What is a Ductless or Mini Split Air Conditioner? Like central air conditioners, these units have a split design but without an elaborate system of ducts. The split system (also called a mini-split, ductless split, or duct-free system) has at least one unit inside the home (this is the evaporator) and one outdoor unit (the condenser). Small tubes of refrigerant run from the outdoor unit to the indoor units � these are also known as line sets. Indoor units can be wall or ceiling mounted. Ductless splits can be used to cool one zone or multiple zones applying two to four indoor units to one condenser � the indoor units can all be used independently of each other. (See details about ductless split warranties.) Shop Ductless Split Air Conditioners How do I choose a ductless split air conditioner? The most important factors when choosing a ductless split air conditioner are BTUs, number of cooling zones, and installation type. Zones A single zone ductless split system will have one evaporator, or air handler (indoor unit), and one condenser (outdoor unit).

If you want to cool more than one area, a multiple zone split system applies two, three, or four (depending on the model) indoor units to one condenser. Normally its one unit per room � just make sure there is enough BTUs to cover the square footage in the room. Shop Single Zone Ductless Split Systems Shop Multiple Zone Ductless Split Systems BTUs (British Thermal Units) BTUs are units of power � the larger the area you need to cool, the more BTUs you need. This is very straight forward for a single zone split system. For multiple zone systems, both the outdoor units and the indoor units will have a set number of BTUs. One of the benefits of a ductless split system is that each indoor unit runs independently. Therefore, the total number of BTUs for the indoor units can exceed the outdoor unit�s BTU by up to 30%, but all the units cannot operate (on maximum) at once. Installation Type There are many different options of indoor units. One type of indoor unit is mounted on the wall.

Select wall mounted units will come with customizable front panels that look like picture frames or pieces of art. Another type goes on the ceiling. Ceiling units can be suspended, recessed into the ceiling or concealed inside the ceiling. Ceiling units are for single zone applications only (multiple zone ceiling units are not available). Please keep in mind that ductless split systems have to be installed by a certified HVAC technician. Shop Ductless Split Ceiling Units Shop Wall Mounted Units What are single zone and multiple zones? Single zone means that there is only one indoor unit, and multiple zones means there are two to four indoor units for one condenser � each unit can be set to a different temperature and function independently. (Note that if the outdoor unit is equipped for more than one zone � you do not need to use all of the outlets). It is best to get an indoor unit for each room you are trying to cool � just make sure the BTUs are enough to cover the square foot area of all of the rooms.

What are the pros and cons of a ductless split air conditioner? Ductless split air conditioners are a cost effective choice compared to central air conditioning. They are typically more expensive than wall or window air conditioners and you need an HVAC professional to install the unit. Since the compressor sits outside, ductless split air conditioners are very quiet and efficient. The indoor units do not need to vent through an exterior wall, so ductless splits are a good option to cool rooms with no windows and no exterior walls. 3 ton dry ac unitA ductless split system also provides more temperature control because each indoor unit can be set independently from the other units.lg room ac units How do I install a ductless split air conditioner, why do I need a HVAC Professional?cost two ton air conditioning unit

Installing a ductless split air conditioner is more complicated that a window unit but far less complicated than installing central air. An HVAC professional will need to run lines for the coolant, electricity, and drainage. You will also need a HVAC professional to charge it with the right amount of coolants. How big will the hole be in the wall? This slightly varies depending on the unit you buy but, it is generally 3" in diameter. Will a ductless split system work in the winter? If you are installing a ductless split air conditioner for all times of the year (ex: a computer/server room) you will need to purchase an air conditioner that has low ambient operation. The unit can set for cooling even when the outdoor temperature drops below 41�F (5�C). Shop Low Ambient Ductless Split Air Conditioners Do I need to purchase tubing? Yes, you do need to purchase tubing (also called line sets) to install your ductless split air conditioner. The tubing will connect the indoor and outdoor units.

The size of the tubing depends on how far the inside unit is going to be from the outdoor unit. If you are installing the indoor unit on an interior wall, you will also have to purchase a condensate pump to drain the excess condensation to the outside. Do some ductless split air conditioners have heat? Some ductless split air conditioners come with heat. Most work with a heat pump, but some models have electric heat strips as back up. Learn more about the different heating types. Shop Ductless Split Air Conditioners with Heat/Cool Please note that it is standard for ductless splits to come with a one-year parts warranty. AJ Madison stands behind the product we sell and are dedicated to help you answer any questions throughout the lifetime of your ductless split system. The labor warranty should be provided by the HVAC professional installing your ductless split system. Previous: Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) Next: Portable Air ConditionersDuctless mini-split systems are increasing in popularity because they offer effective, efficient cooling in one or multiple areas.

They provide greater temperature control since each indoor unit works independently and can be set to different temperatures—allowing you to cool certain parts of your home without cooling the entire space. This zone cooling helps decrease energy usage since you're only cooling parts your home that you actually use as opposed to cooling your entire home like a central air conditioner. For quick access to the sections in this buying guide, click the links below: Ductless systems are made up of 4 components: Mini-splits have distinct advantages over other room air conditioners: A single-zone ductless split system cools an area of your home using 1 outdoor and 1 indoor unit. These are popular in bedrooms or rooms that aren't ducted for central air conditioning. The main consideration with single-zone ACs is if the unit has enough power to cover your room's square footage. View single zone ductless mini splits. Multi-zone mini splits work just like single-zone models but cool more parts of your home or business.

Each indoor unit (representing a zone) connects to the outdoor unit through the refrigerant lines. There are generally up to 4 indoor zones. If you don’t have central air conditioning, consider using a multi-zone system to cool different areas of your home—which can be on multiple floor levels thanks to long refrigerant lines. Multi-zone models are popular in basements, doctor's offices, and apartments. The single outdoor unit is equipped to handle all interior units, though usually all can't be used on the highest level at the same time. View multi-zone ductless mini splits. Each indoor ductless unit offers a set number of BTUs of cooling power. For single-zone units, you simply need to know the number of BTUs associated with the indoor unit and make sure it fits the square footage you're cooling. For multiple zone systems, both the outdoor and indoor units have a BTU rating attached to them. One benefit of a ductless split system is each indoor unit runs independently. 

Keep in mind if you're purchasing a multi-zone system, you need to look at the BTU rating for each unit (or zone). For example, an AC may use 30,000 BTUs total, with each indoor unit using 9,000 BTUs and the outside unit using 12,000 BTUs. Check out our square footage and BTU comparison chart below. Installing mini split ACs require professional installation since you run the refrigerant lines indoors from outside your home through a small hole in your wall. You'll need to contact an HVAC professional to be sure your AC is installed to run as effectively and efficiently as possible. Indoor Unit Location Options Most indoor air conditioning units are hung on a wall using included brackets, while other models are hung from the ceiling. Be sure your refrigerant lines will reach each indoor hanging unit before you install them. Check where your indoor units can be installed before you purchase a mini split AC. Voltage is another important consideration for your ductless mini split's insatllation.

Smaller-powered mini splits use a standard 110- to 120-volt plug, which most homes are wired for, but larger units require higher voltage. These models use a 220- to 240-volt plug; make sure your home's voltage matches your unit's before purchasing. Using the incorrect voltage can cause the circuit to break, a loss of efficiency, or even cause a fire. Mini split systems are efficient ways to cool your home. Their efficiency is measured by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. Currently, federal requirements state mini splits must have a 13.0 SEER rating to be used in the United States. Another energy rating to look out for is Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which looks at energy usage per square foot of cooling. SEER and EER both rate your product's efficiency, so keep an eye out for one or the other when comparing products. Along with SEER (and possibly EER) ratings, your model should come with an estimated yearly operating cost.

This is an average dollar amount associated with your model based on operating and maintenance costs—if you're comparing 2 models, check out the estimated yearly cost before purchasing. If a model is extremely efficient, it can become Energy Star-rated. In order to become Energy Star-rated, models must prove to significantly contribute to energy savings and offers products and performance demanded by consumers. Replacing an inefficient cooling system with a mini-split can cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 30%. The outdoor unit is the compressor, and it's one of the most important parts of a mini-split AC. The 2 main compressor types for mini splits are inverter and rotary. A rotary compressor turns on and off while working to maintain your set temperature, while an inverter compressor uses only enough power to reach the desired setting, then idles at that setting until more power is needed. A rotary compressor will turn on with full power, while an inverter compressor only uses enough of its resources to reduce the room temperature to your desired setting.