What Is A Ductless Mini-Split System?
A mini-split HVAC system is one that is split into two parts. It has an outdoor compressor and indoor evaporators (there can be four to as many as eight units designed to cool individual zones). No ductwork is used to distribute air, as there is in a central A/C system. This configuration allows the temperature in individual rooms to be set to your liking.
How Does It Work?
An outdoor compressor pumps pressurized refrigerant through small tubes that are connected to indoor units. These tubes require just a three-inch-wide hole for a small conduit that links the different components. Each indoor evaporator, which serves an individual room, circulates the refrigerant to extract heat from the interior space. The in-room units do the cooling rather than a centralized system from which air is transported through supply and return ducts. Once the refrigerant returns to the outdoor unit, the heat collected from interior air is released into the environment. In addition, some systems integrate a heat pump that extracts heat from outside air and transfers it to the interior to warm your indoor space.
Parts of a Ductless Mini-Split A/C System
There are four main components that make up a ductless system. These include the:
- Condensing unit: In a mini-split system, the condenser is placed outside the home or building and includes condenser coils, which are designed to pump cooled/heated refrigerant through specialized tubes. A fan pulls air through the coil to safely dissipate heat energy into the surrounding environment.
- Refrigerant lines: These line sets are usually passed through a small three-inch hole in the wall (this avoids extensive drilling). In rare setups, they are run through a window. Refrigerant lines link the outdoor unit to one or more indoor units in the system.
- Indoor unit: Releases cold air into the room or space it serves. Although there are many types of indoor units available on the market, the commonality is all are designed to cool or heat a single zone.
Types of Mini Splits
The different types of indoor units can accommodate specific requirements. They all serve the same function but, depending on their configuration, can fit limited space or a particular interior design theme.
Wall-Mounted: The most popular and least expensive indoor unit, a wall-mounted system is available in many types. They can range from 6,000 to 36,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) and in sizes from 30 to 44 inches wide, 12 to 14 inches tall, and 6 to 10 inches deep. They are best suited for rooms with at least 7- or 8-foot-high walls (and best placed at a height of about 6 feet). The unit must be placed against a level exterior wall, where a 3-inch hole can be drilled to draw the refrigerant lines, drain tube, and electrical wiring.
Ceiling Cassette: An unobtrusive unit installed behind a decorative cassette grill that sits flush with the ceiling, creating a seamless look. No mechanical components are visible. Ceiling recessed cassettes can range up to 48,000 BTU and have four vents, so are best placed in the center of the room. Often installed in commercial settings, they can be installed in a drop ceiling or traditional joust ceiling if there’s enough space (10 to 14 inches of clearance is required). A built-in thermostat adjusts output based on indoor temperature readings.
Concealed Duct: A hybrid unit that uses ductwork to deliver conditioned air through a dropped ceiling, attic, closet, or crawlspace. The ducts can be branched to supply two rooms, where the temperature is controlled by a single thermostat. It’s important to consider the power specifications of the blower when determining the length of the duct run; a stronger blower will be needed for longer runs.
Floor-Mounted: Is typically installed where the wall and floorboards meet to produce a more noticeable effect of cooled or warmed air. A floor-mounted unit is usually more visible, but low ceilings or high windows do not impede installation. It is suited for an attic bedroom where ceiling slant prohibits the use of a wall or ceiling unit. The indoor unit must not be more than 6 inches above the floor on an exterior wall.
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