If you’re looking to control the climate of each room of your house while keeping energy costs down, Mini Split System also commonly know as split air conditioning system is undoubtedly the way to go. In mini split system multiple indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit.
Unlike the traditional central air conditioning systems, a mini-split system provides energy-efficient cooling and heating, zoned comfort, and flexible installation options. It’s because of these multiple benefits that it’s becoming increasingly popular among homeowners these days.
In this article Gharpedia explains mini split system and the advantages of same. This article will delve into their workings and discuss whether it is worth the cost.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
What’s a Mini Split System?
A mini-split system, also known as a ductless mini split system, doesn’t need ductwork (network of ducts/tubes for air flow here) for the purpose of heating and cooling, unlike the traditional HVAC(heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) system, which relies on a network of ducts to distribute air.
The system consists of two main components – an outdoor unit (condenser) and one or more indoor units (evaporators).
The outdoor unit houses the compressor, condenser coil, and other essential components. The indoor units are installed within the rooms or zones that require heating or cooling.
The outdoor is connected to the indoor units via refrigerant lines. This carries the refrigerant back and forth, facilitating heat exchange between the two units.
A traditional central air conditioning system generates cold air in a single location and distributes it through ducts placed throughout the house. In contrast, a ductless mini split system employs a separate fan and evaporator unit for each room.
How Mini Split Systems Work?
A mini split system provides heating and cooling without requiring ducts. Understanding how it works can help you recognize its benefit.
01. Cooling Process
The Cooling Process involves drawing warm air from the room over a cold evaporator coil, where the refrigerator absorbs the heat from the air inside a room. The absorbed heat is then carried to the outdoor unit, where the refrigerant passes through a compressor to release the heat outside. The cooled refrigerant returns to the indoor unit to repeat the cycle.
02. Heating Process
In the heating process, the system reverses the cooling process by extracting heat from the outside air and releasing it indoors, thus heating the air inside.
A ductless mini split system also uses inverter technology to maintain a stable and comfortable temperature while minimizing energy consumption and reducing temperature fluctuations. This is done with the help of compressors that adjusts their speed to match the heating and cooling load.
Cooling Capacity of a Mini Split System
The cooling capacity of a mini split system depends on various factors, such as the size of your room, ceiling height, the temperature and climate outside, and the insulation level in your home or building. The room’s orientation is another factor that should be considered. South-facing windows generally let in more heat than north-facing ones.
Mini split systems come in various sizes and capacities to accommodate different room sizes and cooling requirements. The cooling capacity is measured in BTUs(British Thermal Units) per hour, which refers to the amount of energy a unit uses to remove heat from your home.
You need to multiply the area of your room (in square feet) by 25 to get the recommended BTU capacity of a mini-split.
If you are wondering what would be the right mini split for a large room or multiple connected rooms, the answer would be that a cooling capacity of around 24,000 BTU/h would be suitable for spaces up to 1,333 square feet.
Advantages Of Mini Split Systems
A mini split system or the ductless mini split system offers numerous advantages over the traditional HVAC system. Besides providing excellent energy efficiency, these advanced home cooling systems are a perfect fit for older homes without ductwork.
Let’s take a closer look at the various advantages of a ductless mini split system.
01. Energy-efficient Cooling
Inverter technology in the mini split system allows the compressor to adjust its speed based on the cooling or heating requirements. This helps in reducing energy consumption.
02. Personalized Comfort and Energy Savings
In a mini split system, each unit operates independently. This allows you to customize the temperature settings for different rooms for personalized comfort and energy savings.
03. Flexibility in Installation
The compact size of the indoor unit allows for installation flexibility. You can mount it on walls and ceilings or even recess it into the ceiling. So, with mini split system, you don’t have to worry about the lack of space in your house.
Additionally, the absence of ductwork eliminates the need for extensive renovations, making it suitable for new construction and retrofitting older homes.
04. Operates Silently
A mini split system’s indoor units come with noise-reducing technology. This makes them particularly suitable for bedrooms, study rooms, or any area of your home where peace and tranquility are important.
05. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Ductless mini split systems have advanced filtration systems that help improve indoor air quality. These filters capture dust, pollen, allergens, and other particles, producing cleaner and healthier air.
Some models have additional features like deodorizing or antimicrobial filters for enhanced air purification.
06. Smart Features
The advanced models offer smart home cooling features such as Wi-Fi connectivity. You can also control it through smartphone apps or by integration with smart home systems.
Are Mini Splits Worth the Cost?
Despite their higher upfront cost than traditional HVAC systems, ductless HVAC systems worth every penny spent. Mini split’s higher energy efficiency, personalized comfort and energy savings, installation flexibility, and longer lifespan make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the long run.
Because of their effectiveness and capacity to heat or cool just the space you use, you eventually spend less on energy bills than a traditional HVAC system.
A Final Word
By carefully evaluating your specific needs, budget, and potential savings, you can determine if mini split systems are worth the cost for your home.
With their ability to provide optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and convenience, mini split systems can provide efficient and personalized home climate control for your home.
Check out the below link for choosing the best air conditioning system