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How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work

How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work

Ductless mini split air conditioners are quickly becoming a top choice for homeowners looking for an efficient, flexible cooling solution. However, many people are still asking: “How do mini splits work?" 

If you’re considering a mini split for your next upgrade or new construction project, this guide will break down everything you need to know.

How Does a Traditional A/C System Work?

Standard air conditioning systems rely on a central indoor unit (typically in an attic or closet) and a network of ducts to distribute cool air throughout the home. However, older homes or homes without existing ductwork may require costly and invasive modifications to accommodate this setup.

How Do Mini Splits Work?

Unlike traditional A/C units, ductless mini splits don’t rely on a system of ducts. Instead, they use:
Individual indoor units placed in different rooms (zones)
Refrigerant lines that connect indoor units to an outdoor compressor
No need for ductwork, making installation easier and more affordable

Each indoor unit cools (or heats) a specific zone of the home, making mini splits an excellent option for:
🔹 Homes without existing ductwork
🔹 Room additions, garages, workshops, and sunrooms
🔹 Multi-zone temperature control for customized comfort

Choosing the Right Mini Split for Your Space

To get the best performance from your mini split, you’ll need to choose the correct BTU capacity based on room size:

12,000 BTU – Best for rooms 400 to 650 sq. ft.
18,000 BTU – Best for rooms 600 to 1,000 sq. ft.
24,000 BTU – Best for rooms 800 to 1,300 sq. ft.

Tip: Choosing the wrong size can lead to inefficiency—too small, and the unit overworks itself; too large, and it short cycles, reducing its lifespan.

Multi-Zone Cooling

One of the biggest advantages of mini split systems is the ability to cool multiple rooms with a single outdoor unit .

💡 Single-Zone Mini Split – Cools one room
💡 Dual-Zone Mini Split – Cools two rooms
💡 Triple-Zone Mini Split – Cools three rooms
💡 Quad-Zone Mini Split – Cools four rooms

Each unit operates independently, allowing you to customize temperatures for different areas of your home—saving energy and reducing costs on unused rooms.

Why Homeowners & Builders Choose Mini Splits

No Ductwork Required – Perfect for renovations, additions, and older homes
Cost-Effective Installation Lower installation costs compared to ducted systems
Heating & Cooling in One Many models include heat pumps for year-round comfort
Flexible Placement – Wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or ceiling-recessed options available
Energy Efficient – Uses 20–30% less energy than traditional ducted systems
Improved Air Quality – Built-in dehumidifying and air-purifying functions

Pro Tip: Clean the indoor unit’s filter monthly (or more often if you have pets or smoke) to keep your mini split running efficiently.

Ready to Upgrade?

Mini split systems provide affordable, energy-efficient, and versatile cooling solutions for homeowners looking to modernize their HVAC setup. Whether you're cooling a single room or your entire home, The Trade Table has the perfect mini split system for you. If you're looking for someone to install your mini split check out the best AC repair company.

🛒 Shop Ductless Mini Splits Now

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