Unlike a central air conditioning system, which cools your entire house through ductwork, mini splits are wall-mounted. They’re super-efficient, and work to heat or cool your space on a room-by-room basis.
Ductless mini-split AC systems use two main components: an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handler that can be placed on the wall or in a closet. The indoor unit removes heat from the air, and cools the air with refrigerant. The evaporator coils inside the unit are connected to the outdoor compressor through a refrigerant line that connects the two units.
The indoor unit can be positioned on the wall or in a closet, and each zone can be controlled separately. Many models have i-See sensor technology that automatically points the airflow direction to where it’s needed, so you don’t waste energy blowing warm air on a bookcase or cold air in a hallway. Some systems also come with a built-in dehumidifier, and can help you cut down on moisture and humidity.
One of the biggest advantages of a ductless system Mini Split AC is that it doesn’t require ducts, which can be an advantage in older homes or newer additions that may not have a duct network. It’s also less invasive to install a ductless system than it is to add or repair ductwork, and it doesn’t put your existing ductwork at risk of contamination from dust or mold.
HVAC contractors that know about ductless systems can help customers find the right product for their needs and make the process easier for everyone involved. Often, local utilities offer rebates for upgrading to a high-efficiency ductless system, and Energy Star has a Rebate Finder that helps homeowners discover available incentives.
A ductless system can be a good choice for a variety of applications, including adding air conditioning to an addition or converting a garage into a gym. It can also be helpful for a home with a difficult-to-cool space, such as an upstairs bedroom.
Because a ductless system doesn’t need to distribute cooling throughout an entire house, it can also be a more cost-effective solution. The efficiency of a ductless system is also improved by not having to distribute the air through ductwork, which can leak and lose up to 30% of its energy.
The disadvantage of a ductless system is that if you decide to do a DIY installation, you’ll need to be familiar with electrical work and working on walls, and have a good understanding of what’s behind those walls before drilling holes. It’s not a job for beginners or people with limited experience, and it’s best left to the pros. That being said, a savvy homeowner can save thousands of dollars by doing the work themselves. Just be sure to read the manual and understand exactly what you’re getting into before you begin.