How Does A Mini Split Work?

Mini splits offer many advantages over traditional ducted AC systems that make them worth considering. They are quieter, more efficient, and more flexible than forced air systems that need ductwork.

If you’re wondering how mini splits function and what makes them different, then this article is for you. In this guide, we discuss how ductless mini splits work, as well as explore the functions of inverter mini splits, mini split heat pumps, and single and multi-zone units.

What is a Mini-Split?

In a nutshell, a mini-split AC unit does the same thing as a traditional AC unit: it cools your home. The big difference between the two is that mini split air conditioners manage to do so without ducts, which is why they are also called ductless air conditioners.

A mini split consists of two units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit houses the air handler, while the outdoor unit hosts the compressor. Both are connected by a conduit that houses the refrigerant line, communications wire and power.

To know more, check out our related article: The Components of a Mini Split AC System.

How Does a Mini-Split Work?

We’ve heard plenty of advantages of using a ductless mini split, but first it’s important to know how a mini split actually works. 

The indoor unit blows the warm air from your home over cold evaporator coils. Inside the coils is refrigerant, which absorbs that heat from the air, and runs it to the outside unit that houses the compressor. The compressor dumps the heat pulled from the indoor air to the outside. The resulting cold air is then circulated back into the room.

This system differs significantly from a conventional central air conditioner, which usually works with one air handler, evaporator coil, and blower. A conventional ducted AC system works by using ductwork to deliver air into each room of a building from a single point of origin.

In contrast, a ductless mini split works by using only a small 3-inch conduit to connect the indoor air handler with the outdoor unit that houses the compressor.

To know more about the pros and cons of each type of system, check out Mini Split vs Central Air/Heat: Which is Right for You?

How Does a Mini-Split Heat Pump Work?

A mini split heat pump is one that offers both cooling and heating capabilities. It does this by using a heat pump and reversing the flow of the refrigerant.

In heating mode, the heat pump pulls in heat from the outside and transfers it inside via the refrigerant. The indoor air handler then distributes the warmed air into the room.

Mini split heat pumps are highly efficient, drawing only 50% of the energy required by a typical central air system. A mini-split heat pump may be all you need for both cooling and heating. 

Click here to know more about mini split heat pumps.

Advantages of Using a Mini Split

Mini-split units are growing in popularity for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common advantages cited are their efficiency and quiet operation.

Because mini-splits are ductless machines, they reduce a large amount of energy that is often lost through leaks and cracks in duct systems. According to the US Department of Energy, ductwork accounts for up to 30% of heat loss in a traditional ducted AC system. By eliminating the duct, mini splits are more energy efficient, and this translates to utility bills.

For this same reason, mini splits work much more quietly since they are not blowing air through ducts all over a room or home.

Compared to window air conditioners, mini splits have high EER and SEER ratings, which measure the efficiency of AC units. Theyare also equipped with inverter technology, which dynamically adjusts the unit’s power draw based on demand for even more efficient operation. 

Read our in-depth discussion on the efficiency of mini splits and why they are a better investment than conventional AC systems.

How Do Single and Multi-Zone Mini Splits Work?

Areas or rooms that need to be cooled can be divided into “zones”. As such, a single-zone mini split is one designed to cool a single zone or room, while a multi-zone mini-split can handle several rooms. 

Multi-zone mini splits can be further classified into dual-zone, trizone, quadzone or even five-zone systems, which denote how many spaces they can handle.

Here is a breakdown of each system to help you decide which one you should purchase for your home:

Single Zone Mini Splits

• How this mini-split works: These include one outdoor and one indoor unit, where the indoor unit is placed in the particular room you want to cool or heat individually. It can also be used in one total area in your home rather than just one room.
• These systems are particularly great if you only want to cool and heat one specific room like an attic, garage, or addition. They are also great when you don’t want to mess with existing ductwork.

Multi-Zone Mini Splits

• How this mini-split works: In a multi-zone system, several indoor units all hook up to a single outdoor unit. The number of indoor units depends on the number of spaces you want to cool, but they all connect back to one compressor outdoors.
• As the name suggests, this system can occupy several different rooms or areas within a home. This is great for cooling and heating several rooms with different temperatures to accommodate each family members’ temperature preferences. Multi-zone mini splits are also great for avoiding ductwork.

Overall, your decision to just heat or cool one or multiple rooms in your house will be the answer to which mini-split system you’ll need. Also, depending on the size of your cooling needs (which you can calculate and compare here), figuring this out may help in making your decision as well.

How Does a Mini Split Inverter Work?

An inverter is a device that can change the variable speed of the compressor. A mini split inverter works by adjusting the compressor’s rotation speed dynamically. Instead of operating at 100% all the time, it can throttle down the compressor once the desired temperature is reached. 

This allows the mini split to be much more efficient and quieter compared to non-inverter equipped mini splits. To know more, check out our Guide to Mini Split Inverters and how much more efficient they can be.

Single-Zone and Multi-Zone Products to Check Out

If you are thinking that a mini-split air conditioner sounds like the perfect fit for you, you are already in the right place to find one. Total Home Supply carries a variety of mini-split units available for purchase.

Entry level single-zone mini split:

Friedrich FSHW121C 12000 BTU Floating Air Select Series Single Zone Mini Split – Heat and Cool – 115V

This single zone mini-split system was designed with performance in mind, without sacrificing standard money-saving features. Thanks to Inverter Technology, the unit is highly efficient with an 18.0 SEER2 and 10.2 EER2 rating. It offers 12,000 BTUs of cooling and heating via the heat pump, perfect for spaces up to 600 sq. ft. 

It comes with 4 fan speeds, and a dehumidification feature that can remove up to 2.5 pints of moisture per day. Additionally, thanks to its built-in WIFi, you can seamlessly control the unit from anywhere as long as you have internet connection. This can be done through the Friedrich ComfortPro App, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. 

Premium single zone mini split

Daikin Atmosphera 12,000 BTU FTXM12WVJU9 / RXM12WVJU9 Single Zone 25.2 SEER Mini Split System

This single-zone mini split system delivers 12,000 BTUs of cooling paired with a 13,600 BTU reverse-cycle heat pump, with an upper heating capacity of 22,600 BTUs – ideal for spaces up to 550 sq. ft. 

It uses R32 refrigerant, which has a low GWP (Global Warming Potential) compared to older HFC-based refrigerants. A variable speed compressor dynamically adjusts output to match the real-time demand, enabling impressive energy efficiency ratings of 25.2 SEER2, 13.2 EER2, and an HSPF2 rating of 10.7. 

The heat pump can work at 100% capacity even when temperatures drop as low as 5°F. For enhanced performance, an optional drain pan will extend this heating down to -13°F. The cooling efficiency remains at 100% at temperatures as high as 115°F with a cooling range between 50°F and 115°F. With the optional wind baffle (KPW937F4E), this range can be extended down to -4°F.

Other features include anti-corrosion protection on the heat exchanger, and 2 Area Intelligent Eye, which detects movement in the space and adjusts output accordingly. Finally, built-in WiFi gives you full control of the unit from anywhere so long as you have an internet connection.

Entry level multi zone mini split

Friedrich FPHMR36A3D 36000 BTU Floating Air Pro Quad-Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

This quad-zone mini-split system offers 36,000 BTUs of both cooling and heating, with a connected capacity of up to 48,000 BTUs.

This is a highly efficient unit, boasting both Energy Star and Cold Climate Energy Star certifications. It achieves a 12.85 EER2 rating, with SEER2 ratings varying by indoor unit configuration: up to 22.0 for non-ducted units, 19.0 for ducted units, and 20.5 for a combination.

Additional features include Friedrich’s Precision Inverter Technology, which uses a variable-speed compressor to boost efficiency. This system also incorporates DiamonBlue Advanced Corrosion Protection, making it perfect for harsher climates.

Premium multi zone mini split

Daikin Aurora Series 5MXT40AVJU9 40,000 BTU Configurable Five-Zone Heat and Cool Split System

This EnergyStar certified five-zone system offers 40,000 BTUs of cooling, with a connected outdoor capacity of 54,000 BTUs, and 40,000 BTUs of heating through the reverse-cycle heat pump. 

It uses inverter technology, where a variable-speed compressor dynamically matches the system’s performance to the demands of the space. This allows for impressive energy efficiency ratings of 20.0 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, and up to 9.5 HSPF2. 

The system uses R32 refrigerant, which has a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) than the older R410A. The reverse-cycle heat pump offers 114% heated capacity at 5°F, with a heating range from -13°F up to 60°F, meeting the rigid requirements for Cold Climate EnergyStar certifications. It also offers a cooling range between 14°F and 115°F. 

Other features include anti-corrosion treatment of the heat exchanger fin; and priority room setting to enable prioritization of comfort when all indoor units are in use. Additionally, the unit can be configured for WiFi control with the optional Daikin Cloud WiFi adapter, enabling full control of the system from anywhere so long as you have an active internet connection.

Find the Mini Split That’s Right for You

There’s no doubt that mini-split air conditioners and heating units are growing in popularity, as they offer a quieter, more efficient system that does not require the use of ducts to deliver air to different rooms. Depending on your needs, you may find that a single zone multi-split is most appealing, where you can purchase a PTAC or mini split system. Or you can simply opt for a multi-zone setup for your entire home.

Whatever you end up choosing, Total Home Supply has you covered. Check out the mini-split units available on our site, and upgrade your cooling system to ensure comfort in the dog days of summer!

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