One might describe a mini split air conditioner, also known as a mini split, as a mix between a window unit and central air system.

But they'd be wrong in saying this. 

The truth is, the mini split is an entirely new system fashioned with high efficiency and convenience in mind.  Actually, it seems like the engineers who invented the mini split system tried their best to ignore existing systems because, unlike window units and central air conditioning systems, mini split air conditioners have something no other home comfort device has – scalability.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN EXACTLY?

Scalability means you can easily make renovations without losing features.  In other words, as you expand, the things around you respond to the expansion seamlessly.

For instance, if you were building a new house and planning to add a larger addition in the future, a mini split air conditioner – specifically a ductless one – would make the most sense.  This is because it's easier to add mini splits than it is to add duct work that connects a vent to a central air conditioning system.  With the latter, you need to drill out large holes in your walls and run foot after foot of bulky and expensive duct work. 

With mini splits, all you have to do is drill a tiny 8 cm whole in the wall to connect the conduit to the outdoor compressor/condensor.  This is what scalability for in-home comfort looks like. Drilling out chunks of dry wall and suffocating your home with steel tunnels is anything but scalable.

A CLOSER LOOK AT ITS SCALABILITY

The conduit, mentioned above, is the #1 reason why the mini split air conditioner is scalable.

Within the conduit contains everything the mini splits need to provide clean, cool air to different sections of the home.  Inside the conduit are the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, condensate drain, and links to the outdoor compressor.  This replaces the need for a series of bulky inefficient window units as well as a bulky central unit that relies on inefficient ducts. 

According to an article about ductless mini-split air conditioners on Energy.gov, "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."

While the ability to expand accordingly is a huge part of scalability, there are also other factors like aesthetics and efficiency.  More reasons the mini split is scalable is because:

• it's aesthetically pleasing – many mini splits are about 7 inches deep and come with attractive jacket covers.

• it's more efficient – each mini split unit only turns on when it needs to, contrary to how central air units supply air to every vent throughout the home.

For these reasons, homeowners are leaning more toward mini split air conditioners over window units and central systems.  If you're interested in mini splits and have follow-up questions, feel free to call 1-800-782-9175 to speak to one of our friendly air conditioning experts.