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Ductless mini-split heating/cooling systems
Ductless, mini-split-system heat pumps (mini splits) make good retrofit add-ons to houses with non-ducted heating/cooling systems. They can also be a good choice for room additions, where extending or installing traditional ductwork is not feasible.
Like standard air-source heat pumps, mini splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit—which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain—links the outdoor and indoor units.
Advantages
The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning, or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have as many as four indoor air-handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the building or each zone (which in turn is affected by how well the building is insulated). Since each of the zones will have its own thermostat, you need to heat or cool an area only when someone is there, which will save energy and money. Ductless mini-split systems also are often easier to install than other types of systems. For example, the hookup between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a three-inch hole through a wall for the conduit. Also, most manufacturers of this type of system can provide a variety of lengths of connecting conduits. If necessary, you can locate the outdoor unit as far away as 50 feet from the indoor evaporator. This makes it possible to cool rooms on the front side of a building house with the compressor in better or more inconspicuous place.Since mini splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork of central forced-air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30 percent of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic. In comparison to other add-on systems, mini splits offer more flexibility in interior design options. The indoor air handlers can be hung on a wall, for instance. Most indoor units have profiles of about seven inches deep and usually come with sleek, high-tech-looking jackets. Many also offer a remote control to make it easier to turn the system on and off when it's positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling. Split systems also can help to keep your home safer, since they require only a small hole in the wall. Through-the-wall and window mounted room air-conditioners can provide an easy entrance for intruders.Call 407-964-1445 for more information.
