Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Per the Department of Energy
Ductless, mini split-system air-conditioners (mini-split) have numerous potential applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The most common applications are in multi-family housing or as retrofit add-ons to houses with "non-ducted" heating systems, such as hydronic (hot water heat), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane). They can also be a good choice for room additions and small apartments, where extending or installing distribution ductwork for a central air-conditioner is not feasible. Check out our Energy Saver 101 infographic on home cooling to learn how ductless, mini-split air conditioners stack up against other cooling systems.
Like central air systems, 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, link the outdoor and indoor units.
Advantages:
The main advantages of mini-splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning 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 cooling is required for the building or for each zone. This can be affected by how well the building is insulated and air sealed. Each of the zones will have its own thermostat, so you only need to condition that space when it is occupied, thus saving energy and money.
Ductless mini-split systems are also often easier to install than other types of air conditioning systems. For example, the hook-up between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a three-inch (8 centimeter [cm]) hole through a wall for the conduit. Also, most manufacturers of this type of system can provide a variety of lengths of connecting conduits. So, if necessary, you can locate the outdoor unit as far away as 50 feet (15 meters [m]) from the indoor evaporator. This makes it possible to cool rooms on the front side of a building with the compressor in a more advantageous or inconspicuous place on the outside of the building.
Since mini-splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for air conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.
Compared with other add-on systems, mini-splits offer more flexibility in interior design options. The indoor air handlers can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. Floor-standing models are also available. Most indoor units have profiles of about seven inches (18 cm) 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.
Disadvantages
The primary disadvantage of mini-splits is their cost. Such systems cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton (12,000 BTUs per hour) of cooling capacity. This is about 30% more than central systems (not including ductwork) and may cost twice as much as window units of similar capacity.
The installer must also correctly size each indoor unit and judge the best location for its installation. Oversized or incorrectly located air-handlers often result in short cycling, which wastes energy and does not provide proper temperature or humidity control. Too large a system is also more expensive to buy and operate.
Some people may not like the appearance of the indoor part of the system. While less obtrusive than a window room air conditioner, they seldom have the built-in look of a central system. There must also be a place to drain condensate water near the outdoor unit.
At Koolpro, We know the importance of sizing the equipment correctly and choosing the best applicable system considering the esthetics and the smooth operation to create a healthy environment that can work efficiently through all seasons.
