An Overview of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-split systems operate in essentially the same way as traditional central heating and cooling systems. The system itself comprises two parts: an indoor unit that is mounted on the wall inside your home and an outdoor unit that is placed outside near your house. The indoor unit, also called the evaporator, is connected to the outdoor unit, known as the condenser unit, with copper tubing and electrical wiring. A refrigerant line also runs from the condenser unit to the evaporator. The entire system only requires one, three-inch hole to be drilled into the wall, making this a very minimally invasive alternative to full ductwork installation.
Duct-free heating and cooling systems make your home’s individual rooms or other small spaces more comfortable. Remember, just like whole-home systems, the higher the SEER and HSPF ratings, the more efficient they will be.
Ductless Mini-Split or Forced-Air HVAC System?
What’s best for you: a forced-air HVAC system or a ductless mini-split? Most homes in the Inland Empire, Orange County & Los Angeles have a forced-air HVAC system. Some homes weren’t designed with air ducts in mind, though. Or running air ducts to a new home may not be feasible or cost-effective. If you find yourself with any of these concerns, we have a solution for you. Steve's 5 Star Service specializes in working with ductless HVAC systems.
- When you turn on the unit, the evaporator (indoor unit) draws warm air from inside your home and moves it across a set of cold evaporator coils.
- The refrigerant inside the evaporator coils is what makes them cold. This refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and sends it to the condenser unit (outdoor unit).
- After removing heat from the air, the evaporator blows the now cooled air back out into the room and throughout your home.
- The condenser unit removes the heat and blows it into the outdoor air before moving the refrigerant back through the refrigerant line to the evaporator where the process can continue.
For systems that provide both heating and cooling (known as heat pumps), this process is essentially reversed when the heat function is being used. Warm air is drawn from outside and sent to the indoor unit where it can be distributed throughout your home.
Some of the different ductless solutions we offer include:
- Wall-Mounted Ductless Systems: These are the most popular types of ductless systems. They include an outdoor unit and one or multiple indoor units that are mounted on a wall inside your home. Typically, the indoor unit is mounted near the ceiling, but they can be positioned just about anywhere to suit your aesthetic preferences. Sleek, modern designs for wall mounted ductless air conditioners offer an array of functional and stylish options for any home.
- Floor-Mounted Ductless Systems: Floor-mounted systems are a popular and practical choice for homeowners who don't have the wall space for a wall-mounted unit. Like their wall-mounted counterparts, floor-mounted ductless heating and AC systems have two parts: an outdoor and an indoor unit. These units work best in rooms that are not fully furnished, as large pieces of furniture can obstruct airflow from a floor-mounted unit.
- Ductless Ceiling Cassettes: Ceiling cassettes, often referred to simply as cassettes, are one of the most discrete ductless options. The indoor unit is installed into the ceiling so that the mechanics are hidden, which means you'll need adequate attic room. Cassettes typically work best for large rooms or rooms that tend to have cold or hot spots. Different models allow you to close some or all of the vents to control airflow and temperature.
- Slim Duct Mini-Split Systems: These systems offer a sleek, inconspicuous aesthetic. The bulk of the system is installed behind the wall, ceiling, in a crawl space, or under the floor so that only the grills are visible. Once installed, these systems offer powerful performance to keep your home comfortable all year long. Dr. Ductless is proud to offer several slim duct options to suit your particular needs and preferences.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Appointment
Call Steve's 5 Star Service today to schedule a free estimate. You can reach a live person 24 hours a day, and we're standing by to assist you. We also provide 24/7 emergency. Call us at (909) 985-5254 or fill out the online form to get started.
