A mini-split air conditioner is a type of air system that is designed to cool or heat a single room or zone in your home. It is made up of two units: an indoor unit that is installed in the room you want to cool or heat, and an outdoor unit.
The indoor piece contains an evaporator coil, absorbing heat from the air in the room, and the compressor, circulating the refrigerant throughout the system. The outdoor unit contains a condenser coil, which releases heat to the outside air, and the fan, which blows air over the condenser coil to help it release heat more efficiently.
Mini-split air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular as a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional central air conditioners. Mini-splits are an ideal option for homes with multiple zones to cool or heat at different times, and they’re easy to install, making the whole process practically painless.
If you need help with your HVAC system, contact At Home Pros today. Our digital platform will connect you to the right professionals so you can spend more time and energy on the project at hand. The main benefits of a mini-split air conditioner is its energy efficiency, the variety of units, easy maintenance, and quiet operation.
Energy Efficiency
Mini-split air conditioners are more energy-efficient than traditional central air conditioners. By choosing different zones and a variety of heating and cooling methods, you can tailor your HVAC system to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you have a central air system, which you switch on and off, you don’t have much control to shut down the air to the unused parts of your home. Mini-splits help you do just that so you can exactly control where you are putting your HVAC energy.
Variety
These units can be installed in a single room or zone, which makes them a good option for homes with multiple zones that need to be cooled or heated at different times.
There are a few common types of indoor units. Most of the ones you’ll see are mounted high up on the wall, about six inches from the ceiling, to let the cool air descend and warmer air rise, as it naturally does.
The other types of mini-split air conditioners are floor-mounted, floor-standing, ceiling suspended, and ceiling cassette.
- Floor-mounted – These units are perfect for homes in which windows or other architectural details make it impossible to mount a unit on the walls.
- Floor-standing – For walls with no space, these units don’t touch walls at all.
- Ceiling-suspended – This type of unit creates great air flow, but it makes more noise than traditional units.
- Ceiling cassette – This type of unit has an excellent downward spread of air-conditioned air, and is very subtle, sleek, and almost noiseless.
Along with the wide variety and accessibility of units, mini-split AC units all provide peace and quiet, and are easy to maintain.
Peace and Quiet
Mini-splits are quieter than traditional central air conditioning systems. Experts rate the decibel levels of indoor units at 20 to 49, and outdoor units from 45 to 60. According to noise charts, this ranges from a whisper, to the interior of a library, to a quiet suburban day. Some units even have an Extra-Quiet Mode for noiseless operation.
Easy Maintenance
Most mini-splits are easier to maintain than traditional central air conditioners, especially ones with extensive ductwork. From the user’s perspective, mini-splits come with easy-to-use remotes so operation is crystal clear.
You can certainly go to a big box store and come home with a mini-split air conditioner to install yourself over the weekend, but is this really a good idea? Although maintenance and upkeep of a mini-split is simple, many manufacturers offer warranties for units installed by service providers, so it may be to your benefit to hire a pro to do the job. If that’s your decision, contact At Home Pros for the quickest suggestions of licensed service providers in your area.
Other Aspects to Consider
If you’re considering a mini-split air conditioner for your home, you need to pick the right size unit for your rooms, and the right number of units, total, for your house. Here are a few things you should keep in mind while shopping for a mini-split:
- The size of the unit you need will depend on the size of the room or zone you want to cool or heat.
- You will need to purchase a unit that is compatible with your home’s electrical system.
- Keep the unit clean and free of debris to ensure optimal performance.
- Inspect the unit regularly for leaks or other problems.
Mini-split air conditioners can be a great way to save money on your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort. If you are considering a new air conditioner for your home, be sure to consider a mini-split air conditioner.
With proper care and maintenance, your mini-split air conditioner can keep your home cool and comfortable for many years to come. Since it is the wisest choice to hire a professional, you should make At Home Pros your first contact so you can hire the right crew the first time around to put in your new mini-split system.