In the US, air conditioning is a staple, especially in places like Florida. Mini split ACs are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and flexibility. They work without ducts, consisting of an outdoor compressor connected to indoor air-handling units via a conduit.
They offer advantages like individual room temperature control, low noise, and various installation options (single-zone, multi-zone, wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling cassette). When choosing one, consider size, capacity, SEER rating, cost, and maintenance. Professional installation is recommended for optimal performance. If they’re in Vero Beach, FL, Air Docs Heating and Air offers expertise in installation, repair, and maintenance.
What is a mini split AC exactly?
Using an air-conditioning unit to cool down or heat the house is a popular choice in the US
Using an air-conditioning unit to cool down or heat the house is a popular choice in the US. In Florida, 96% of all households use air-conditioning equipment. But choosing the right kind and number of air conditioning units for the home isn’t easy. There’s more to it than just picking one and hoping it works. They need to consider the house’s size, the local weather, and the cooling preferences.
One popular option to consider is the mini split AC. But what is a mini split AC exactly? This type of air AC can fit almost anywhere, but it’s preferred by many because of its energy efficiency. The external units are smaller but can keep the house or apartment at the right temperature. This article will cover everything they need to know about these AC units, from their benefits to how to install them, so keep on reading.
How Does A Mini Split AC Work
A mini split AC, or “ductless” AC, is an air conditioning system that doesn’t need a network of ducts to cool the space. There’s an outdoor compressor unit they can connect to one or multiple indoor air-handling units. A simple conduit connects them all, while in it, they have the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and condensate drain. It’s compact, efficient, and can be installed almost anywhere you need it. The key components of a mini-split are:
- Outdoor compressor: It converts the refrigerant from a gas into liquid.
- Indoor air-handling units: Takes in warm air from the room, passes it over the cool refrigerant, and then blows the cooled air back into the room.
- Conduit: Connects the outdoor and indoor unit and houses the lines and wires.
Refrigerant into a high-pressure gas
The outdoor compressor starts to compress the refrigerant into a high-pressure gas
When the turn on the mini split AC, the outdoor compressor starts to compress the refrigerant into a high-pressure gas. This gas flows into the indoor units, where it’s cooled into a liquid. As the indoor unit pulls in warm air from the room, the refrigerant takes in all the heat and lowers the air’s temperature.
The cooled air is then blown back into the room while the refrigerant, now warmed again, flows back outside to the compressor to start the process again.
Advantages of Mini Split AC System
The biggest perk of having a mini-split AC system is its energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, a regular AC unit uses over 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Unlike central heating, which loses much energy due to the ductwork, mini-split ACs deliver the cool air directly into different zones. This direct approach results in less energy loss and lower utility bills.
Other significant advantages are its flexibility and convenience. They can set the temperature individually in every room or zone with a mini split AC. That is an improvement over central systems that maintain the same temperature in the whole place, whether they’re using all the rooms or not.
Traditional HVAC systems
Traditional HVAC systems can be noisy, with the compressor and air handler making noticeable noise
They can keep their bedroom cool at night while maintaining a comfortable temperature in the living room during the day. Also, let’s talk about noise, or more precisely, the lack of it.
Traditional HVAC systems can be noisy, with the compressor and air handler making noticeable noise. But mini-split ACs are a lot quieter. They’ll barely notice the indoor units working, and the outdoor compressor is outside where it won’t disturb them.
Types of Mini Split AC
There are a few types of mini-split AC systems they can choose from. The type they go for will depend on how many rooms they want to cool and even how much wall space they have. Types of mini-split AC systems they should consider are:
- Single-Zone Mini Split AC: This unit is excellent for cooling down one specific area in the home. They may have a home office that gets too warm or a bedroom that could use extra chill. They’ll benefit from targeted cooling without overhauling the entire HVAC system.
- Multi-Zone Mini Split AC: These are perfect for a larger home or multiple rooms that need temperature control. They can connect more than one indoor unit to one outdoor unit. They can vary the temperature between rooms, keeping everyone in the house comfortable.
- Wall-mounted Mini Split AC: These are the most common type of mini-split AC. They’re easy to install on any wall and provide efficient cooling. Because they’re up high and off the floor, they’re good at spreading cool air throughout the room.
- Floor-mounted Mini Split AC: These units are a great solution if they don’t have a lot of wall space. They’re installed at floor level and can fit perfectly under a window or in a low-wall application. They work just like the wall-mounted units but in a different configuration.
- Ceiling Cassette Mini Split AC: They install these AC units in the ceiling to distribute the cool air more evenly. They’re perfect for larger spaces or rooms with high ceilings. One of the benefits is that they’re out of sight and don’t take up any wall space.
How To Pick A Mini Split AC System
When selecting a mini split AC, they don’t want to get the first they come across
When selecting a mini split AC, they don’t want to get the first they come across. Two significant aspects of choosing the right one are size and capacity. Smaller units might not cool the home enough, while others might waste too much energy.
Speaking of energy, they’ll want to check out the system’s SEER rating. That tells they how much cooling a unit provides for each unit of energy consumed, and the higher the rating, the more efficient the system. Lastly, consider cost and maintenance. While a mini split AC might have a higher upfront cost, the lower energy bills could save they a lot of money in the long run.
Installing a Mini Split AC
While the installation process is straightforward, it’s best to have a professional handle it to ensure everything runs smoothly. Professionals can also help them select the best spot for the outdoor unit.
It should be a place where it can be securely mounted and easily accessed for maintenance. They will determine where the indoor unit should go so cool air can circulate freely.
Experience in installing AC units
They should mount the indoor AC unit at a height that allows it to cool the room effectively
They should mount the indoor AC unit at a height that allows it to cool the room effectively. To do this, they’ll need to connect the piping for both units through a hole in the wall. A professional will know how to do it without damaging the wall or facade.
The final step is connecting the units. That means running the piping and wiring through the hole they made in the wall. A professional AC installer will ensure these connections are secure and insulated, keeping the mini split AC running efficiently. So, while it’s not too complicated, it’s a job for someone with experience installing AC units.
Find An AC Specialist in Vero Beach, FL
They hope this guide taught they what is a mini split AC and how it can be a game changer for the home. Remember that they can zone the cooling, lower the bills, and forget about those bulky window units. Installing one is not a DIY project, so when they’re ready to level up the comfort, call the professionals at Air Docs Heating and Air.
They have over eight years of experience in the HVAC industry and can install, repair, and maintain any AC system they want. If they’re in the area of Vero Beach, FL, feel free to contact them at any time, as they are at the service 24/7. Let’s get them feeling cool for the summer now!
