Mini Split Air Conditioner Guide
Superior Home Supplies Resources
When looking for an HVAC system for your home or addition, you may want to consider a mini split air conditioner. Perfect for any room size and extremely energy efficient, mini split systems are worth considering. Read on to learn more about what a mini split system is, how it works, and why it might be the best option for your cooling needs.
What is a Mini Split Air Conditioner System?
Ductless mini split air conditioner cooling systems are the ideal solution for new additions or for adding air conditioning to your home for the first time. This type of air conditioning system will link indoor air handler units controlled by remote control to an outdoor compressor via tubing that runs through the wall of your home.
The systems are similar to a traditional split system, with the wall-mounted indoor units containing evaporator coils that use refrigerant to deliver cooled air into the room. After the warm air blows over the evaporator coils, the refrigerant will transfer to the outdoor unit, which contains a compressor.
The primary difference between ductless and traditional systems is that no ductwork is required to transport the air. This is just one of the reasons these systems are considered highly energy efficient. Systems can be designed to cool one room or your whole home. Zoning options are also available, allowing you to deliver cooled air to whatever space you need and whenever you want.
What Are The Advantages of a Mini Split System?
Choosing a mini split system over a traditional central air conditioning option has many advantages. Many advantages come from the lack of ductwork, while others are related to efficiency and cost. Some of the top benefits of a mini split system include:
- The ability for temperature control with individual thermostats.
- The option to pair with a heat pump to provide both heating and cooling throughout the year.
- The ability of the inverter compressors to adjust to cooling needs.
- Their quiet operation.
- Their high efficiency.
- Better air quality in the home.
- The capability for DIY installation with some brands and models.
What Are The Disadvantages of a Mini Split System?
While there are many advantages to choosing a mini split system for your heating and cooling, there are a few drawbacks to consider before making your decision. Below are some of the cons that come with choosing a mini split system.
- They can be more expensive than other room units such as window ac units and portable air conditioners.
- They have at least one or more indoor handlers, which will have to be worked into the design of a room.
- They require regular filter cleaning to remove dust and debris.
- They are not always ideal as the only heat source in colder climates.
Mini Split Sizing Guide
Choosing the right size mini split for your home or room is a simple calculation as long as you know the sq. ft. of the area that will need to be cooled. You will be able to determine the mini split air conditioner BTU you need by adding up all of the square footage in the space (including closets).
- 150 to 250 square feet will require 6,000 BTUs.
- 250 to 300 square feet will require 7,000 BTUs.
- 300 to 350 square feet will require 8,000 BTUs.
- 350 to 400 square feet will require 9,000 BTUs.
- 400 to 450 square feet will require 10,000 BTUs.
You may have to consider other things when sizing and may need to add more BTUs to your unit, especially if you have an older home. Homes with poor insulation, older windows, and doors, or high ceilings may need more BTUs.
Can a Mini Split System Heat And Cool My Home?
There is a mini split option to consider if you are looking to both cool and heat your home or home addition. Mini split heat pump systems are a year-round solution that can help you manage your home's climate efficiently and effectively.
Ductless heat pumps combine a ductless mini split system with a heat pump so that you can enjoy cooled air in the summer and warm air in the winter. The heat pump system uses a heat exchanger to transfer warm air from one place to another. With a ductless mini split, this means in the winter, warm air will be drawn inside through the indoor handlers, and in the summer, the process is reversed, pulling the heat inside to the outside unit.
Ductless heat pumps have many benefits, including
- Easy installation
- Energy savings
- Flexible configurations
- Low noise levels
- Improved indoor air quality
What is The Difference Between a Mini Split Heat Pump And a Mini Split Air Conditioner?
Even though there are several types of energy sources used for heat pumps, they all work by transferring heat from one place to another through a heat exchanger. This transfer of heat two ways, versus one way, is the primary difference between heat pumps and a traditional mini split.
Do Mini Split Systems Need Ductwork?
As the name ductless ac would suggest, ductless mini split systems do not require any ductwork. Instead, the conditioned or heated airflow comes out of an indoor air handler unit that is connected by a line set through the wall to the outside unit. This is one of the main benefits of these systems, as energy loss that occurs in the ductwork with traditional systems will not happen with a mini split. It also makes it the ideal option when adding heating and cooling to a space where there currently is no ductwork.
The Energy Efficiency of Mini Splits
Most mini split units are Energy Star rated and have a high SEER rating, making them one of the most energy-efficient options. While the exact amount of electricity used for your mini split system will depend on the size and the model, on average, these systems only use about 600 watts per month versus 2,000 watts per month with a central air system. Ductless mini splits also have improved energy efficiency because they require no ductwork, which is an area that typically sees energy loss in central air systems.
Multi-Zone Mini Splits
While single-zone mini splits are the perfect option for a room or home addition, a multi-zone option may be ideal if you have areas of the home where you prefer different temperatures. Most multi-zone systems range between two and five zones, with each zone capable of having its own temperature settings.
In a multi-zone system, multiple indoor air handlers will be connected to one multi-circuit outdoor unit. Each handler will have its own temperature control, and the system will deliver air to each individual indoor unit as needed to maintain each temperature setting.
Ready for an Efficient Cooling System?
Whether you are looking for a ductless heat pump mini split, a multi-zoned ductless system, or a single-zone ductless mini split for one room, Superior Home Supplies can help you find what you are looking for. Contact Superior Home Supplies today to find the perfect system for your home.
