How Does a Mini‑Split Work?

Summer brings plenty of opportunities for hikes, pool parties, and barbecues, but as the heat sets in, your home can feel like a sauna by the time afternoon arrives. It's a lot of work to install air conditioning in homes without existing ductwork, and it's also quite expensive. However, mini-splits are becoming increasingly popular as a way around this.

Mini-split systems cool your home without ducts. But how do mini-splits work? Our guide will cover:

Keep reading to discover why a mini-split system might be ideal for your home.

Mini-split air conditioners — also known as ductless air conditioners — feature a split design. This means they have two main units:

• Indoor Unit: Expels cold air into a single room or space
• Outdoor Unit: Releases heat outdoors

Central air conditioners, in comparison, typically feature everything in one main unit. Whereas a mini-split outputs cool air directly into a specific room, central AC delivers it to several rooms through ducts.

Mini-splits are superb for homes that don't have ducts. They also provide cost-effective, situational cooling in rooms you don't use often, such as guest bedrooms.

Now that you understand each component, here's how they work together:

1. The evaporator coils in the indoor unit absorb heat.
2. The refrigerant carries the heat to the compressor in the outdoor unit.
3. The refrigerant releases that heat through the outdoor unit's condenser coils.
4. The refrigerant is then pumped back to the indoor unit to repeat the process.

Mini-split units only cool the area where the indoor unit is located. As such, you'll usually need a system in each room you want to cool — potentially two in very large rooms.

There are a number of benefits to mini-split systems. Central air conditioners rely on ducts, which can lose up to 40% of the energy that travels through them. Leaking ducts can lead to even greater losses while forcing your HVAC system to work much harder, increasing wear and tear.

Mini-splits, in comparison, maximize efficiency by avoiding the use of ducts. They're usually easier and quicker to install and can help you create controlled temperature zones. They also typically require less extensive AC tune-ups, though maintenance is still essential with any system.

Ductless AC installation begins with a home assessment and site preparation. Your technician needs to determine the ideal placement for the indoor and outdoor units and ensure your home has the necessary electrical capacity.

Next, your technician will install the indoor and outdoor units, drilling holes for the wiring and refrigerant lines to pass through. They'll connect both units and then charge the refrigerant. Finally, they'll check for refrigerant leaks and ensure the system works.

Given the expertise needed to do all this and the professional certification required to purchase and use refrigerants, DIY AC installation is never ideal. Opting for a professional installation through Advantage Air ensures you'll have a valid warranty and that the work will comply with all safety codes.