New mini-split air conditioners are compact cooling and heating systems that control the temperature of a single room. They consist of two main components: an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handlers. The outdoor unit contains a condenser coil, compressor, fan, and other components to cool and dehumidify the air. The indoor unit blows the conditioned air into the house's rooms. Let The Trade Table walk you through everything you need to know about what a mini split is.
GREE Vireo+ Ultra 36K BTU 18 SEER Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump - VIRU36HP230V1A
$4,224.47
GREE Vireo+ Ultra 36K BTU 18 SEER Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump The Vireo+ Ultra combines the design of the original Vireo+ system, while extending the operating capacity to -31°F. It has been designed to blend into any… read more
What are Mini Splits?
Mini split systems are very energy efficient since each zone has its thermostat, allowing you to heat or cool only occupied areas. They are also exceptionally quiet, as the outdoor unit typically sits outside and away from living areas.
Mini-splits can be ideal if you want to add cooling to an area without ductwork, like an attic, garage, or addition. They are also perfect for heating and cooling rooms with large windows, sliding glass doors, or vaulted ceilings that can be difficult to keep comfortable with a central HVAC system.
More Mini Split Knowledge
There are many sizes and variations of mini splits, from small single-zone units to large multi-zone systems that can cool and heat an entire home. The most common types for residential use are wall-mounted units and floor-standing units. Wall units take up minimal space and are suitable for smaller areas like bedrooms, offices, and dens. Floor units are larger but can heat and cool open floor plans effectively.
Installing a mini-split system typically requires the services of an HVAC contractor to properly charge the lines, test the system and ensure safe operation. While the installation process can take a full day for larger systems, mini splits provide many homeowners an efficient and quiet climate control solution.
MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro® 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System
$1,698.00
MrCool DIY Easy Pro® 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System The MrCool DIY Easy Pro® 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System is a compact and efficient heating and cooling solution for small to medium-sized spaces. It… read more
How Mini-Split AC Units Work
To understand how mini-split AC units work, it's helpful to first understand the basic components of an AC system. Like a traditional central AC unit, a mini split AC system has two main parts: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handler.
Outdoor Compressor Unit
The outdoor compressor unit contains a condenser coil, a compressor, and a fan. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant vapor and condenses it into a liquid by removing its heat. The now liquid refrigerant flows into the indoor air handler unit.
Indoor Air Handler Unit
The indoor air handler unit contains an evaporator coil, a fan, and an expansion valve. When the liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from the indoor air as it evaporates into a gas. The evaporation process cools the indoor air. The fan then blows the cooled air into your living space.
- The cycle repeats as the gas flows back to the outdoor compressor unit.
- A mini-split system is very efficient since the refrigerant is evaporated and condensed in a continuous loop.
- The main difference between a mini-split system and a central AC system is that mini-splits have components in each room instead of ductwork throughout the building.
Mini split AC units provide an innovative, customizable way to cool your home efficiently. By understanding the basic components and refrigeration cycle, you can better appreciate how these units keep you comfortable all summer long.
MRCOOL E Star DIY 4th Gen 36k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz
$2,888.00
E Star DIY 4th Gen 36k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz The E Star DIY 4th Gen 36k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz is a high-performance heating and cooling solution for medium… read more
Types of Mini Split Systems: Ductless vs. Ducted
There are two main types of mini-split systems: ductless and ducted. Both provide an efficient method of heating and cooling individual rooms or zones in a building.
Ductless Mini Splits
- Ductless mini splits, or split-ductless systems, do not require any ductwork. They consist of an outdoor compressor connected to one or more indoor air handling units by refrigerant lines. The indoor units blow air directly into the rooms they serve.
- Pros: Easy to install, flexible zone control, energy efficient.
- Pros: Easy to install, flexible zone control, energy efficient.
- Cons: It may not be ideal for large open areas and can be obtrusive.
- Ductless systems are popular for home additions, conversions, and retrofits where installing ductwork is impractical or expensive. They provide an energy-efficient solution for heating and cooling specific living areas in a house.
MRCOOL E Star DIY 4th Gen 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz
$2,502.00
DIY 4th Generation E Star 24k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System 208-230V/60Hz The MrCool 4th Generation DIY 24K BTU, 20.5 SEER Ductless Heat Pump is an all-in-one system that seamlessly combines efficiency, durability, and simplicity. This system can… read more
Ducted Mini Splits
- Ducted mini splits, or mini split heat pumps, utilize an outdoor compressor connected to an indoor air handler that distributes air through ductwork in the building. A ducted mini-split system operates like a conventional central HVAC system but on a smaller scale for a single zone.
- Pros: a concealed indoor unit, can serve larger areas, familiar central HVAC-like system.
- Cons: Requires ductwork, more difficult and expensive to install.
- Pros: a concealed indoor unit, can serve larger areas, familiar central HVAC-like system.
- Ducted mini splits are good for heating and cooling a large area like a bonus room or sunroom addition. They provide the benefits of a central ducted system on a mini-split scale.
MRCOOL Central Ducted 30k Complete Unitary System
$3,585.40
Central Ducted 30k Complete Unitary System If you’ve been having to choose between comfort and savings because of an old HVAC system, why not enjoy both with the MRCOOL 30k BTU up to 18.5 SEER Central Ducted DC Inverter Heat… read more
Benefits of Mini Split Air Conditioners
Mini split air conditioners offer several benefits over traditional HVAC systems.
Energy Efficiency
- Mini split AC units are very energy efficient since they only cool the rooms you want to cool. They do not require ductwork, so no energy is lost heating or cooling the attic or basement. Mini-splits can reduce energy usage by up to 30% compared to central AC units.
Zone Control
- Mini-split systems allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms or zones. You can raise the temperature in unused rooms to save energy while lowering it in occupied areas for maximum comfort. Each indoor unit has its thermostat, so you have precise control over the temperature in every room.
Quiet Operation
- Mini split AC units are tranquil since the compressor is located outside. No noisy air handler or furnace exists, and the indoor units emit a low humming sound. This makes mini splits ideal for home theaters, bedrooms, and offices where noise can be distracting.
Flexible Installation
- Mini-splits are very flexible and can be installed almost anywhere. They do not require ductwork, so they are perfect for buildings where installing ducts is impossible or impractical. The outdoor unit can be mounted on rooftops, and walls, or placed on the ground outside. The indoor units have minimal wall space and can be mounted high or low on walls.
Reliability
- High-quality mini split AC systems are very reliable and long-lasting. The inverter-driven compressors and fans are built to rigorous standards and designed to provide many years of dependable service. A mini-split system should function well for 15-20 years or more when properly installed and maintained.
Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect 24K BTU Complete Installation Kit
$3,012.12
$3,709.99
Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect 24K BTU Complete Installation Kit The Buck Cool Mini-Split EZ Connect Complete Kits are designed to offer a simple solution for your heating and cooling needs. The pre-charged EZ Connect line sets allow for a… read more
Experience Efficient, Flexible, and Affordable Heating and Cooling with a Mini-Split System
A mini-split is an efficient, flexible, and affordable heating and cooling solution perfect for homes and businesses. As an alternative to a traditional HVAC system, a mini-split can provide targeted temperature control for the spaces you use. With various available features like multiple zones, smart home connectivity, and whisper-quiet operation, a mini-split system has custom options to suit your unique needs. By understanding what a mini split is and how it works, you'll be well on your way to enjoying consistent comfort and lower energy bills. The next step is to find a reputable contractor in your area to install a high-quality mini-split system tailored to your home or office.
