Ductless Air Conditioners

How Does a Standard AC System Work?

In a standard AC system, the indoor unit is usually situated in a closet or the attic. Ducts push and pull air to this one location, cooling and delivering it through the vent system to the various rooms of your home.

Older homes, especially those built before central air conditioning was standard, may not have the space to install the ductwork needed by a central system.

How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?

Ductless mini-split air conditioners are similar to conventional air duct systems but have some crucial differences.

Mini-split systems include individual indoor AC units for each zone. (In most cases, a zone is a single room.) Instead of pushing and pulling air to a central unit, each area handles its own needs through an individual fan and evaporator unit. The individual unit is connected to an outdoor compressor by refrigerant lines. The air is cooled en route to the compressor and then returned to the indoor unit, which circulates it.

No ducts are needed for a mini-split AC to work. Instead of the substantial structural renovation required to install traditional AC ducts, the refrigerant lines necessary for mini-split AC units only need holes about three inches across, with no structural impact on the home.

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Do Mini-Splits Create Enough Cooling Power?

Some homeowners, particularly those in scorching climates, worry that mini-splits won’t be able to cool their homes effectively. While the individual indoor units seem small, they only need to cool a single room, not the whole house. Their load is much easier to accomplish.

However, for adequate cooling, you must choose the suitable BTU capacity for each zone. In general, the larger the room, the more BTUs are required. To select a mini-split system, you will need to know the square footage of each room to ensure you’re getting one that’s properly sized.

A mini-split that’s too small will overwork itself and still not be able to cool the room properly. One that’s too large will keep the room cool but will also short-cycle. This wears the system out more quickly and can substantially shorten its lifespan.

Below are some standard room (zone) sizes and the BTU capacity needed for each:

Multi-Zone Cooling and Heating

Mini-splits are best for homes where different zones are maintained at different temperatures. This saves on utility costs by only cooling or heating the rooms that are being used. You can also keep individual rooms at the temperature most comfortable for the person(s) spending the most time in them. You can also cool several rooms without paying for multiple systems by connecting various mini-splits to a single condenser.

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Benefits of Mini-Split Systems

Ductless air conditioning systems used to be rare in single-family homes but are becoming more common. The mini-split units themselves cost more than traditional ducted AC components. In many cases, though, the savings of not installing ductwork and the higher energy efficiency during operation can offset the purchase costs.

Here are some of the benefits of mini-split systems:

• No Ductwork

You can add air conditioning to an older home, addition, garage, or workshop without installing ductwork.

• Affordable

Mini-splits are faster and more affordable to install from scratch or retrofit than a traditional AC system.

• Easy Installation

Ductless air conditioning systems weigh less and are easier to install than ducted systems.

• Heating Capabilities

Mini-splits with heat pumps are now available. The heat pump allows your mini-split to be used as a heater and air conditioner.

• Versatility

Based on the layout of your house, mini-split systems can be installed as floor-mounted, ceiling-recessed, or horizontal wall units.

• Energy Efficient

Since there are no ducts, ductless systems don’t lose hot or cold air as it travels from a central unit. This makes them 20-30 percent more efficient than a traditional system.

• Multi-Purpose

In addition to cooling the air, mini-splits can be used to purify the air and dehumidify a room or zone.

These are all reasons why many homeowners find mini-split systems are a budget-friendly alternative to traditional AC units. Designed to be energy efficient, mini-split systems are also a smart choice for those who want to live in the most environmentally-friendly manner possible.

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Rely on Us for Mini-Split Repair and Installation in the New Lenox Area

If you’re interested in a ductless mini-split air conditioning system for your home or business, contact Update Heating and Cooling Services for no-hassle pricing and the best customer service in the industry. Our HVAC company serves the entire Chicagoland area including Frankfort, New Lenox, and Lockport. Emergency service is available 24/7.