A ductless mini split, or a mini split air conditioner, is a widespread and effective cooling and heating system in residential and commercial buildings. These systems are characterized by their capability to cool single rooms or particular areas without having to use large ducts. With their ever-increasing popularity, it is possible to know how they operate, their advantages and how to install them so that you can make a decision whether a mini split air conditioner is the best option to be installed in your home or office.
What is a Mini Split Air Conditioner?
A mini split air conditioner is a system of air conditioning which is made up of two main parts namely, an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. These systems are termed as ductless since they do not use ducts to circulate air as is the case with the conventional central air conditioning systems. Mini splits are available to cool or heat a single room or zone, and this is why they are a very good choice in homes that have particular cooling or heating requirements.
Elements of a Mini Split System
Indoor Unit: The indoor unit is fitted in the room or area you are willing to cool. It is made up of an evaporator coil, fan and a filter. The fan circulates the air and the evaporator coil absorbs the heat and moisture of the air.
Outdoor Unit: The compressor and condenser are located in the outdoor unit. It is normally placed outside the building to discharge the heat absorbed into the environment. Refrigerant lines connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit and they transfer the cooled air.
Refrigerant Lines: Refrigerant is transported in these lines between the outside and the indoor units. The refrigerant takes the heat out of the inside air and vents it outside thereby cooling the room.
How Does a Mini Split Air Conditioner Work?
Mini split air conditioners operate by extracting the heat inside the building and moving it outside. It works in a similar fashion as a normal air conditioning system, without the added advantage of having to use ducts to distribute the air. The following is a breakdown of the cooling process:
Cooling Process:
- The evaporator coil absorbs warm air in the room to the indoor unit.
- The refrigerant in the coil absorbs the heat in the air and transfers it to the outdoor unit.
- The outside unit expels the heat to the outside environment.
- The refrigerant is then cooled and sent back to the indoor unit where it takes in more heat and the process is repeated.
Heating:
A lot of mini splits are heat pump systems and therefore can be used to heat as well. When in heating mode, the system works in the reverse, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the outside air and transfers it to the inside.
Advantages of Mini Split Air Conditioners
Mini split air conditioners have many advantages compared to the conventional central air conditioning systems and window units.
The following are some of the main benefits:
Energy Efficiency
The mini splits are very energy saving since they do not use ductwork that can lead to energy wastage in the conventional system. Ductless systems distribute the cool air in the room and no energy goes to waste. Also, mini splits can be used so that you can only cool or heat the rooms when they are in use and this will save more energy since you do not have to cool all the rooms that are not in use.
Flexible Zoning
The possibility to create a temperature zone is one of the primary advantages of a mini split system. The units can be independently controlled and the temperature of various rooms or areas can be customized. This is a zoning option that is particularly handy in houses or buildings that are multi-level or have rooms with different heating and cooling requirements.
Easy Installation
Mini splits are also not very hard to install as opposed to central air conditioning systems, which need a lot of ductwork. The system does not need ducts and therefore the process of installation is quicker and less invasive. The refrigerant lines may be installed through small holes in the wall and thus mini splits can be installed easily in existing buildings or rooms that did not have air conditioning systems before.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Mini splits are usually equipped with a high level of filtration which may enhance the quality of air in the home. The filters are used to eliminate dust, pollen and other airborne particles to make the air cleaner and healthier to breathe. This is especially useful to those people, who are allergic or have breathing problems.
Quiet Operation
The mini split systems are characterized by their quietness. The outdoor unit is normally not placed in the living area, and the indoor units are also constructed in such a way that they are quiet. This helps mini splits to be a good option in bedrooms, offices and other places where noise may be an issue.
Disadvantages of Mini Split Air Conditioners
Mini split air conditioners have numerous advantages but they do not go without disadvantages. The following are some of the drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before making a decision:
Upfront Cost
The initial price of a mini split system may be greater than the traditional air conditioning systems. The cost of itself and the installation cost may be high, particularly when you are installing more than one unit. The increased comfort and long-term energy savings could however compensate for the increased initial price.
Aesthetic Concerns
The mini split indoor units are attached to the wall, which to some individuals lacks the aesthetics of conventional air vents or central air systems. Though the units are usually smooth and contemporary, they can still be seen in the room, which could be a problem to some homeowners.
Maintenance Requirements
Mini splits do not need as much maintenance as the conventional central air systems but they still require some maintenance. The filters should be washed frequently and the refrigerant level must be monitored and refilled by an expert in case of need. The outdoor unit must be also checked to make sure that it is not clogged with debris and it is also operating correctly.