When you think about areas across the nation that experience uncomfortably hot summers, you may not rank Martinsville at the top of that list. Nonetheless, we experience a climate that brings subtropical conditions to the area in the summertime. As spring draws to a close, it’s imperative to ensure that your air conditioning system is ready to go for the impending heat.
Among the many varieties of air conditioning systems available, one particular interest is the mini-split HVAC system. And then, if that system seems to be a good fit, you’ll need to know who to contact for the Martinsville installation.
Defining Mini-Split Air Conditioning
To understand what mini-split air conditioning is, you will need to understand the basics of how air conditioning systems are designed to work.
Central air conditioning consists of two units that cooperate to cool the home. One part of the system is located on the outside of the home, while the evaporator coil portion is often housed in a utility area in the interior of the home. The two pieces of equipment are working together to control the indoor temperature.
The outdoor component holds the refrigerant. There, it is compressed and sent through the indoor component to the evaporator coil. Meanwhile, the warm air inside the home is circulated back into the system, where it is also passed over the evaporator coil. Together, removing heat and humidity is accomplished, and the cooled air is recirculated back through the ductwork and distributed to the living space.
The mini-split system similarly utilizes two separate units. The difference is that this system functions with more direct communication between the two units without ductwork. Basically, the outside compressor is connected by a series of pipes directly to a unit located inside the room. The process is quicker, and the cool air is delivered directly to its intended location.
The air handling unit, the one located indoors, should be fixed to the ceiling, floor, or recessed into the ceiling. There can be multiple air-handling units connected to a single outdoor unit compressor. The system can support multiple cooling areas by adding an air-handling unit to any space that requires cooling.
The Advantages to a Mini-Split System Over Traditional AC Systems
Most homes across the nation are currently using central air systems for their cooling needs. While still growing in popularity, the mini-split system is quickly becoming an alternative thanks to some of the advantages:
- More Energy Efficient
As the air travels through the ductwork of a traditional AC system, as much as 30% of its cooling properties are lost in the process. It may be due to unknown leaks along the line of ductwork or connection points between segments that are not secured. This loss contributes to more operation for the system, which drives the energy usage within the residence.
- Easier To Install
For those taking ownership of a home with quality ductwork already in place, it may not be worth making the switch. The mini-split system becomes a viable option for new homes or homes where the ductwork is absent or in poor shape. The reduction of the cost of the ductwork to establish central air is a cost-saving benefit of its own. Installing ductwork can be a complicated process, especially with preestablished homes that were not built to accommodate it.
- Room By Room Preferences
A central air system will generally strive to regulate the temperature of the entire home. This is often a fool’s errand, given that the thermostat is typically located in one location. This causes those rooms that are further removed from the thermostat to have a higher degree of difference from the target temperature.
Because the mini-split system offers an air-handling system in each room, the thermostat can be set for each location where the air is delivered. This can regulate temperature across rooms and even satisfy individual temperature preferences. You can also direct cooling efforts as needed. If a room is unoccupied, you can turn off the unit in that location.
- Better Air Quality
The ductwork of traditional systems often becomes a favored place for pollutants and contaminants to collect. It is common to find bacteria, pollen, pet dander, or exhaust remnants sitting in the ductwork between air movement cycles. When the air is actively pushed through the ducts, these particles are picked up and distributed throughout the system.
Can I DIY a Mini-Split System?
As with many home renovation or repair projects, it is possible. But this may be one of those projects to contract out to experts. Especially as this type of system is still relatively uncommon, its intricacies can be better accommodated by those who do the work frequently.
Who Does These Installs in Martinsville?
Installing mini-split AC systems is just one of the many home services that Mister Quik Home Services can assist you with. We have plenty of experience and are proud to tout our outstanding customer service reputation. Call or email us today to consider if a mini-split system is right for your home.