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What You Need to Know About Mini-Split Air Conditioning Systems

Are you ready to install a cooling system in your home? A mini-split air conditioning system may be just what you need. Also known as a ductless air conditioning system, this type of cooling offers many advantages over traditional central air conditioners. We particularly like Samsung for its high energy efficiency and strong performance. Homes in Colorado and Wyoming can benefit from a Samsung Pearl or Whisper mini-split system. Here’s what you need to know.

How Mini-Split Systems Work

The mini-split system has an outdoor condensing/compression unit which applies pressure to the refrigerant and disperses it to the units strategically placed inside the home for more efficient energy usage. Having the condenser outside means quieter operation inside.

Each indoor unit has an air handler, a blower and an evaporator coil. The indoor units are typically placed where they are most needed. This adds to the efficiency of this type of system because no energy is being wasted to cool areas of your home that don’t need air conditioning. Another advantage is the ability to place the units out of the way, even in walls or ceilings.

Mini-Split System Options

Mini-splits offer several ways to customize the system for your home.

Single-zone / multi-zone condenser unit

A single-zone unit cools one room or zone, while a multi-zone unit can work in a number of rooms or zones. Your HVAC professional can help you determine the right configuration for your home.

Ceiling cassette

In situations where space is an issue, a ceiling cassette is an excellent option. Fan coils are mounted in the ceiling and disperse air without taking up space in the room.

Wall unit

Control your system from an easily accessible central location.

Heat pump

Mini-splits work as both cooling and heating systems. A heat pump transfers heat from one place to another.

Common Applications of Mini-Splits

Mini-splits are well-suited to areas where ductwork is not available or would be too costly to install. Room additions are a perfect example of this. Similarly, basement or garage that have been converted to living space can benefit from mini-splits. In larger homes with smaller central air conditioning systems, mini-splits are a smart way to supplement the ducted system. And, of course, mini-splits can easily be incorporated into new construction.

Benefits of Ductless Cooling

Variety of features

Mini-splits offer flexibility that makes them ideal for many homes and applications, as well as convenient features for simple, efficient operation, such as remote controls for easy access, programmable timers save energy, adjustable airflow to optimize room temperature, washable filters for easy maintenance, and heat pumps for heating in winter months.

Multiple operating modes

Efficiency can be further enhanced with sleep mode and fan-only mode.

Increased energy efficiency

Traditional air duct systems can lose up to 30% of energy due to faulty construction and leaks. Mini-splits avoid that problem and also allow you greater control over which areas of your home are being cooled and when. All this means lower energy bills and less wasted energy.

Improved air quality

Mini-splits are cleaner to operate, and easier to clean and maintain than traditional ducted systems.

Find out if mini-splits are right for your home. Contact a Rheem Pro Partner today to learn more about Samsung mini-splits.