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Are Mini-Split HVAC Systems Worth It?

Mini-Split HVAC Systems

In today's frantic environment, having comfort at home is not a luxury - it is a necessity.


As energy costs rise and environmental concerns intensify, discovering a reliable, efficient way to maintain a comfortable indoor atmosphere becomes increasingly important.


Over the past decade, households and businesses alike have increasingly turned to mini split unit HVAC systems. With the unparalleled adaptability and energy efficiency, these systems offer a contemporary take on conventional heating and cooling solutions.


What is a Mini Split System?


Mini split unit HVAC systems, often known as mini split air conditioners, are indoor heating and cooling systems that control temperature within specified rooms or areas.


The split system, as the name implies, consists of an indoor and an outdoor unit. To appropriately disperse cool air, the indoor unit, known as an evaporator unit, normally comprises a blower, filter, and an evaporating coil.


On the other end, outdoor - condenser units typically feature a condensing coil, a condensing fan, and a compressor. It supplies cool air to the indoor unit via a duct made composed of the condensate drain line, power cable, and refrigerant line.


Ductless systems operate without the usage of or connection to an HVAC system or duct and are suitable for both residential and commercial facilities. The system is rather simple to install and allows cooling or heating of a specified area.


A ductless HVAC system, often known as a mini-split, is a form of air-conditioning and heating system that controls the temperature in a single room or area using separate, wall-mounted blowers.


Instead of ductwork, the individual units are linked by a refrigerant line that leads to a single outdoor condensing unit. Additionally, a ductless HVAC system may also include one or more indoor units, depending on the size and configuration of the area being cooled.

mini split unit

The split unit also uses refrigerant to chill the air. The refrigerant cools the inside air by collecting heat and releasing it outdoors. In addition, as technology progresses, inverter systems have been integrated into HVAC systems.


Their primary duty is to adjust the compressor speed in response to the cooling requirements. This results in lower energy use, quieter surroundings, and more precise temperature control.


Benefits of Mini Split System


1. Ease of Installation

Split system is known for its ease of installation. Unlike traditional HVAC systems, which require extensive ducting and space-consuming central units, there is no significant construction or need to leave the site, allowing for a quick and efficient installation.


2. Suitable for Homes without Existing Ductwork

As the unit are made up of only three components: the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the conduit that connects the two.


This makes ductless mini-split systems an excellent option for homeowners who want to save time, money, and effort during installation.


It also makes them a good solution for properties that lack existing ductwork, such as older homes or those with unusual architecture.


3. Compact Design

Due to its compact design, the mini split unit system is very suitable for additions and renovations of an area as there is no need for extending an existing ductwork.


Ductless split system only requires a small hole in the wall to connect the indoor and outdoor units, making it easier and less invasive to install.


4. Efficient Zone Control

A mini split unit system is intended to cool or heat a small space while maintaining different temperatures in distinct rooms. Each unit has a specific thermostat, indicating that ductless systems come with efficient zone control.


This provides greater flexibility in cooling and heating individual areas to help maintain the optimum and desired temperature.


This function allows users to independently adjust the temperature of individual rooms or zones, which is very beneficial when different rooms in a building require varying levels of cooling and heating.


Consequently, this will benefit in reducing energy bills as unoccupied space does not utilize any heating or cooling.


Drawbacks of Mini Split System


1. Space Requirements for Outdoor Unit

Some drawback for split units is it requires an adequate space for the outdoor unit installation. The unit's optimal operation, longevity, and maintenance necessitate a suitable installation area.


An adequate space around the outdoor unit is necessary for routine maintenance activities such as coil cleaning, refrigerant level checks, and electrical component inspections.


A sufficient clearance guarantees that technicians may readily and securely access the unit. Furthermore, a lack of space around the outdoor unit can lead to insufficient heat dissipation, leading it to overheat.


This can result in frequent shutdowns, greater wear and tear, and an increased likelihood of component failure.


2. Limited Conditioned Air Coverage

Due to its smaller capacity, it offers limited conditioned air coverage. Split unit systems typically heat and cool specific rooms or zones, therefore their coverage is limited compared to central HVAC systems.


To maintain a consistent temperature throughout a larger room, multiple indoor units must be considered, which consequently increases the system's cost and complexity.


Summary


To summarize, mini split unit HVAC systems provide easy installation and have efficient zoning control for cooling and heating solutions for any room size.


Their design, energy efficiency, and versatility have made them popular among users. However, a few considerations must be addressed when determining the unit.


TCW Group, as a one stop HVAC manufacturer based in Malaysia, able to provide services starting from design of the units based on customized applications, up to manufacturing and complete unit assembly.


To get free quotation and consultation, reach us at info@tcw-my.com

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