If you’re exploring options for cooling and heating your home, you’ve probably come across mini splits, also known as ductless systems. But how do mini splits work exactly? As a trusted AC repair and installation company serving New Orleans, Metairie, Gretna, Belle Chasse, and more, Duggan’s AC & Heating is here to explain everything you need to know.
What Are Mini Splits?
A mini split system is a type of heating and cooling system that doesn’t rely on ductwork. Instead, it uses two main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. These two parts work together to regulate the temperature inside your home. The lack of ducts is a key reason why mini splits are often referred to as ductless systems.
Now, you might be wondering, how do mini splits work without ducts? It’s actually pretty straightforward! Here’s a simple breakdown:
Outdoor Unit: The outdoor unit contains a compressor and a condenser. This unit is responsible for drawing in air and either cooling or heating it, depending on the season. The treated air is then transferred indoors via a small conduit.
Indoor Unit: The indoor unit is mounted on the wall inside the room you’re trying to heat or cool. This part of the system blows air into the room after it’s been heated or cooled by the outdoor unit.
Refrigerant Line: Connecting these two units is a thin refrigerant line. This line allows for the transfer of hot or cool air from outside to inside, and vice versa.
The simplicity of the system makes it more efficient and easier to install, especially in homes without existing ductwork. But there’s more to the story of how mini splits work.
Why Choose Mini Splits?
Mini splits are becoming popular for a number of reasons. Let’s look at the key benefits that make these systems a great choice for your home:
- Energy Efficiency: One of the main reasons mini splits are more efficient than traditional systems is that they don’t suffer from the energy losses associated with ducts. Ductwork can lose 20-30% of the energy being transferred, which is not a problem with mini splits. This can result in lower energy bills over time. Learn more about energy efficiency from the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Zoned Heating and Cooling: Unlike central HVAC systems that heat or cool the entire house, mini splits allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms or zones. If one room in your home is always too hot or too cold, a mini split can solve that problem without wasting energy on the rest of the house.
- Easy Installation: Because no ducts are required, installation is quicker and less invasive than traditional HVAC systems. Duggan’s AC & Heating specializes in air conditioning installation and replacement, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
How Do Mini Splits Work in Cooling Mode?
When in cooling mode, the mini split’s outdoor unit draws in warm air from outside. Here’s a step-by-step process to help explain how do mini splits work to cool your home:
- Air Absorption: The outdoor unit pulls in warm air and absorbs the heat using refrigerant. The refrigerant becomes cold after heat is absorbed.
- Transfer to Indoor Unit: The refrigerant, now in a cooler state, travels through the refrigerant line to the indoor unit.
- Blowing Cold Air: The indoor unit blows cold air into the room, cooling the space. The warm air inside the room is cycled back through the indoor unit, and the process repeats.
It’s similar to how a traditional air conditioner works, but without the ducts, it’s more efficient for smaller spaces or individual rooms. If you’re having trouble with your current system, Duggan’s can assist with AC repair in Metairie or any of our service areas.
How Do Mini Splits Work in Heating Mode?
Yes, mini splits can also heat your home! Here’s how the system operates when in heating mode:
- Heat Absorption: In cold weather, the outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outside air. Even when it’s chilly, there’s still some heat in the air. The mini split can pull in that heat and use it to warm your home.
- Heat Transfer: The refrigerant carries the absorbed heat to the indoor unit.
- Blowing Warm Air: The indoor unit then blows the warm air into your room, heating the space. The same process happens in reverse when the room reaches the desired temperature.
If you’re already thinking about winter, remember Duggan’s also offers heater maintenance to ensure your system is in top shape.
The Components That Make Mini Splits Work
To fully understand how do mini splits work, it’s important to know the key components that make the system efficient:
- Compressor: Located in the outdoor unit, the compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas and allowing it to flow between the outdoor and indoor units.
- Refrigerant Lines: These lines carry the refrigerant between the outdoor and indoor units. Proper refrigerant levels are critical to the system’s efficiency.
- Blower Fan: The indoor unit contains a blower fan that circulates air inside the room. The fan is quiet and typically operates at multiple speeds to maintain comfort.
- Thermostat: Many mini splits come with a smart thermostat, which allows for more precise temperature control and can further improve energy savings.
Is a Mini Split Right for You?
If you’re considering a mini split system, there are a few factors to think about. Are you renovating or adding a new room to your home? Is ductwork impractical or too expensive to install? Do you want more control over individual room temperatures? If so, a mini split could be a perfect solution. Duggan’s offers professional installation services and can handle everything from AC maintenance to AC repair in Belle Chasse.
Regular Maintenance Ensures Your System Works Efficiently
Like any HVAC system, mini splits require regular maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. Keeping the filters clean, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring the blower fans are functioning properly are all part of keeping the system in good shape. If you need help with maintenance, Duggan’s also provides AC repair in Gretna and throughout the New Orleans area.
Call Duggan’s AC & Heating for Your Mini Split Needs
Duggan’s AC & Heating is your go-to for all things HVAC in New Orleans, Metairie, Gretna, Belle Chasse, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a new air conditioning installation or need reliable AC repair, we’ve got you covered. Call us today at 504-215-7031 or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment. Our team of skilled technicians will ensure your mini split system is running smoothly for years to come.
