What is it all about?

Ductless mini split air conditioners have numerous potential applications in residential, commercial and institutional buildings. The most common applications are in multi-family homes or as retrofits for homes with “ductless” heating systems, such as hydronics (hot water), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane). They can also be a good choice for additional rooms and small apartments (1).

Similar to the central system ACs, mini splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor / condenser and an indoor air handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power cord, refrigerant piping, suction piping, and a condensate drain.

Advantages

The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility in zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have up to four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit.

Ductless mini split systems often are easier to install than other types of air conditioning systems. For example, the connection between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a three-inch hole through a wall for conduit. In addition, most manufacturers of this type of system can provide a variety of connecting conduit lengths. Therefore, if necessary, you can locate the outdoor unit up to 50 feet, from the indoor evaporator. This makes it possible to cool rooms at the front of a building house with the compressor in a more advantageous or inconspicuous location on the outside or back of the building.

Due to the fact that mini splits are ductless, they avoid the energy losses associated with ducting in central air conditioning systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of air conditioning energy consumption, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.

Compared to other add-on systems, mini splits offer more flexibility in interior design options. Indoor air handlers can be suspended from the ceiling, mounted flush to a false ceiling, or hung on a wall. Floor-standing models are also available. Most indoor units are approximately seven inches of width and usually come with stylish, high-tech looking covers. They also offer a remote control to make it easy to turn the system on and off when it is placed high on a wall or suspended from the ceiling.

How to calculate the size of the mini split?

The best way to calculate the size of the mini split unit you need for your room or home is to consult a professional, who will calculate the heat load. For a rough estimate, you should calculate between 17 and 24 BTUs per square foot. Factors such as kitchen space, the number of people in the home, the quality of insulation, and the amount of direct sunlight all play a role in cooling requirements (2).

How much does it cost to run a mini split

It is generally 20% to 60% more efficient than central air conditioning. The professional installer will be able to provide an estimate of the efficiency of a proposed system, which can help estimate your utility bills. Mini split system operating costs will vary based on area, home size, insulation, weather, and outside temperatures. For truly energy efficient air conditioning, you should consider re-insulating your attic, updating your windows and doors, and sealing the air in your home.

The installation of the central unit costs an average of USD 5,600. Ductless air conditioning costs up to 50% less. It is an extremely flexible option for remodels and older homes without already installed ducts.

Silent Functioning

The best heating and cooling systems should be appreciated, but not listened to, according to the brand Carrier (3). The brand’s ductless outdoor units with inverter-controlled variable speed compressors operate on longer, lower speed and quieter comfort cycles. The long refrigerant lines to the outdoor unit also allow the flexibility to install the outdoor unit further away from decks, patios, or other outdoor living spaces.

After knowing all this, it can be said that it is really convenient to install a mini split in the house, to save, have greater control of the temperature and enjoy life.

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Sources:

1 Energy.gov, Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners.

2 Homeadvisor.com, How Much Does It Cost To Install A Ductless Mini-split Ac System?

3 Carrier, The Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning.