Sunset Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Ductless Mini Split Systems’

Is Going Ductless Worth It?

Monday, December 16th, 2019
ductless-unit-with-remote-in-hand

Weather in our area stays relatively steady throughout the year in comparison to other parts of the country. However, our HVAC systems are almost always in use. We tend to get the most use out of our heaters but our air conditioners get a workout as well in the warmer weeks of summer. With that, it’s vital that you have an effective and efficient air conditioner, and heater in place.

What if we told you that you can have both, all in one system? If you’re looking to replace or upgrade both your heating and cooling systems, a ductless system is well worth your consideration. They’re not right for all homes, but they’re the right choice for many. Read on to learn more about these systems and whether one will fit well in your home.

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What is a Ductless Mini Split Heating System?

Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

Today’s most popular type of air conditioner used in America is central air, a whole-house “split” system made up of an indoor and outdoor unit. This type uses an extensive network of air ducts that move air throughout your home. But there are downsides to this type of system, which are principally concerned with energy loss. Ductwork can account for significant energy loss, especially when your air ducts run through unconditioned parts of your home, such as your attic. The rise of the ductless mini split heating system has given homeowners an alternative to duct-based systems. In today’s post, we’d like to review how they function.

So, what is a ductless mini split system? It uses the same principle of air conditioning as a conventional central air or heat pump. The outdoor unit is more or less the same. It comprises a compressor and a condenser. The compressor is the “engine” of the air conditioning unit, responsible as it is for pressurizing the refrigerant and heating it up to a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. This is then sent to the condenser coils for thermal dissipation.

The chief distinction between central air and ductless mini splits is the presence of ductwork, but how does the indoor air handler function without them? The indoor unit of a ductless system sits directly in the living space, often high on a wall or suspended from the ceiling. It connects to the outdoor unit by a group of electric, refrigerant, and drainage lines. It is relatively compact, and performs all of the operations that a standard air handler does. It is also near silent, so that it doesn’t disturb the living space.

Because of its lack of ductwork, a ductless mini split can have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating far exceeding that of its conventional duct counterpart. It can also avoid many of the indoor air quality problems that ductwork is prone to.

Call Sunset Air today for professional ductless mini split heating system services in Olympia, WA.

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How Does a Ductless Mini Split Work?

Friday, August 16th, 2013

In Olympia, WA, air conditioning systems serve as a key defense against the heat and humidity of the summer. When most people think of AC systems, they think of split central systems that distribute the air to the household through a series of ducts. But what about homes that can’t support ducts, or homeowners who don’t want to use ducts? What about homeowners who want to add a new room or extension onto their living space, but can’t easily extend their ductwork to match it?  In these situations, a ductless mini-split system may provide a viable alternative.

Like central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-split systems contain both indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor array contains the condenser coils and compressor elements: allowing them to release heat into the air outside. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coils, which pull heat from the surrounding air and cool the immediate area. Lines between the indoor and outdoor unit move refrigerant back and forth. The compressor transforms the refrigerant into a pressurized liquid form, which is then moved to the expansion valve and released into the evaporator coils. The evaporation process cools the nearby air, which can then be blown into your home with a fan.

The set-up is more energy efficient than central air conditioning systems while providing greater flexibility to the homeowner.   Multiple indoor units can be attached to a single outdoor unit, allowing you to tailor the temperature in each “zone.” If you’re in the living room and another family member is in the bedroom, you can each set different temperatures to match your individual comfort levels.

You can also turn off units in areas that you aren’t using, and rely on just a single indoor unit or two to keep you cool in the space you occupy. That saves you money when those monthly bills come, unlike central air conditioning systems, which must cool the entire house.

If you think a ductless mini-split system may work for you, or if you own a ductless system and need to address a problem, call on Sunset Air to help. We serve customers throughout Olympia, WA; air conditioning services are a regular part of our business. Give our Olympia air conditioning specialists a call to set up a consultation appointment or schedule a service call today.

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