What You Need To Know About Multi Zone Mini Splits

Finding the ideal air conditioner for your home can be a process. With so many brands and systems on the market, homeowners must look at everything from design to efficiency before narrowing down their search options. What about homeowners looking to add multi-zone mini-split systems to their home additions or new constructions?

Homeowners looking for an energy-efficient cooling system that can easily be added to your home, whether you are cooling down a room or your entire house, will love a multi-zone ductless mini split system. These systems are known for their efficiency and the way they can maximize your comfort.

Where should you turn for your multi-zone mini split system needs? Superior Home Supplies can help you find the perfect mini split air conditioning system for your home or home addition. Contact us today to find out more about their available models.

What is a multi-zone mini-split ac system?

Multi-zone mini splits air conditioning systems are an excellent option for homeowners looking for a cooling solution with high-efficiency ratings. They allow you to control the temperature in your home by adjusting selected areas so that you only have cooled air delivered to the rooms you need, which means less wasted energy and greater room comfort.

Ductless mini-split air conditioners are constructed similar to traditional split systems, with an outdoor unit that holds the condenser/compressor heat pump and an interior unit that holds the air handler. Since these systems can be zoned for certain areas of the house, there may be multiple air handlers throughout.

The main difference between a ductless mini-split system and a traditional split system is that there are no ducts with a mini-split. Mounted air handlers replace the ductwork that typically delivers air in a traditional split system. The two components of the ductless system are connected through a line set of copper tubing, where the refrigerant travels.

How many zones can a mini-split have?

One of the benefits of mini-split systems is that multiple zones can be installed in the home, and each is controlled independently. This can give you greater control over the temperature in various home sections. One outdoor unit can connect to up to eight zones, which is often more than enough for most households. Below are the most common zoning setups.

• Single zone mini-split - One air handler

• Dual-zone mini-split - Two air handlers

• Three-zone mini-split - Three air handlers

• Quad zone mini-split - Four air handlers

• Five zone mini-split - Five air handlers

How do you install a multi-zone mini split?

One of the main benefits of a multi-zone mini-split system is that it is easy to install. Most of these systems come in kits, which include the heat pump/condenser, air handlers, and remotes. Many come in either 1 ton mini split or 3 ton mini split options depending on the square footage of your home. The line set will often come precharged with refrigerant, and the kit includes all the accessories you will need if you prefer a DIY installation.

Installation involves a simple four-step system: mounting the air handlers, connecting them to the unit, attaching the electrical equipment, and starting the system to check it.

If you don't have HVAC knowledge, have not handled electrical work in your home before, or are unsure about the proper place to install each component, it is best to have an HVAC technician install your HVAC system.

How do some multi-zone mini-splits work?

Ductless mini-split systems use a series of handlers to control each zone's cooling. Each zone will be equipped with its own thermostat, controlled by remote control. You can change the temperature in each zone without affecting the other zones, saving energy in less used areas while maximizing comfort in areas you most utilize. Additionally, these systems use inverter technology to optimize efficiency. This technology allows the system to monitor each zone so that it can learn to output the cooling more effectively, saving even more on energy use.

What is the difference between a multi-zone mini split and a single-zone mini split?

The primary difference between a single zone system and a multi-zone system is the number of indoor units, or zones, in the home. With a single-zone system, there is one outdoor unit and one indoor unit. They are often used as a supplement in new additions that are not connected to a previous system or areas where additional cooling power is needed.

Multi-zone systems will consist of a single outdoor unit and up to 8 indoor units connected to the outdoor unit. Each indoor unit will control the temperature in the specific zone or area of the house it is located.

How do I know what ton mini-split I need?

Determining the size of your mini split will depend on many factors. Some of these factors may require a larger model, while others may mean it's best to choose a smaller one. In most cases, you can use a simple calculation to help you get to the correct size.

1. Calculate the sq. ft. of the rooms in your home: When you measure a square or rectangular room, calculating square footage is relatively simple. In these cases, you multiply the length by the width, so a 10ft x 10ft room would be a total of 100 sq. ft. If you are dealing with a rounded space, you will multiply the length from the center of the room to two of the walls and multiply it by 3.14159.

2. Find the right BTU for the square footage: Calculating the BTU for a room is easy once you have determined the square footage of the room. Multiply the square footage by 25. So a 10 ft x 10ft room would require 2,500 BTUs.

3. Repeat the calculation for each room to get a total: Perform the same calculations for each room that you plan to cool with the ductless system to add up the BTUs to determine the correct size.

There are a few other issues that could affect your calculations. Some of the factors that may increase the BTUs required include:

• Vaulted ceilings

• Less insulation

• An older home

• Poor quality windows

• High amounts of sun exposure

• High-output appliances and specific flooring options

It can be difficult to factor in the above calculations, but an HVAC expert can help you determine the correct BTUs to account for the specific issues in your home.

What is the average power consumption for a mini-split?

Several factors can determine the power consumption for a ductless mini split system. Systems that are Energy Star rated or have a high HSPF will use less power than other types of models. Other factors that can come into play for the cost of power are how often you run your cooling system a day and the energy costs in your area.

The average mini-split air conditioning system will generally utilize 600 watts, and the average cost per kWh of electricity runs around $0.13. This means homeowners can spend an average of $56 on electricity per month for their system, which works out to about 432 kWh.

What are the benefits of a multi-zone mini-split?

There are a host of benefits that can come from opting for a multi-zone ductless mini-split system for your cooling needs. The five most significant benefits of these types of systems include:

Greater energy efficiency

Mini-splits are one of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems. These systems come with a high SEER rating and use limited electricity to cool down your home effectively. They are considered so energy efficient that they often qualify for energy rebates.

Quiet operation

Unlike traditional HVAC systems, ductless systems don't cycle on and off loudly and constantly. The system begins to cool slowly until it reaches the desired temperature, where it will slowly continue to work in a quiet mode to keep the temperature consistent. Many homeowners only report a slight rustling sound from the wall mounts during operation and say it is relatively quiet even when cooling a room down.

No Ductwork

No ductwork is required for these systems, which can save on installation and maintenance costs and improve their energy efficiency. Even with proper maintenance, ductwork can suffer from leaking and cracking, which causes energy loss and lowers the efficiency of traditional systems. Eliminating the ductwork allows your system to stay more efficient for longer.

Easy to install and maintain

Since there is no ductwork to install and the refrigerant lines come precharged, installing a ductless system is easy enough to perform on your own. Additionally, its simple design means less maintenance. No need to worry about maintaining ductwork. You simply need to keep your indoor handlers clean and have your system checked once a year to keep it functioning efficiently and effectively.

Room-to-room control

With a mini-split system, you can zone your home so that each room can be set at its own specific temperature. This can allow you to adjust temperatures for rooms with more sun and save energy in rooms you don't frequent.

Find the perfect mini split air conditioner at Superior Home Supplies

If you are looking for ductless heat pump systems, such as mini splits, Superior Home Supplies has brands and models that can help you achieve your cooling needs. Check out our online inventory, or contact us today to find out which mini-split system will work for you.