A ductless mini-split system, in its most basic form, includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, connected by cooling pipes and electrical wiring. The indoor unit is usually wall-mounted and supplies hot or cold air directly to the living space, without the need for ducts. In simple terms, ductless air conditioning systems (also known as minisplit) connect individual room units with an outdoor compressor. The indoor unit contains refrigerant-cooled evaporator coils.
The warm air in the room blows and is sucked in by the coils. From there, the coolant transfers all indoor heat to the outdoor unit. Ductless air conditioning units are much more energy efficient than a traditional HVAC system. The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Index) rating system is used to measure energy efficiency.
Generally speaking, ductless units have a higher SEER rating than other options. Due to the benefits of zoning, ductless systems do not waste energy on unused cooling areas of the house. In addition, ducts also carry the risk of damage, such as cracks, leaks and oxidation, causing the system to waste energy working harder to cool your home. Central air systems send coolant to a bulky central air handler which then blows cool air into the house through a ductwork.
Ductless systems pump coolant to compact indoor units within individual rooms. Each split air conditioning unit works as a miniature air handler, supplying cool air to its own area only when needed. At first, ductless systems were simple, single-room, often installed as substitutes for window air conditioners. Therefore, an alternative method is necessary, such as a wall-mounted ductless air conditioner (a popular solution in Europe).
They can also add air conditioning to a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen or living room, or even to a room where you might want a little extra temperature control, such as a nursery. There are ductless air conditioners, ductless heat pumps that can cool and heat a room, as well as ductless zoning systems that allow you to unite several rooms. While central air conditioning is the preferred choice for many homeowners, ductless heat pump systems represent a rising star among the cooling options available to the home, due to their ability to meet a multitude of climate control scenarios. We have the best options for portable air conditioners, if a window unit or central air does not work for you.
A ductless heat pump is a bi-directional heating and cooling system that expels warm air from an area to cool it and draws it in from the outside to heat it. For many homeowners, mini-split systems provide adequate cooling and serve as an economical alternative to traditional air conditioning installations. Undoubtedly, ductless air conditioners will increase in popularity as people begin to realize the many advantages they offer. For years, air conditioning was considered a nice feature to have in your home here in the Pacific Northwest, but it wasn't considered a necessity.
The difference with a ductless air conditioning system (see illustration) is where the air is cooled and how it is distributed. Ductless mini split air conditioners work like conventional air duct systems, but there are some main differences. .
