Mini-split air conditioners are a hot topic these days, especially for areas with long, humid summers and short, mild winters. These highly efficient machines can cool off your entire home while also saving you money and providing more peace of mind than a standard central air conditioner. These units are small and barely noticeable inside your home, placed at several strategic locations for maximum cooling effect. Gone are the days of window unit cooling and box fans!
Not only that, but some homes don’t have the room or ability to house extensive ductwork systems. Should people with old or tiny houses be unable to have the comfortable cooling system that their neighbors have? Of course not! There are cooling solutions for every home, and a ductless mini-split can be that solution for you. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new AC system or just looking to transition from central air to a ductless AC in Orlando, FL, we can help you make sure it’s the right decision.
How do you install a heating and air conditioning unit?
- Choose the correct system size based on the space’s heating and cooling needs
- Select indoor and outdoor unit locations with proper airflow and clearances
- Mount the indoor unit and drill a wall hole for refrigerant lines and wiring
- Install the outdoor condenser on a stable surface with good ventilation
- Connect refrigerant lines, drain tubing, and electrical wiring securely
- Power the system, evacuate air from the lines, and charge with refrigerant
- Test for leaks, verify airflow, and ensure proper thermostat operation
How a Full-Home Mini-Split System Works
Normal central air conditioners work with a set of coils and refrigerant that remove the hot air from your home through a series of ducts in your walls, floors, or ceilings. The main unit is kept outside while it cycles the air through the vents.
A ductless system still has an outdoor cabinet unit, but it does not use air ducts. Instead, each separate air handler in your home is connected to a powerline, a refrigerant line, and a condensate drain. These mini-split air conditioners function as independent air conditioners that cool different sections of your home.
Key Differences Between Mini-Split and Central AC
A full home mini-split system can be almost 30% more expensive to install. That being said, they save money on energy costs, they don’t need ductwork to be installed, and they function as heaters as well. This can often mitigate the heavy price-tag for a ductless AC.
Keep in mind that these systems have multiple, independently functioning air handlers that can be switched on and off at the press of a button. That means you can cool certain parts of your home and leave others un-conditioned if you’re never going to set foot in there. This is obviously going to save you money and energy in the long run.
How Inefficiency Impacts Your Energy Bills
Many homeowners like to think that a small window air conditioner, or dealing with the muggy heat with a horde of box fans will save you money and consume less energy than an air conditioner. Though, this really isn’t the case.
Modern-day air conditioners are extremely efficient in how they use energy. Electric heat pump systems, like a ductless mini-split, can provide the same cooling power as a window unit while covering more area and costing less money. If you’ve got the money for an investment like a whole-house ductless air conditioning system, and you’re looking into the future, it might be well worth the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How does a full home (ductless) mini split system work?
Answer: A full home mini split has an outdoor unit plus multiple indoor air handlers. Each indoor unit connects to the outdoor unit via refrigerant lines, a power line, and a condensate drain. Instead of using ductwork, each air handler cools or heats only the zone it serves.
Question: How does a mini split system provide cooling or heating without ducts?
Answer: The system uses a refrigerant loop. The outdoor unit compresses refrigerant, which absorbs heat from inside when it expands inside the indoor units. For heating, the refrigerant cycle reverses to bring heat in from outside. It moves heat rather than creating it.
Question: What are the advantages of using a ductless mini split for an entire home?
Answer: Ductless mini splits offer room by room temperature control, better energy efficiency because there are no duct losses, easy installation even in homes without ducts, and the ability to both cool and heat using one system.
Question: What trade offs or considerations come with a full home mini split installation?
Answer: Installing a full home mini split tends to cost more upfront, often significantly more than a single room unit or traditional central AC. But the higher initial cost can be offset over time by energy savings and zoned comfort.
If you’re looking to install a full home mini-split system, contact Gary Munson Heating & Air Conditioning. You will be more comfortable with the best.