How Does a Mini Split Work?
Mini splits, also known as ductless mini split systems, are a popular choice for heating and cooling homes and businesses. They offer a flexible, energy-efficient solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. But how do they work? Let’s explore the technology behind these systems and why they’ve become a go-to option for many property owners.
Components of a Mini Split System
A mini split system consists of two main components:
- Indoor Unit: Contains a heat exchanger responsible for delivering conditioned air into the room. It’s typically mounted on a wall, ceiling, or floor.
- Outdoor Unit: Contains a heat exchanger, compressor, sensors, boards and other components necessary to operate efficiently.
The indoor and outdoor units are connected by refrigerant lines, power/communication cables, and a drain line for condensation. These components work together seamlessly to heat or cool a space without the need for ductwork.
How Mini Splits Operate
Mini splits are heat pumps that use a refrigeration cycle like traditional heat pump system.
Here’s an overview of the process:
- Cooling Mode:
- Compressed liquid refrigerant leaves the outdoor heat exchanger, passes through an Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) which drops the refrigerant pressure and turns it into a mixed gas/vapor cold state then enters the indoor heat exchanger through the small refrigerant line commonly known as the “Liquid Line”.
- The indoor unit draws warm air from the space and passes it over the cold refrigerant traveling through the indoor heat exchanger.
- This turns the refrigerant into a gaseous state while removing the heat from the space dropping the indoor space temperature.
- The gaseous refrigerant travels from the indoor unit heat exchanger to the outdoor unit through the larger refrigerant line known commonly as the “Suction Line”.
- The refrigerant enters the outdoor unit, gets compressed, releases the absorbed heat, and condenses back into a liquid and the cycle repeats, continuously removing heat from the indoor space and delivering cool air.
- Heating Mode:
- In heating mode, the process is reversed. The outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside air, as well as heat of compression.
- The heated refrigerant moves to the indoor unit.
- The indoor unit releases the heat into the room, warming the space efficiently.
Mini Splits use Inverter Technology which allows the system to modulate according to the space needs. If more heating/cooling is needed, the system will speed up and provide up to 100% capacity. If less heating/cooling is needed, it will slow down to a fraction of capacity while meeting the space temp. This ability to modulate makes mini splits an excellent option for year-round climate control.
Benefits of Mini Split Systems
- Energy Efficiency: Mini splits are highly energy-efficient due to the inverter technology. They are available in both ducted and ductless indoor units with up to five different zones. Mini Splits with multiple zones are called “Multi-Split” systems.
- Zoning Capabilities: Multi-Split systems have heating/cooling spaces known as “Zones” that can be controlled independently, allowing you to customize the temperature in different spaces. This is ideal for those who are more temperature sensitive and require a different level of comfort than the bulk of the space.
- Flexible Installation: Mini splits are often easier to install than traditional systems since they require little or no ductwork. The refrigerant lines can also be routed through small openings in walls, making them suitable for retrofit projects.
- Improved Comfort: Inverter modulation combined with humidity control, allows for a more comfortable space.
Inaba Denko Solutions for Ductless Systems
Inaba Denko offers HVAC solutions designed for ductless systems, although many of them can also be used with traditional systems as well.
Slimduct SD lineset covers aid in the energy efficiency of a mini split system by protecting the lineset insulation from degrading causing efficiency loss due to exposed copper lines. They also protect the lineset from outside elements such as pests, weather and other environmental factors. Lineset covers also make the installation look its very best while following the International Mechanical Code requirements by protecting refrigeration lines. This protection will ensure that the system will last a long time and require less maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how mini splits work reveals why they are such a versatile and efficient option for modern heating and cooling needs. Whether you’re looking to enhance comfort in a single room or implement a solution for the whole home, a mini split system could be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
