition or enclosed porch without the expense of putting in ductwork or the annoyance of using window AC units. Mini splits are the perfect choice for spaces where ductwork is impractical. A few examples might be historic homes, 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 may still be thinking why you would want to choose it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a growing number of Tulsa homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits:
- Avoid the hidden issues of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t go through holey air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Plus, if your home doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the inconvenience and price connected to putting them in.
- Find the right temp for every room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a warm nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency.
- Conserve money and energy by not heating and cooling unused spaces: Shutting supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off balance, straining the equipment and negating any likely savings. But with detached air handlers in every room, you can heat and cool specific areas only when you need them.
Depend on Jack Nelson Service Experts to Install Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner
The same as common HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits call for careful sizing and Expert installation to ensure the best performance. Our skilled mini split installers in Tulsa can help you determine if a mini-split system will fit your needs. We can then help 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 Jack Nelson Service Experts at 918-212-8927. You can also schedule an appointment online.