Ductless mini split air conditioner heating units

FAQ'S About Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
What is a ductless, mini-split AC system?
What are the benefits of a ductless, mini-split AC system?
What are the main components of a ductless air conditioning system?
How Many Rooms Can a Ductless Split System Service?
How to Choosing a Mini Split System?
What size room ductless split system is right for me?
Ductless Split Maintenance tips
What Is a HEPA Filter?
Will a Ductless Split or Mini–Split Air Conditioning System Work For Me?
How long duct replacement doesn’t last for?
What is the cost of ductless system instalation?
Ductless Split System Control
Is one ductless air conditioner able to cool the whole home?
How long will my new air conditioning system last?
Why is annual air conditioning maintenance important?
Electric Control Failure
How to troubleshoot sensor problems?
What is an air exchanger?
Ductless ac is blowing air but not cooling?
What if my remote control is not working?
How to check leaking water?
If the air conditioner does not heat
What is a ductless, mini-split AC system?
Like conventional HVAC systems, ductless, mini-split AC systems locate the noisy compressor and condenser outside the house. It eliminates the need for a basement- or attic-located evaporator unit and bulky ductwork by using thin copper tubing that pumps refrigerant directly to discreet wall mounted blowers inside. Even more remarkable, this system works in reverse in winter, absorbing heat from the outside air and moving it indoors to heat your home. The result? Efficient cooling and heating for year-round, whole-house comfort. Systems are available in numerous mix-and-match capacities and configurations, for even the most difficult to heat and cool areas. Top ?
What are the benefits of a ductless, mini-split AC system?
- Easy Installation - Copper tubing running through a small 3 to 4-inch opening in the wall or ceiling easily connects the indoor and outdoor units. Refrigerant is cycled through the lines from the outdoor condensing unit to the indoor unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.
- Aesthetically Pleasing - Conventional air duct systems tend to be bulky and can require special structural attention while ductless, mini-split system piping can often be routed through walls and joists to maintain aesthetics.
- Flexible, Remote Control Cooling - Because each room has its own handler, you can create up to four zones with a timer and optional wired remote that puts you in temperature control and allows you to meet the varying comfort needs of different spaces.
- Quiet Operation - Ductless air conditioners are comprised of an indoor and outdoor unit, which allows for a peaceful inside environment by enabling the contractor to install louder components like compressors and motors outdoors.
- Energy Efficiency - Because there are no ducts, systems lose less than 5% cooling vs. up to 40% for traditional forced-air systems. Increased efficiencies up to 27.2-SEER mean lower utility bills. Several models are even EnergyStar® Qualified, meaning they save you on your utility bill.
- Individual Zoning - Why pay to heat or cool areas that no-one is occupying? Individual zoning allows you to heat or cool the areas you want, and not the areas that are unoccupied.
- Environmentally Friendly - Most systems use R410A refrigerant designed to prevent the depletion of the ozone layer.
- Safe and Secure - Using window AC units make it very easy for intruders to enter your home. Ductless, mini-split units mount high on a wall, away from the window, providing you with improved security and a pleasant view.
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What are the main components of a ductless air conditioning system?
A ductless air conditioning system is quite simple and includes an outdoor unit, indoor unit(s), refrigerant line-sets, power and controls wires connecting them. The outdoor unit includes the condensing coil, the compressor, the expansion valve and a fan to get airflow through the condenser coil. The indoor unit includes the evaporator coil and a fan for airflow. The line-sets connecting the indoor and outdoor units are made up of heat insulated copper tubing for transferring the refrigerant. Top ?
How Many Rooms Can a Ductless Split System Service?
There are quite a few different sizes and types of ductless split heating and cooling systems. Depending on your needs, you can select a system that’s appropriate for one room or zone in your house, or you can opt for a larger system that will heat and cool as many as 8 rooms.

The flexibility of ductless split systems makes it easy to find exactly the right model for your particular needs. You don’t need to worry about spending too much or too little or about your system not being powerful enough to keep your home comfortable. Depending on the size, one outdoor unit can supply any number of indoor units, which means that you’ll essentially have the convenience of central heating and air without the hassle and expense. Top ?
How to Choosing a Mini Split System?
Ductless mini split systems are popular for a number of reasons, but energy efficiency is one of their primary selling points. These systems can save you hundreds of dollars every year if installed and used properly. However, the actual benefits will depend on which system you buy based on your unique needs, how it is installed and your current energy costs.

When looking for a system, check air conditioners for a SEER rating, the number used to rate their efficiency. If you are buying one that offers heating as well, look for HPSF ratings – a number that designates heat pump efficiency. Top ?
What size room ductless split system is right for me?
A major problem seen in homes with existing ductless systems in place is improper sizing. This happens frequently when insulation is not properly measured. For this reason, make sure you hire someone with a lot of experience sizing ductless mini split systems. These systems require a different approach than traditional forced air systems. Top ?
Ductless Split Maintenance tips
While you won’t have any ductwork to worry about, you will still have an outdoor condenser that needs to be maintained to keep your heating and cooling system operational. To avoid any problems make sure no debris builds up around the system.

Grass, leaves, debris or shrubs can all block the system, reducing efficiency or causing other problems. There are also screens and filters on your system that need to be properly maintained – cleaned of excess debris and washed on a schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Top ?
What Is a HEPA Filter?
A high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filter is a device designed to remove airborne particles from any air that passes through them. They’re the most common type of indoor air filters on the market today, thanks in large part to the fact that they can be up to 99.97% effective at removing particles that measure 0.3 microns or larger.

HEPA filters are usually made of fiberglass fibers that trap airborne particles through interception, impaction or diffusion. This combination of particle trapping techniques is what makes HEPA filters so effective at removing all manner of airborne contaminants. Top ?
Will a Ductless Split or Mini–Split Air Conditioning System Work For Me?
Ductless split and mini–split air conditioning systems have many qualities that make them attractive to all types of consumers. Particularly if you don’t already have ductwork in place, these are the cheapest and easiest systems to install.

The indoor components of ductless splits can also be installed in multiple locations throughout your home so that you can control the temperatures in those areas individually. Split AC units are a good option for many people in many different types of houses, but you will benefit particularly from this type of installation if you have a smaller home or one that does not lend itself easily to the installation of ducts.

To determine if a ductless split system is the right choice for you, it’s best to discuss your needs and concerns with an expert. They can walk you through the selection process and explain to you exactly what the benefits would be of splits or mini–splits relative to other types of systems in terms of your specific situation.
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How long duct replacement doesn’t last for?
Ductwork is sturdy but it doesn’t last forever. Eventually, you may notice a drop off in the efficiency of your home heating and cooling systems. The upstairs temperature may not match the downstairs temperature or your energy bills may rise sharply month after month. These are all signs that a problem is brewing in your ductwork.

Most of the time, problems like these can be fixed with careful cleaning or sealing, but sometimes your ducts are so old or so worn down that they need to be replaced. You can only be sure after careful diagnostics are performed by a professional to check for holes, worn patches and gaps. Top ?
What is the cost of ductless system instalation?
Since ductless splits and mini–splits are so much easier to install, they’re also much cheaper to have installed than a more conventional system. This means that although their initial price is a bit higher than some other types of home heating and cooling systems, they wind up saving you money in the long run because of their lower installation costs.

Ductless systems also provide you with a superior level of localized temperature control. Because the air handlers and blowers are located right in the room with you, you don’t have to worry about losing heat as the air is traveling through the ductwork of your home. And this pinpoint temperature control means less wasted energy and lower energy bills for you overall. Top ?
Ductless Split System Control
The indoor components of ductless units can be installed in one or more rooms throughout your home. Each of these units has its own individual controls as well, so you can actually set different temperatures for different parts of your home. And really, that only makes sense.

After all, why would you want to expend energy to control the temperature in parts of your home that you’re not even using? Also, this type of control can make it easier for everyone in the house to make their own area comfortable. It’s pretty common for people in the same household not to agree on what a comfortable temperature is, but with ductless mini–splits, you don’t have to. Top ?
Is one ductless air conditioner able to cool the whole home?
Yes, if the indoor unit is properly placed such as at the top of the stair landing on the second floor, then the airflow can be adjusted to completely cool the 2nd floor and the remaining cool air travels down the stairs to the 1st floor. Through natural convection, the whole home can be cooled quickly. Hundreds of homes without ducts in Toronto have been cooled with only one unit! Usually only one 12,000 or 15,000 Btu/h unit is necessary. Top ?
How long will my new air conditioning system last?
In general, you can expect your new air conditioning system to last between 10 and 15 years. With proper maintenance, they can sometimes last even longer. Top ?
Why is annual air conditioning maintenance important?
Having annual air conditioning maintenance performed on your system is extremely important for a number of reasons. First of all, it can help to ensure that your air conditioning system doesn’t lose efficiency as time goes by. A system that isn’t properly maintained can lose as much as 5% of its efficiency annually. But with a proper tune up, your air conditioning system may not even lose that much over the course of 10 years, saving you a good chunk of money along the way. Top ?
Electric Control Failure
The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call. Top ?
How to troubleshoot sensor problems?
Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place. Top ?
What is an air exchanger?
An air exchanger reduces excess humidity during winter. It cannot produce humidity, so you may need a humidifier if this is a problem. Top ?
Ductless ac is blowing air but not cooling?
Continue your ductless ac troubleshooting by checking the air filter. It should be washed at least every month. Also check to see if there is any ice buildup on the coil. If there is ice buildup, check to make sure the fan is working. Make sure the blower wheel is free to move. If it is free and the fan is not working then the problem is probably the motor or the control board. If the fan is working, allow the ice to melt and check the refrigerant level in the unit. Top ?
What if my remote control is not working?
If the remote does not work, you can replace the batteries. If it still does not work or you can't find it, most units have an emergency button on the fan coil unit that you can push to make it run. It will then operate as necessary to maintain a default temperature. Top ?
How to check leaking water?
If your unit is dripping water, you should begin your ductless ac troubleshooting by checking the drain hose to see if it is clogged. The easiest way to do this is with a bottle of water. Outside, stick the end of the hose in a bottle of water. Seal around the bottle opening with your hand. Then squeeze the water bottle and then pull the hose out. The water should drain but this may need to be done a few times to make sure the line is clean.

If the hose was not clogged, check to make sure the fan coil unit is sloped properly. The unit should be slightly out of level with the end attached to the drain hose slightly lower than the other end. Top ?
If the air conditioner does not heat
- Make sure to clean the air filters a couple of times every year
- Make sure the remote control is on heat mode — not on automatic mode
- Make sure the batteries in the remote control are working
- Make sure the interior unit fan works
- Make sure that the flaps are not closed up
- Check the outdoor unit and see if it works. Check both fan and compressor
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