Mini-split air conditioning units (mini splits) are becoming increasingly popular. This is not a surprise because these units have many advantages. With this system, you significantly reduce cooling and heating costs. You also enjoy efficient service because these units work with the tried-and-tested ductless heat transfer method. This article will review the three types of ductless AC units. This review will also compare and contrast the three types of split units.
Now, let’s look at how these mini splits work. Mini-split AC units are based on several simple principles. First, the refrigerant compressor or the condenser is kept outside while the expander or the evaporator (the cooling part) is kept inside the room. Again, the heat is efficiently transported from the inside of the house to the outside using a thin conduit with insulated hoses. This system reduces noise and cools your home quickly and effectively. Another advantage of this system is that it is the perfect solution when you need a “no window” air conditioning system.
Below are the three types of mini-split AC units and some things you need to know about these units and how they work.
Wall mounted mini-splits
These are the most common type. To install this unit, the installer will simply drill a small hole of about 2-3 inches into the house’s interior where the unit will be placed. The next step is to connect the inside unit to the conduit and the hoses. When this is done, the inside unit is mounted over the hole. The right move is to mount the split unit above the window or somewhere else relatively high up on the wall. This will provide sufficient air supply to the room. This system has ease of installation as its major advantage. However, the disadvantage is that you get limited airflow with this method.
Ceiling recessed mini splits
This system is a smart idea in the sense that you will never see any part of the unit outside the ceiling. This gives you a cool and natural air conditioning feeling because you cannot see the unit doing the job, but your room is pleasantly cool. To get this right, you need a significant amount of depth for the recessed part. This is usually 7-10 inches or even more in some cases. The air blows from the ceiling through vents and cools the room effortlessly. This system has a definite advantage because a larger cooling unit can be placed in the ceiling because you have more space there. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that the airflow is not always as widespread as it should be.
Ceiling suspended mini splits
As the name implies, these units are suspended from the ceiling on metal rods. These rods are usually just two or three in number, but they hold the units in place. With this unit, the airflow is usually uni-directional and flows from the front to the back of the unit. One good thing about this system is that the suspension is adjustable. In effect, if the ceiling is too high or low, you can adjust things to your convenience. Another advantage of this system is that it is “aerodynamic.” This means that this unit’s hot air and cold air are completely unobstructed. Comparatively, the air is obstructed by the ceiling when you have the ceiling recessed split unit. For the wall-mounted split unit, the airflow is obstructed by the wall. It is important to point this out because better airflow means that your cooled air can cover more distance and cool larger spaces more effectively.