All About Ductless Mini Split Systems
August 2, 2021
A full-size furnace and central air conditioning system isn’t always the best option for your space. Sometimes, a ductless mini split system is exactly what you need to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills affordable.
What Is A Ductless Mini Split System?
While a conventional central HVAC system generates cold air at a single point and distributes it via large ducts, a ductless mini split system doesn't need any ducts to condition the air. Ductless units can be a great solution for home additions and other spaces without existing ductwork. Ductless units may be the ideal solution in situations where extending or installing new duct systems is overly complicated or impractical — or in situations where homeowners are looking for extra flexibility and convenience in their heating and cooling system.
While many central Iowa homes use conventional central HVAC systems, ductless mini splits are not uncommon. Due to the extreme heat in summer and extreme cold in winter, many Iowa homeowners opt to use ductless systems to get more control over heating and cooling specific rooms or areas of their home.
How Do Ductless Mini Splits Work?
Central A/C systems link rooms to one central unit through a series of connected air ducts. Ductless mini splits differ from traditional central A/C systems because they link multiple separate room units to an outdoor compressor.
In a ductless system, indoor units are directly connected to an outdoor compressor via refrigerant lines rather than a complicated duct system. A power cable, suction tubing and condensate drain line also run between the outdoor compressor and the indoor units. Running these connections is still much easier than installing a full ductwork system.
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Here’s how a ductless mini split works to make a space hotter or colder:
- First, the outdoor compressor draws in outside air.
- Refrigerant liquid that runs between the compressor and the indoor units either extracts heat from outdoor air and moves it into the home (in the winter) or extracts warm indoor heat and and moves it outside the home (in the summer).
- Fan units in each room treat the indoor air using their refrigerant connection with the air compressor — instead of sending air to a central unit via ducts to be treated.
Where Does A Ductless Mini Split System Make Sense?
Because ductless units serve a single room, they make a lot of sense in a single-room addition or renovation, including a new garage, sun room, bedrooms and more. They can also be a cheaper HVAC alternative for a house that doesn't have central air or ductwork already installed.
Other Applications Where a Ductless Mini Split System Makes Sense
- Rooms that are challenging to consistently heat or cool using the central HVAC system
- Households where occupants have drastically different temperature preferences
- Large houses with a lot of unused rooms that are expensive to heat and cool with the central HVAC system
Interested In A Ductless Mini Split System? Talk To Lozier!
If you’re interested in learning more about ductless mini split systems or you are wondering if a ductless system would be a good fit for your home, reach out to Lozier. Our heating and cooling experts would be happy to learn about your specific needs and recommend the best solution to keep you and your family comfortable. Contact us or request a quote today.