Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Mini Split Air Conditioners’

3 Key Advantages Of A Ductless System

Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are an efficient and effective way to add a cooling system to an existing home, an addition or even a new home. The advantages of a ductless system are numerous, but there are three key advantages that make them distinct from conventional systems:

Greater Efficiency

Ductless systems are extremely efficient, largely because they lack air ducts, which can waste up to 30 percent of the energy used for cooling through leaks or poor insulation. Many systems also feature variable-speed air handlers, inverter-driven multiple-speed compressors, improved coil designs and optional zoning systems that help to increase energy efficiency further. The latest models feature a seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, of up to 22, compared to the federal minimum of 14 SEER for Southwest Florida.

Easy Installation

With an outdoor unit, one or more interior air handlers, and a few refrigerant and electric lines connecting them, ductless systems are easy to install. They require only a small 3 to 4 inch opening through a wall or ceiling to route the electrical and refrigerant lines, minimizing damage to your home and remodeling. In comparison, a central air conditioner or heat pump requires custom ducts to be fabricated, a centralized location for the interior air handler and evaporator, and several openings for electrical and refrigerant lines.

Optional Heating

Many ductless systems can reverse the refrigeration cycle during the winter, providing heating instead of cooling. This eliminates the extra cost of a separate heating system, which is only occasionally needed in Southwest Florida. With a multiple-room system, each zone can be adjusted to the perfect temperature for the occupants, winter or summer.

To learn more about the advantages of a ductless system, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air today. We serve Southwest Florida, from Bradenton to Marco Island, and we have been providing quality, reliable HVAC services throughout the area since 1962.

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What You Need to Know about Mini Split Air Conditioners

Tuesday, December 20th, 2016

Conventional air conditioning systems waste up to 40 percent of the energy they use through losses in the air duct system. By eliminating ducts, mini split air conditioners offer a more efficient alternative that’s easy to install in existing homes, new homes or additions. If you’re considering mini split air conditioners for your home, here are a few things you should know beforehand.

Installation Requirements

Mini split air conditioners are installed in two sections, an outdoor condenser unit and one or more interior air handlers that can be wall- or ceiling-mounted. The two halves are connected by refrigerant lines and electrical cables through a 4- to 6-inch opening, allowing a flexible installation in nearly any room with very little construction required. There are no ducts or vents to add, and the cool air is delivered directly where it’s needed.

Energy Efficiency

Because mini split systems eliminate the ductwork, they’re typically 30 to 40 percent more efficient than standard systems, resulting in significantly lower cooling costs.

Price

Mini split systems tend to cost up to 30 percent more than traditional air conditioning solutions, though the higher initial price can easily be earned back through long-term energy savings. They are also one of the most cost-effective ways to add cooling to an addition or to a home without air ducts, such as those heated by electric, hot water or steam systems.

Optional Zoning

Mini split air conditioners are available as single-zone systems, with a condenser unit and a single air handler, or as multiple-zone systems, with a condenser unit and several interior air handlers. With a multiple-zone system, an entire house can be cooled, with each zone having independent temperature controls. Cooling costs can then be reduced by keeping some areas at higher temperatures than frequently used rooms.

To learn more about mini split air conditioners, talk to our HVAC professionals at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.

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