Mini Split AC is an effective way to provide cooling and heating in spaces that don’t have ductwork installed. Whether you’re building a new home or updating an older one, consider adding a ductless Mini Split AC system for energy efficiency and quietness.
Mini-Splits are a great choice for many types of spaces, including basements, attics/guest rooms, and slab homes. In these situations, it’s often difficult to find a good heating and cooling solution.
A mini-split system can heat and cool a space on its own, or it can be connected to an existing central AC unit to provide zoned comfort. It’s a versatile and easy-to-install solution for any space that needs to be cooled or heated in a single area.
These systems are typically less expensive than window or portable air conditioning units, and they don’t require the installation of ductwork. They also provide more energy-efficient heating and cooling than standard air conditioners or furnaces.
They are also more durable than window units. Properly maintained, you can expect a mini-split to last 12-15 years on average.
Besides saving energy, mini-splits can help keep your home comfortable throughout the year. They have fine filters that remove dust, dander, and other particles from the indoor air. They can also help improve indoor air quality and neutralize odors.
You can install mini-splits in addition to your existing heating and cooling system if you have an outdoor condenser that you want to keep in place, or you’re adding on to your home. This makes it possible to add a second system for an extra room, such as a porch or a sunroom.
Most mini-split systems operate as heat pumps, which means they use refrigerant to transfer warmth from outside your home to the inside. They can also reverse their operation to bring in warmer air during wintertime and cooler air during the summer.
In addition to heating and cooling, these units can be used for humidification or dehumidification. They’re often equipped with an electric fan to move air in and out of the space.
If you’re installing a ductless mini-split system, it’s essential to properly maintain the unit. It should be checked for leaks in the refrigerant tubing, cleaned regularly, and repaired if necessary.
During cold weather, it’s important to ensure that your system’s outdoor coil isn’t covered in frost. If it is, the compressor may not function correctly.
There are a few ways to prevent this from happening: Elevating your unit, placing it under an overhang, or using a drain pan heater. A drain pan heater is specific to the brand and model of your outdoor condenser, but all of them work by preventing water from freezing in the bottom of the drain pan.
A drain pan heater plugs into the control board of the outdoor condenser to turn on automatically when it’s anticipated that there will be snowfall or ice buildup. This prevents water from freezing in the drain pan and helps to preserve the longevity of your system.
