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What Is a Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner, and Is It Right for Your Home?

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A pair of adult male hands feeling the flow of air coming out of an air vent on a wall near a ceiling. Man with hands in front of an air vent feeling for air flow.

Last Updated on March 18, 2023 by ahmadaftab

Did you know that air conditioning is the best defense against heat-related illnesses? The CDC even points out how AC use can protect people against death caused by extreme heat.

Thus, if you don’t have an air conditioner yet or your old one is on its last legs, consider getting a new one ASAP.

So, which type of air conditioner should you get then? Well, one of your top options is a ductless mini-split air conditioner.

We’ll give you an overview of ductless mini-splits and why you should get one, so be sure to read on.

What Is a Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner?

Ductless mini-split air conditioners, or mini-splits, are air conditioners that don’t require ductwork. Instead, they provide direct cooling to spaces through an indoor air-handling unit.

The term split in mini-splits refers to how these systems have two chief components. The first one is the abovementioned indoor air handling unit. That indoor air unit directly connects to an outdoor compressor/condenser unit.

How Do They Work?

Ductless mini-split air conditioners cool spaces through a technique called zoning. Zones, in turn, pertain to a specific area or room in a home, such as the living room or individual bedrooms.

Most ductless mini-split AC systems can handle four to five zones. However, if you only need to cool a single area, that’s perfectly fine, too.

In any case, every zone has a separate indoor air-handling unit connected to the outdoor unit. Each one also comes with a thermostat for temperature control.

Thanks to those features, you can tweak the climate in each zone without affecting the others. For instance, you can set the temperature to 78°F in one area and 75°F in the others. You can also turn off the indoor air-handling units in unoccupied or unused rooms.

Why Consider a Ductless Mini-Split AC?

If you don’t have ducts at home, talk to your local AC specialists about getting a ductless mini-split. That way, you don’t have to spend money installing and maintaining ducts.

Speaking of ducts, did you know that they’re prone to wasting energy through air leaks? That’s why typical duct systems are responsible for up to 40% of heating and cooling energy losses. However, that kind of energy loss doesn’t occur in ductless mini-splits, as they don’t rely on ducts.

A ductless mini-split can also help you save on cooling bills, as it gives you more control over the energy it uses. After all, it allows you to cool only the rooms in use and turn off the indoor units in unoccupied zones. You can’t expect the same from a central AC, as it circulates cooled air all over a house, including empty spaces.

Cool for Less With Ductless Mini-Splits

There you have it, the crucial facts you need to know about a ductless mini-split air conditioner. Now you know that this type of AC can be an ideal alternative to a central AC and can help you save on cooling costs. So, if you need a new air conditioner, consider investing in a mini-split system.

Overview

A ductless mini-split air conditioner is an air conditioning system that does not require ductwork to cool a home. Instead, it uses a small outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers to circulate cool air throughout the home. The system works by absorbing warm air from the indoor air handlers and releasing cool air into the room.

One of the most significant advantages of a ductless mini-split air conditioner is its energy efficiency. Since it doesn’t rely on ductwork to distribute cool air, it avoids the energy losses associated with ducts. Additionally, mini-split systems are highly customizable, allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms or zones within your home. This can lead to significant energy savings, as you won’t need to cool areas of your home that are unoccupied or rarely used.

Another benefit of a ductless mini-split air conditioner is its ease of installation. Unlike central air conditioning systems, which require extensive ductwork and installation time, mini-splits can be installed relatively quickly and with minimal disruption to your home. Additionally, mini-splits operate quietly, making them ideal for bedrooms or other areas where noise levels are a concern.

However, ductless mini-split air conditioners may not be suitable for all homes. They are best suited for homes that do not have existing ductwork or for homeowners looking to supplement their existing heating and cooling system. Additionally, mini-splits can be more expensive upfront than other air conditioning systems. However, their energy efficiency and long-term savings potential can make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the long run.

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Read more: WHAT ARE THE COMMON PROBLEMS WITH AIR CONDITIONERS?

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