ductless mini-split HVAC systems

Understanding Ductless Mini-Split HVAC Systems, Part 1

For those looking to achieve separate temperature control in varying rooms or areas of the home, the mini-split ductless heating system might be just the thing for you. Providing high-quality efficiency and control for homeowners, these systems have become more and more popular over the last several years as technology has improved.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we offer a variety of heating and cooling services, including mini-split ductless heating systems for those looking to increase their control and air quality. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over all the basics you need to know about a mini-split ductless system, including how it differs from others, its benefits, and the kinds of situations where it often benefits home or building owners to install.

Ductless Systems Defined

Within a standard central air HVAC system, the “split” format is almost always used. It refers to an outdoor condenser or compressor for air conditioning, which is connected to an indoor air handling unit and a mini-split thermostat that’s operated by the homeowner. Both units connect through copper tubing lines, and conditioned air is delivered to rooms by supply duct lines – return duct lines return air to the indoor unit.

In many older buildings, however, there is no existing ductwork already in place. When owners are looking to provide heating and cooling, the process of cutting through floors and walls to install ducts is imposing and potentially expensive – but this is where ductless systems come in. They circulate air directly through the indoor unit without any ductwork needed, making them perfect options for these property types and potentially several others.

Ductless Mini Split System Basics

Ductless mini-split systems work by bringing in air from the room in question through the air handling unit, then moving it to the furnace via a set of pipes. It’s warmed (or cooled during the hotter months, this time in the outdoor air condenser) and turned into a gas, which is sent to the condenser unit and then recycled back into a liquid.

From here, the air is injected back into the room itself. Over a series of repeated cycles here, the temperature is adjusted to the point where you desire it. These systems will come with multiple units, each of which is independently controlled for separate temperature needs. Systems can maintain up to eight handler units for a given space.

Direct Benefits of Ductless Systems

There are several distinct benefits of ductless mini-split systems:

  • Efficiency: Duct systems can often be inefficient, especially if the ducts themselves are not well-maintained and form leaks. Ductless systems, though, are much more efficient and allow for lower-stress operation within the HVAC unit, lengthening its lifespan while limiting your energy bill and also performing a service to the environment.
  • Easy installation: Installing a ductless mini-split system is quick and easy, with no need to dig into the foundation to install ductwork.
  • Air quality: Ductless systems help prevent contaminants through filtration cartridges, which are easy to replace and improve your air quality.
  • Cost: Finally, with utility prices on the rise in recent years, ductless systems are often a great way to lower your energy bill through their use of less power.

For more on ductless mini-split systems, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.