There are two types of split system air conditioners. A ductless split system air conditioner and central air conditioning. Central air conditioning works in conjunction with your furnace and a blower to push the air through ducts which are situated in the walls throughout your home out through vents in your living areas. The central unit, with the compressor, is outside of your home on a concrete slab.
Cental air conditioning is a whole home unit. You cannot turn off rooms at will. Once you turn it on to cool, the whole house is being cooled. The same is true for heating your home. It is not recommended to close the vents in a central air conditioning system because it causes dust, bacteria and contaminants to build up in the ductwork.
A ductless split system is the same with the compressor being outside on the concrete slab, but the other unit is in the home attached to the compressor with insulated tubing containing refrigerant. The holes leading into your home are relatively small in comparison to the size of the ducting running through your walls.
Ductless Split system air conditioners are rated by SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) instead of EER like room type air conditioners are rated. They produce between 9,000 to 36,000 BTU per hour of cooling power per hour. The higher the SEER, the better the unit should work. Many ductless split system air conditioners are also energy star rated, which means they are made to higher standards.
How Does a Ductless Split System Air Conditioner Work?
They work the same as other types of air conditioners in that they expand and compress the refrigerant to pull heat and moisture from the air. They have suction lines which draw out the condensation, refrigerant lines to transfer the warm air, and power lines to keep the unit running smoothly.
With a ductless split system, you have more control over how many rooms you are cooling or heating. You can buy one unit to handle one open living space, or you can purchase a unit for each room you wish to cool. Up to four units can be attached to a condenser.
What Are The Benefits of a Ductless Split System Air Conditioner?
Flexibility
Unlike central air systems, ductless split systems offer more flexibility. With a ductless split system, you can have cold air in different zones and at different temperatures at the same time. The outdoor unit is smaller than central air units, and the only thing the indoor units need is space to be mounted on (wall or ceiling) and access to electricity.
You can have one unit to handle a large shared living space and more units in bedrooms if you wish. There are more configuration possibilities than with a central air conditioning system. You will have more control over the temperature of every room in your home, providing year-round comfort to every member of your family.
Saves Money on Utility Bills
With the rise in utility costs, more people are switching to ductless split systems because they are more energy efficient since you only have to cool or heat rooms that are being occupied and not the whole home. They have inverter technology that allows the compressors to operate at variable speeds which make it easier to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
They consume less power due to being smaller since the air is going directly into the room it’s needed in, the system is much more efficient. No more worrying about leaking ducts that need to be sealed. Most ductless split system air conditioner units follow Energy Star guidelines which means they are much more efficient than the minimum standards that the federal government requires.
You could also be eligible for rebates and tax incentives for the year you install the system. There are many federal, state, and local programs that allow homeowners and business’ s to take advantage of theses savings.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Ductless systems offer multi-stage filtration which can reduce dust, bacteria, allergens and pollen which is not possible with a traditional HVAC system even after a professional duct cleaning.
This is much healthier for your family than worrying about contaminants in ducts. Ductwork accumulates contaminants which are recycled back into the air your family breathes. This can aggravate conditions such as asthma and allergies.
Whisper Quiet With Low Profile Look
Ductless split system air conditioners are silent in comparison to window air conditioners, built-in air conditioners or portable air conditioners. Since they are not dependent on a furnace with a blower pushing air through ductwork, you are barely aware of the unit operating at all.
They are low profile, usually not more than seven inches and have a finished streamlined look. The outdoor unit is much smaller than a central air conditioning unit and can even be hidden behind a small shrub.
Efficient Supplemental Heat Source
If you purchase a system with a heat pump, You will have the same control as you do over the cooling capabilities and be able to heat only the rooms that are occupied at whatever temperature you family members like. No more having to heat the whole house if you are feeling cold.
Remote Control
Each indoor unit has it’s own remote control because they operate independently of each other so you can cool only the occupied rooms. You no longer have to worry about wasting money or energy cooling or heating rooms that are not occupied.
Quick and Easy to Install
A ducted system can take weeks to install and disrupts your life with walls and ceilings being opened to hide ducting. Depending on the amount of indoor and outdoor units being connected, a ductless split system could be installed in one or two days. All that is needed is a three-inch hole for tubing. No mess and no worries about replacing walls after ducting.
It Lowers Your Carbon Footprint
The smaller size and its configuration capabilities, allowing you to cool or heat specific areas as needed, means more energy efficiency. Ductless split air conditioners follow Energy Star guidelines, which means they are much more energy efficient than other systems which only follow federal guidelines.
Split systems use a refrigerant which is known for zero ozone depletion potential, which means it will have less impact on the environment and reduces your carbon footprint. So are there really any downsides to this type of unit?
What Are the Disadvantages of a Ductless Split System?
The one disadvantage of a ductless split system is the price. Ductless split systems are more expensive than central air conditioning and even room or through the wall air conditioners with the same amount of BTUs.
In some cases, depending on how many zones you will be covering, it can be more expensive to install too. These systems must be fitted by an HVAC professional unless you are experienced in installing HVAC products.
When weighing the expense of paying more for the unit and installation,remember that these units are more energy efficient, and you will have control over the temperature in every room you install one of these units in. There is also the added bonus of breathing cleaner, healthier air due to the type of filtration system.
In time, the amount of money you save by not having to heat and cool the whole zone as you would with central air conditioning, should have the unit paying for itself.
How Do You Choose a Ductless Split System?
The most important factors in the choice of a ductless split system are the number of BTUs, the number of zones, whether or not you will also be using the system as a supplemental heat source and installation.
Single Zone
Ductless split systems will have one air handler, the indoor unit, and one condenser, the outdoor unit. If you want to cool or heat more than one area, you will need a multi-zone system, which you can add more indoor units too. You usually add one unit per room providing there are enough BTU’s for the square footage of that room.
BTUs or British Thermal Units
BTUs are the measurements of the power needed to cool or heat the area needed. That is determined by the length, width, and ceiling height of the area the unit will be used in. For a single zone system, the indoor unit will have a set number of BTUs.
For a multi-zone system both the indoor and outdoor units will have fixed number of BTUs. One of the great things about a ductless split system air conditioner is that the indoor units operate independently of each other.
The number of BTUs for the indoor units can exceed the number of BTUs of the outdoor unit by up to 30% without compromising the outdoor units capabilities. As long as all of the indoor units are not operating at full capacity at the same time, the outdoor unit will not be compromised.
Styling
With their popularity increasing, there have been changes in the look of ductless split systems. There is more of a selection with new colors and options. You can get framed units that have beautiful artwork, more streamlined units in different colors, ceiling units when there is not enough space on your walls.
Ceiling units can be recessed or suspended from the ceiling. They are only available in single zone units. More and more options are becoming available each year. There are also units that mount down near the floor.
Many configurations can be used whether you want a single zone unit or a multi-zone units. There are many possibilities to suit your needs.
Which Ductless Split System Should You Buy?
Mitsubishi, Friedrich, LG, and Carrier are among the most popular types. You should speak to a professional before you buy to see how many BTUs you need and where to place the outdoor units.
The indoor units can only be placed a certain distance away from the outdoor units so a certified HVAC professional will be able to tell you how many zones you need depending on how many areas of your home you will be using them in.
Mitsubishi ductless split system air conditioner customers are happy with their purchases. While their are not reviews on all of their various systems, where there are reviews provided, people are satisfied with their purchases. Most customers reported that the units are quiet and cheaper to run than other types of air conditioners.
Best Ductless Split Air Conditioner Reviews
Top 1 Best Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Reviews
1 Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split MY-GL12NA Reviews
Mitsubishi ductless mini split Model # MY-GL12NA is a 1.0 ton 23.1 SEER 12000 BTU/hr Wall Mount AC Only. It has a 13 energy efficiency ratio. This unit is also Energy Star rated.
This unit is an air conditioning unit only. If you need supplemental heating, do not purchase this unit. Customers report that this unit is so quiet that you don’t even realize it is on except for the comfort level of the room.
It has a multi-part filter that removes viruses, bacteria, allergens and also traps dust, pollen, mites and other particles that plague allergy sufferers at the same time giving you the cleanest air possible. The filter is easily removable and easy to clean. With proper cleaning the filter can last you ten years.
All M Series split system air conditioner units detect temperature fluctuations in the room and adjust automatically for ultimate comfort. Seven horizontal air flow direction provides for greater air circulation. It has a handheld wireless remote to control all functions.
This ductless split system has a cool mode, dehumidify and fan modes. Econo Cool changes the air flow direction from stationary flow so you feel cooler. It has a 24-hour on/off timer.
Top 2 Best Friedrich Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Reviews
Friedrich ductless split system air conditioner systems get positive reviews, for the most part. Many customers claimed the units cooled in very high heat and warmed pretty well even in cold temperatures. Keep in mind these systems are meant for supplemental heating and not as your primary source of heat.
Some customers said they were saving money in comparison to how much they paid in utility bills when using window air conditioners. Some customers claimed the installation was a snap and others claimed it was a hassle. It probably depends on which contractor you hire. Most customers said the units were silent in comparison to other types of air conditioners they have used.
1. Friedrich Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner M12YH Review
Friedrich Model # M12YH is a 12,000 BTU Single Zone Wall-Mount Ductless Split System air conditioner with 14,000 BTU Heat Pump, 12.5 EER, 21.0 SEER Inverter Technology and R410A Refrigerant (MW12Y3H Indoor/MR12Y3H Outdoor).
This ductless split system air conditioner has 4 fan speeds for heating or cooling and also has a quiet mode. The system will adjust for maximum dehumidification.
There is a remote for each unit. Continuous Air Sweep keeps the air moving for your ultimate comfort. There is a 24-hour on/off timer and an auto restart function for when there is a power outage. It has a removable front grill and a washable, removable air filter.
Surge cool/heat allows the unit to operate at 100% for 30 minutes to quickly cool or heat the room. It has a secure remote control holder and the flaps automatically close when the unit is turned off. It also has Diamond Gold Advanced Corrosion Protection to protect the unit from the elements especially in coastal environments. 12,000 Btu/h 21 Seer Friedrich Single-Zone Mini Split Heat Pump System – M12YH-MW12Y3H-MR12Y3H
2. Friedrich Ductless Mini Split AC M18YJ Review
Friedrich Model # M18YJ is a 17,000 BTU Single Zone Wall-Mount Ductless Split System air conditioner with 20,200 BTU Heat Pump, 12.0 EER, 18.0 SEER and R410A Refrigerant (MW18Y3J Indoor/MR18Y3J Outdoor).
This ductless split system air conditioner has 4 fan speeds and 4 heating and 4 cooling speeds it also has a quiet mode. The system will adjust for maximum dehumidification.
There is a remote for each unit. Continuous Air Sweep keeps the air moving for your ultimate comfort. There is a 24-hour on/off timer and an auto restart function for when there is a power outage. It has a removable front grill and a washable, removable air filter.
Surge cool/heat allows the unit to operate at 100% for 30 minutes to quickly cool or heat the room. It has a secure remote control holder and the flaps automatically close when the unit is turned off. It also has Diamond Gold Advanced Corrosion Protection to protect the unit from the elements especially in coastal environments. FRIEDRICH M18YJ FRIEDRICH DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP SYSTEM 18000 BTU 230 VOLT 20.5 SEER (1/EA)
Top 1 Best LG Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Reviews
1. LG Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner LA120HSV5 12000 BTU Heat and Cool with Built-in WiFi Review
LG split system air conditioner systems get excellent reviews from their customers. It gets high marks for doing what it says it will do quietly and efficiently while looking great at the same time. Especially their Art Cool Line. One inverter is a frame you can personalize with your own piece of artwork. The other inverter has a mirror finish and a sleek design.
LG Model # LA120HSV5 is a 12,000 BTU Single Zone Wall-Mount Ductless Split System with 12,000 BTU Heat Pump, 12.5 EER, 22.7 SEER, Inverter and R-410A Refrigerant (LAN120HSV5 Indoor/LSU120HSV5 Outdoor).
Jet Cool/Heat allows the unit to operate a maximum speed for 30 minutes to quickly cool or heat the room. Chaos swing random air flow cuts down on hot and cold spots. The 24-hour on/off timer turns the unit on and off at preset times so you can be assured the room is the temperature you want it to be.
Sleep mode increases the temperature by 2 degrees until the desired temperature is reached and automatically turns the unit off. Auto Clean removes excess moisture that builds up in the unit when in cooling or dehumidification mode. Defrost Control shuts down the fan to prevent cold air from circulating in the house. It also removes frost from the outdoor coil when temperatures drop.
The remote control allows you to operate all functions of the unit with the touch of a button. There is also a holder you can install so the remote is always where you need it. Energy Saving mode minimizes power consumption while increasing the set temperature to the optimal level. Auto restart allows the unit to automatically start at the previous settings after a power outage. This unit is packed with features and can be as stylish as you want it to be since you can put whatever picture or photo you want in it.
In Conclusion
Whether you are interested in a ductless split system air conditioner system or a central air conditioner system, it will be a substantial financial investment in your home. Most people are looking for air conditioning and heating systems that will save them money on rising utility costs when they purchase a home.
Having a system that is both flexible and energy efficient will only help increase the resale value of your home. A ductless split system air conditioner can help with that. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantage of cost, especially if you currently heat your home with oil, which is more expensive than gas.
Now you will have the flexibility to heat or cool one room or area at a time instead of turning the thermostat up and heating and cooling the whole house. That’s a significant waste of oil when you might be the only person home.
In examining customer reviews and feedback of these systems, many of them have stated that the savings in home energy costs made it well worth the original investment.
Still not sure you want to invest in a ductless mini split air conditioner? You can read my article about the best air conditioner by clicking here.
If you would like to learn how a mini split system can help you save money, you can read my article, here.
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