What Are Mini Split Air Conditioners?
Mini split air conditioners are different from the central air conditioner because it is a ductless system. Simply put this means no ductwork is required. The mini split usually has one indoor air-handling unit that is inside the resident and the compressor/condenser unit that is placed outside of the resident. The slim-sized condenser sends coolant through its refrigerant line to the air handler unit. The air handler takes in room air through the front grill, cools it and then disperses the cooled air back into the room. A conduit is required to link both the inside and outside units together. There are some models that have multiple air handlers that come with one compressor. Each air handler unit can be operated independently via remote control.
Japan pioneered the mini split air conditioners systems that are ductless. Because of the proximity of buildings in the cities, they needed units that were small and quiet. Mini split air conditioners started being manufactured around 1955. About 12,000 BTUs can cool a room of approximately 400-450 square feet of space.
Where To Use Mini Split Air Conditioners
The mini split air conditioners system is ideal for homes or businesses that have non-ducted heater systems because they don’t require installing ducts unlike central air conditioning system requires. One of the benefits of this system is the flexibility for cooling separate rooms. There are several models that have three or more indoor air handling systems in order to cool multiple rooms. Each room can have it’s own thermostat so you if you just want to cool a certain room if necessary and save energy costs. Some mini split air conditioners have filters that filtrate the air and monitor the humidity of the room.
Usually, mini split air conditioners are easier to install when compared to the central air conditioning systems. A small hole (usually 3 inches) is needed for a conduit, in order to connect the indoor and outdoor units together. Different lengths of conduit are usually provided by the manufacturer. Some of the outdoor units can be as much as fifty feet away from the inside unit.
Since mini split air conditioners don’t use air ducts, they lose less energy than central air conditioning systems. Studies have shown ducts can lose air flow and this means energy loss costing you more money to run the system.
Air handlers may also be installed on the wall or from the ceiling. Also available, are floor standing air handlers. These units are not large and only about 7 inches in depth. Most air handlers come with convenient remote controls.
Benefits of Mini Split Air Conditioners:
- Less expensive than central air conditioners
- Easier to install compared to central air conditioners
- Quieter than window or portable air conditioners because the compressor is outside
- Multiple air handlers to cool more than one room
- Safer and less obtrusive than window units
To sum it up, mini split air conditioners are less expensive that central air conditioning systems, quiet, yet powerful, and more space conscious. All in all, mini split air conditioners are a good alternative to central air systems.