In many of these instances, a ductless mini-split heat pump or ductless mini-split air conditioner may be the solution. Ductless mini split systems today come in a variety of designs. The concept is simple- one outdoor air conditioner or heat pump combined with a single or multiple indoor units mounted high on the walls of the areas you desire to heat and cool.
Single Zone- One indoor unit with remote control, one outdoor unit
Two Zone (Dual Zone)- Two indoor units with remote controls, one outdoor unit
Three Zone- Three indoor units with remote controls, one outdoor unit
Four Zone (Quad Zone)- Four indoor units with remote controls, one outdoor unit
Five Zone- Five indoor units with remote controls, one outdoor unit
Ductless, mini-split-system heat pumps and air conditioners make good retrofit add-ons to houses with "non-ducted" heating systems already in place, such as hydronic (hot water heat), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane). They can also be a good choice for room additions, where extending or installing ductwork from the existing system is not possible.
Like standard air-source heat pumps, mini splits have two main components: an outdoor heat pump-air conditioner, and an indoor air-handling unit or multiple indoor units. A decorative lineset cover, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units together without being obtrusive or unsightly.
Advantages
The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual areas or rooms. Many models can have as many as four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the building or each zone (which in turn is affected by how well the building is insulated). Since each of the zones will have its own remote control or thermostat, you only need to condition that place when someone is there. This will save energy and money. The indoor units operate independently of each other although they are all connected to the same outdoor unit.
Ductless mini-split systems are also often easier to install than other types of space conditioning systems. For example, the hook-up between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a three-inch hole through a wall for the copper lines and necessary wiring. Also, most manufacturers of this type of system can provide a variety of lengths of connecting conduits. If necessary, you can locate the outdoor unit as far away as 50 to 75 feet from the indoor evaporator. This makes it possible to cool rooms on the front side of a building house with the compressor in a more advantageous or inconspicuous place on the outside of the building. There are maximum lengths on the copper linesets which vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Since mini splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems. Typical duct heating and cooling losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for through the losses associated with conventional duct systems, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.
In comparison to other add-on systems, mini splits offer more flexibility in interior design options. The indoor air handlers can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. Floor-standing models are also available. Most indoor units have profiles of about seven inches deep and usually come with sleek, high tech-looking jackets. Most also offer a remote control to make it easier to turn the system on and off when it's positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling.
Note** For commercial applications, higher capacity requirements, or more zones needed, there are a variety of solutions. Please contact us for details.
