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Split AC Guide - Common Mini Split Air Conditioner Questions


Pridiom AMS091HX


Alen AMS09


Alen AMS12


1. Why choose a mini split air conditioner?

A mini split air conditioner is a cost effective alternative to central air conditioning. However, it is typically more expensive than a wall or window air conditioner and needs to be professionally installed. Since the compressor sits on the outside, the split air conditioner is very quiet and efficient.


2. Are there additional benefits?

Mini split air conditioners are sometimes easier to install than other types of air conditioning systems. For example, the hook-up between the outdoor and indoor units generally require only a three inch hole through a wall for the conduit.

Also, most manufacturers for this type of system will provide a variety of lengths of connecting conduits. This way, it is possible to locate the outdoor unit as far away as 50 feet from the indoor evaporator for cooling rooms on the front side of a building or house with the compressor in a more inconspicuous place on the outside of the building.


Most indoor units have profiles of about seven inches deep and usually come with sleek, high tech jackets. Many also offer a remote control to easily turn the split air conditioner on and off when it's positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling.


Outdoor Compressor-Condenser AC Unit


Indoor Wall Unit


3. What are mini split air conditioners?

Like central air conditioning units, mini split air conditioners have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units through a small hole that is drilled in the wall of the building.

The main advantages of split air conditioners are their small size and flexibility for zoning, heating, or cooling individual rooms. Some split air conditioners can have as many as four indoor, air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on the amount of heating or cooling required for each building or zone (also affected by how well the building is insulated).

Since each of the split air conditioner zones or rooms will have an individual thermostat, only that area where someone is present needs to be conditioned, saving energy and money.

4. How does a mini split air conditioner work?

A mini split air conditioner works just like a portable air conditioner or traditional air conditioner. The difference is in the setup and effectiveness. A split system is not going to be movable like a portable air conditioner, but it will have comparable cooling power. A traditional central air conditioner is going to be able to cool the whole house, while a split system will be used primarily for spot cooling a particular room.



Simple Illustration of a Split System

Setup of Indoor and Outdoor Units

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