How Mini Splits Work
Mini-splits are heating and cooling systems that allow you to control the temperatures in individual rooms or spaces. Ductless systems have two main components – an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit (evaporator). They are convenient to install, usually requiring only a three-inch hole through a wall for the conduit, which houses the power and communication cables, copper tubing, and a condensation drain line, linking the outdoor and indoor units.
They can also be a good choice for room additions where extending or installing distribution ductwork is not feasible, and energy-efficient new homes that require only a small space conditioning system.
Mini-Splits vs. Central Air Systems
Mini-split systems have no ductwork, so they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork of central air-forced systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic or basement. If you have an older home without the proper infrastructure, central air systems require expensive and intrusive ductwork.