Middle Tennessee is becoming more keen on ductless heating and air conditioning systems. It’s no secret that ductless mini-split air conditioning units with heat pumps have gained popularity in recent years. Their flexible heating and cooling capabilities are great for individual rooms and for smaller applications such as workshops, hobby shops, upstairs rooms, and more. They are great systems because of the amount of zone control, and therefore significant energy savings. Sometimes, finding information about how they work can be a challenge. In this article, we aim to help you in your research about ductless mini-split systems, how they work, and their heating and cooling capabilities. If you need further information, the experts at Hometown Comfort can certainly help!
How a ductless mini-split unit works
A ductless mini-split unit works in a similar fashion as a standard central air conditioning system (HVAC) but without the mazes of duct work. Mini-split systems are comprised of both an indoor and an outdoor unit.
The Indoor system, which is also the air handler, is where most of the magic happens, including delivery of conditioned air to the room. The outdoor system is where refrigerant is sent, pressurized and then back into to the indoor unit. In essence, to contrast HVAC and ductless, the functions of a central HVAC outdoor unit are performed by the indoor unit of a ductless mini-split system. This single development of the mini-split is what makes the system completely ductless and much more efficient.
Heating and Cooling with a Ductless Mini-Split System
With the indoor unit mounted to the wall of the room being heated or cooled, warm air is extracted from the room and cool air is sent back through the system and into the room. Multiple air handlers (indoor units) can be linked to a single outdoor unit, allowing multiple room use from just one outdoor unit. The recommended maximum number of zone connections to one outdoor unit is four.
Mini-split systems can be used for cooling as well as for heating. Their small size and flexibility offer great advantages for businesses and homeowners alike. People appreciate their ease of operation, efficiency, and the power they pack. Mini-splits systems are available from about 8,000 BTUs up to about 24,000 BTUs. They can handle heating or cooling rooms from 250 sq. ft. up to about 1,500 sq. ft.
A heat pump has two very important functions on an mini-split system. During the summertime while using the air conditioning, the heat pump extracts the heat from the indoor space and sends it outside, in turn blowing cold air into the room. In contrast, during cooler weather, a heat pump extracts the heat from the outdoors and delivers warm air to the inside rooms. Extremely cold temperatures may require a supplemental heat source. Heat pumps rely on access to some warm air to function properly.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
If saving money on your monthly utility bills is a priority, a ductless systems offers surprisingly efficient operating costs. When compared to traditional HVAC methods, mini-split systems do as much to make a room comfortable without any loss of conditioned air via the traditional air duct. This lack of duct work allows the system to travel basically zero distance to reach your indoor space. It can cut as much as 30% of normal energy lost via duct work. Plus, with more zone control in a ductless system, you decide the temperature for the room, not for the whole home. Perhaps at night you only require heating and cooling a bedroom. That cuts wasted air cycling into rooms you may not occupy several hours at a time.
It is highly recommended, and required by most manufacturers’ warranties, that a mini-split system be installed by a licensed professional. Here at Hometown Comfort, we can provide everything you need for your mini-split installation. We will help you determine the exact size system you need for your space. With hundreds of installs under our belt, we have the knowledge and professionalism to get the job done properly and to the highest standards. If you’re in the Franklin, Brentwood, Columbia, or Spring Hill area, touch base with us today to get started or find out more information. You can give us a call at 615-948-2667 or send us a message through the form on this page. We look forward to serving you!
