A ductless mini split is an ideal choice for heating and cooling areas in your home that do not have ducts. This can be a room add-on or expansion, or a previously unheated area such as a garage that’s being converted into usable living space. A ductless mini split system with multiple air handlers allows you to incorporate a zoned cooling and heating system in your home, saving energy and increasing climate-control flexibility. Because ductless mini splits don’t have ductwork, they also don’t have a problem with leaky ducts, a major source of inefficiency in many modern homes.
There are two main components to ductless mini-split heat pumps. The compressor/condensing unit sits outside in a discreet location. Inside, the air-handler delivers conditioned air to the room or area where it’s located. A conduit line connects the compressor to up to four different air-handler units inside.
Installation
The installation of a ductless unit is something that only a professional service technician should attempt. The process is not difficult, but it must be done correctly. The conduit that runs between the outside compressor and the inside air-handler holds the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and drain. Unlike most systems, the mini split only requires a small hole either in the wall or through the ceiling to make the connection with the inside air handler. The sleek air-handlers can be attached to the wall or ceiling, or in some cases, as a free-standing unit.
Caring for ductless mini splits
With proper care, ductless mini splits will last for many years. Regular cleaning and basic maintenance will extend the life of the system and keep it running at its best. The air handler uses filters to remove dust and debris from the air. As with any HVAC system, these need regular changing or cleaning. In some models, a sensor tells you when it’s time to clean the filters. Other things to consider when running the mini splits include:
- Clear the debris away from the outside unit to prevent overheating. Bushes, grass and leaves can build up around the compressor/condensing unit and negatively affect operation.
- Schedule professional service of the system at least once a year for a through cleaning and maintenance.
Contact Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning for reliable and useful information on installation and maintenance of ductless mini splits in your Fresno area home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductless mini splits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Donald P Dick Air Conditioning services the greater Fresno area in California. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!