When it comes to home cooling, people usually think of central air conditioning systems first. These are the ACs that operate using an outdoor condensing unit that connects to an indoor evaporator and blower fan. The evaporator removes heat from the air, and the blower fan sends the air into the ventilation system that carries the cool air to the rooms. The heat is exhausted outside through the condenser coil in the condenser unit, which also houses the compressors that keeps the whole cycle moving.
This isn’t the only way to have cool comfort spread throughout a house. No, we aren’t talking about sticking bulky window ACs into each room. For older homes that don’t have ductwork, as well as for newer construction homes that would like to bypass ductwork entirely, there are ductless systems that can work as well, if not better, than a conventional central AC.
Meet the Ductless Mini Split
Ductless air conditioning systems are also known as ductless mini splits. The standard central AC is known as a “split system” because it uses indoor and outdoor components. A mini split operates in a similar way—except it uses multiple small indoor units rather than one large one. There’s still an outdoor condenser, but instead of connecting to one indoor evaporator and blower unit, it connects to 1 to 8 mini air handlers that contain small fans and refrigerant coils. These air handlers are mounted in rooms on exterior walls, connecting to the condenser through the back wall. These air handlers send cooled air straight into the room with no need for ductwork.
Now Meet the Ductless Mini Split Benefits
A ductless mini split brings the power of central cooling to homes that don’t have ducts. These systems have several other benefits to consider as well:
- Cooling and heating: Most ductless mini splits are heat pumps, which means they can reverse the direction they move and operate as heating systems as well. They’re a two-in-one comfort system that can work all year long.
- Energy savings: Ductwork allows for heat loss and heat gain, lowering the energy efficiency of central ACs and heat pumps. Ductless systems don’t have ducts and don’t have this problem, which gives them higher energy efficiency. They also use smaller motors that consume less power.
- Zone control: Each air handler can operate independently of the others. You only need to have the air handlers running in the rooms that need heating or cooling.
- Better indoor air quality: Ducts collect dust and other debris, and each time a central AC turns on it will blow this out into the air. Ductless systems don’t have this problem, so they can contribute to cleaner air inside a home.
Call Us for Great Cooling Solutions
If you’re looking for central AC service in Houston, TX, whether for a standard split system or a ductless mini split, you’ve found the right people. We can determine what type of cooling and heating system will operate best for your home.
Contact All Star A/C & Heating Services for your air conditioning needs: Our integrity is our best, most used tool in our bag.