Guidebook to Mini-Split Air Conditioners: What They Are and How They Work

August 18, 2017

Many homeowners are informed about central air conditioners.

Mini-split systems are a type of ductless heating and cooling. Rather than giving conditioned air to the complete home through a network of air ducts, they heat and cool a single room at a time. This delivers more targeted temperature control, improving 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 provide electric cooling, the same as an air conditioner. This involves using refrigerant to draw out heat from inside a building and exhausting that warm air outside. Then, a reversing valve allows the system to operate backward, adding warmth to your house in the winter by removing heat from outdoor air and bringing it inside.

The biggest difference between mini-splits and heat pumps is that mini-split systems don’t need ductwork. Alternatively, the indoor unit has a built-in air handler, which fits directly on the wall or ceiling in the room you wish to heat and cool. Copper tubes, wiring and a condensate drain line connect to an outdoor condensing unit through a small conduit in the wall. This exterior component looks much like an air conditioner or heat pump condenser.

Several indoor units can work off of a single outdoor condenser, enabling you to heat and cool your complete residence with this system if wanted. This set-up also makes zoning feasible, an extremely attractive feature that allows you to customize when, where and how much you heat and cool distinct areas.

Mini-split basics infographic Buffalo 

Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for My House?

Mini-splits are an excellent solution for many households. Think over these reasons why installing a ductless mini-split may be a smart choice for you:

  • You can heat and cool an entire house that has no existing ductwork.
  • You’ll be able to shut off the heat and air conditioning in unused rooms to save on your utility bills.
  • Mini-splits deliver supplementary heating and cooling for areas that are difficult to keep comfortable.
  • Use a ductless system to heat and cool a house addition or enclosed patio without the cost of installing ductwork or the annoyance of relying on window AC units.
  • Mini-splits are the ideal choice for spaces where traditional ducts is impractical. A few examples are period houses, tiny homes, temperature controlled sheds or workshops, or garage conversions.
  • What are the Benefits of a Mini-Split System?

    Ductless mini-splits are very effective systems, but you might still be thinking why you would want to install it over a regular furnace and air conditioner. Here’s why a large number of Buffalo homeowners are getting ductless mini-splits:

    • Avoid the pitfalls of ductwork: By providing heated and cooled air directly, air doesn’t move through leaky air ducts on its way to each room. This can save you upward of 30 percent on your heating and cooling expenses. Plus, if your home doesn’t already include ducts, you avoid the annoyance and cost connected to installing them.
    • Select the best temp for each room: With zoned heating and cooling from a ductless mini-split, you can keep an office refreshing while maintaining a cozy nursery—all while maximizing energy efficiency.
    • Use less money and energy by not heating and cooling empty areas: Closing supply registers in a central HVAC system can throw it off kilter, putting stress on the equipment and negating any possible savings. But with individual air handlers in each room, you can heat and cool specific areas only when you need them.

    Trust Sunbeam Service Experts to Put in Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

    Much like traditional HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits call for accurate sizing and Expert installation to deliver the greatest performance. Our experienced mini split installers in Buffalo can help you determine if a mini-split system will meet your needs. We can then support you with finding the correct equipment size and model to make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible.

    For extra details, or to request an appointment, get in touch with Sunbeam Service Experts at 716-427-6807. You can also schedule an appointment online.


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