Mini Split Systems

What are the Main Components of a Mini Split AC Unit?

Greg — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:59:25 +0000

Mini-Split air conditioning units have two basic components, both of which are found in traditional central air units or window air conditioners. The difference is the they are separated, or split, for purposes of delivering cooling capacity to areas not reached by duct work. The first component is the cooling unit that is mounted inside the house on a wall or ceiling. It consists of a cooling coil and an air handler which draws in warm air from the room so it can be cooled before it is blown back into the room. These components are mounted high in the room to capture warm air that rises, and also because the cooler air will fall, creating a balanced temperature throughout the room or zone. Single, dual, tri-, and quad- zone systems featuring one to four of these cooling units are offered.

The second component is located outside the house, and consists of a compressor that delivers refrigerant to the various room or zone units. It is typically mounted onto the side of the home or building. Connecting the two units is accomplished with small diameter conduit through which the coolant is delivered and power is run to the individual air handlers. The conduit also contains a condensate drain to remove moisture. These systems usually operate via a remote control, and feature timers to allow for customized climate control.

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Is Installing a Mini Split AC System a DIY Project?

Greg — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:57:46 +0000

Many home or building owners do install part or all of their own mini split AC system, saving considerably on contractor costs. Let’s take a look at what is involved so you can decide for yourself whether or not your skills are up to the DIY challenge.

First of all, the compressor will need to be mounted to the exterior of the home or building, which will require the ability to fasten the bracket to the outside wall. The type of wall will determine whether wood screws will be sufficient of if concrete or mortar screws and the appropriate drill and bits are necessary.

The next step is to run conduit that will contain the power line, refrigerant line, and condensate drain line. This can vary in terms of difficult depending on the structure. To carry the conduit through the wall you’ll have to saw a 2.5 to 3 inch hole using a high-powered hole saw.

The individual air handlers are very easy to mount on a ceiling or high on a wall using the mounting hardware included. Use a stud finder to give you the ability to anchor the fasteners into studs. Once they are in place, run the conduit and hook up the connections.

One task advanced DIY enthusiasts go ahead with while others leave it to a professional is the electrical hookup into the box. This can be complicated, as well as dangerous. Read the included installation information before deciding whether or not to give any part or all of the installation a shot.

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Common Types of Mini Split Ductless Systems?

Greg — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:47:32 +0000

All mini split ductless systems feature an external compressor and evaporator, with the cooling coil or coils and air handler mounted inside, on a wall or ceiling, with the two components connected with insulated refrigerant tubing. This is why they are called “split” systems. There are two basic ways that mini split ductless systems are differentiated.

The first characteristic is the number of zones the unit will cool. Single zone units feature an outdoor compressor and one cooling coil and air handler, along with an installation kit that includes 12-20 feet of tubing. Dual kits feature two internal coils, tri-zone units have three, and quad-zones offer four cooling coil/air handlers. The more zones are served by the unit, the more tubing, since the second, third and fourth coils may be placed further from the compressor. Additional tubing may need to be purchased for installation at considerable distance from the condenser/compressor.
The second common way mini-split ductless systems are categorized is the by the size, or capacity, of the compressor. Most single zone mini split ductless air conditioners use a ¾ ton, one ton, 1.5 ton or 2 ton compressor, which translates into 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, and 24,000 and BTU’s respectively. Dual zone models usually have at least a 1.5 ton compressor, while tri-zone and quad units use at least a 2 ton compressor.

Finally, some mini-split ductless air conditioning systems double as heat pumps, offering the ability to provide zone heating in cold weather.

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What is a Mini Split, or Ductless Air Conditioner?

Greg — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:39:41 +0000

Do you live in a home that does not have forced air heat ducts run throughout its structure, but still want the climate control possible with central air conditioning? A mini-split or ductless air conditioner may be just what you’re looking for.

Designed primarily for older houses, or for homes that employ hot water radiant heat, these units use individual coils placed throughout the home to efficiently cool it. They offer placement choices for optimal comfort, delivering cooling to rooms or zone most used, while providing greater efficiency than central air conditioning systems. Refrigerant is piped to these coils using small diameter line that is much easier to run, and much less costly, than standard duct work. Typically, 3-4 coils are sufficient to completely cool an average home.

The advantages of mini-split or ductless air conditioners is that they are much more energy efficient than traditional units that have estimated distribution energy loss as high as 30%. These units boast an distribution loss as low as 1% or 2% since no ductwork is used – ductwork being the primary contributor to energy loss. Because they are more efficient they will also lower energy costs significantly. These innovative climate control systems are quiet, too, and many feature remote control functionality for ease of use.

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Top Brands of Ductless Mini Split Systems

Greg — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:38:19 +0000

If you are in the market for a mini split air conditioner, there are several top manufacturers that produce these innovative ductless air conditioning systems. Be sure to peruse their entire selection to ensure choosing the one that best fits your needs.

For all manufactures expect pricing to be based on the number of zones it covers, meaning the number of individual coils that are placed throughout the residence, and also the number of BTU’s the unit will produce. Single zone units feature 12000 to 18000 BTU, while quad zone units have capacities up to 36000 BTU.

Sanyo has been on the leading edge of this technology from the beginning. They produce a wide variety of units including single zone models, and those with dual zone, tri-zone, or quad zone capacity.

Carrier Corporation is another long-term player in the residential air conditioning market. They offer a good variety of ductless / mini split units that cool from one to four zones with excellent efficiency.

Fujitsu General America is known for good quality and value, producing a variety of mini split air conditioning systems to meet your zone cooling needs.

Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics is a company with a long history of producing quality appliances and electronics and their split mini air conditioning systems are highly rated and very efficient.

Also look for quality split mini systems from Sanyo Air Conditioning Products, Klimaire Products, and Enviromaster Intl.

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Common Types of Mini Split Ductless Systems

Greg — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:13:22 +0000

Mini Split AC or Ductless Air Conditioners

AC Only units, come in many different cooling capacities that are engineered to provide air conditioning only, to a specific sized area. Some of the AC Only MiniSplit units can provide a limited amount of heating through the use of small electric heat strips, much like those you see inside a hair blow dryer. The small electric heat strips install within the air handler portion (inside the home) and are much more expensive to operate than a heat pump minisplit. A common rule of thumb on heating coils is this: For every dollar of electricity you spend to run the electric heating element, you get a return of one dollar worth of heat! On the heat pump units, you get a return of four dollars of heat, for every one dollar of electricity, making the heat pumps much more energy efficient.

Mini Split Heat Pump Units

Unlike the Ductless AC Units, MiniSplit Heat Pumps provide high efficiency cooling and heat in various capacities. The size you choose depends on the area being conditioned as well as several factors in your home. While the cooling functions are identical to that of an AC only unit, the heat from a heat pump is achieved by reversing the flow of refrigerant, and removing the cold air from the home. Heat Pumps are much more energy efficient, providing approximately 4 times the amount of heating for every dollar spent on electricity!

Multi Zoned Mini Split Ductless Systems

Along with the basic heating and cooling systems, there are zoned options, meaning you can install a Single Zone MiniSplit or a Multi-Zone MiniSplit. In most installations, a multi-zoned minisplit will make use of a larger compressor within the condensing unit outside your home, and have multiple indoor air handlers mounted on the wall or ceiling. If you have more than one room to heat and cool, multizone units may be the best option!

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Do It Yourself Mini Split AC

Greg — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:12:59 +0000

EcoAir DIY Split Air Conditioning, demonstration on easy fit 2 clicks connection of a Mini Split AC unit

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcCDiYjm-qE

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DeLonghi Split System Air Conditioner Install

Greg — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:06:54 +0000

Installation of a DeLonghi Split AC system that includes materials and piping instructions

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwsrFQO333M

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Installation of Mini Split Air Conditioning System

Greg — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:01:42 +0000

Start to finish video that includes the materials needed to install your Mini Split Air Conditioning system all by yourself!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdMRVO_NOz4

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Advantages of MiniSplit Air Conditioners

Greg — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:10:24 +0000

Ductless Mini Split air conditioners have been manufactured and used in Japan for many years and it has been recently introduced in other countries also. They are mainly used in multi family houses, schools, office buildings, restaurants, cinema theaters and auditoriums.

The Ductless split air conditioners also commonly known as “minisplits” like the central systems have two units – an air handling unit which includes a fan and an evaporator and a compressor.

The compressor and the condenser comprise one unit and are placed outside the house. The fan and the evaporator unit are placed in the room that has to be cooled. These both units are combined using a conduit that has the power cable, drain and the tubing.

These split air conditioner systems have several advantages and limitations. The advantages are that it can be easily installed i.e. we need not make any ducts on the walls, the operation of the air conditioner’s compressor doesn’t produce much noise and it gives a quiet environment.

These systems provide zone cooling facility and help in energy saving using the thermostat that helps in controlling the zones independently. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency ratio of the Ductless split air conditioning systems are in the range 10.0 and 11.5.

They also provide a wide range of options for the interior designing. They also help in making the building safe and secure from the robbers and intruders.

The major disadvantage of these ductless split air conditioner systems is the cost of the system. There are priced in the range of 1500$ to 2000$ per ton which is nearly twice the price of the window systems.

These systems can’t be installed at any random place. We have to choose a proper location for placing the air handling unit. If it is not positioned at a proper place or if doesn’t have a proper size, there are possibilities of the air bouncing between the walls resulting in a short cycle of the air and we won’t have good cooling effect and lot of energy will also be wasted in this case.

These systems should also have proper facility to drain the condensate else it would lead to staining the building walls. Discover the advantages of using ductless air conditioning and where you can buy cheap ductless air conditioner.

Source: http://www.airconditioningfilters.net/ductless-air-conditioning.html

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