What is a Mini Split Unit?

Tori Klein • May 19, 2022

When Looking to Replace Your Current HVAC System, it's Important Know What Your Options Are.

Picture of a mini split unit outside a residence.

If you've ever been in the market for a brand-new heating and cooling system, you've probably stumbled upon the term "split unit" or "mini split." There are different sorts of split systems in the cooling and heating industry. Today we're going to describe the basic understanding of what a split device is.


The Fundamental Concept

A split system is usually compared or contrasted with a packaged system. There's an excellent reason for this. A regular packaged unit will contain the ac system as well as its components along with the heater as well as its components all situated in one system outside. So the a/c and the heating system, for example, in addition to its components, would all remain in one available unit outside. If you have actually ever before observed a huge rectangle-shaped system on the roof of commercial buildings or outside a residential home, then you've probably seen this type of a packaged system. These bigger units are a lot larger than what you commonly find because of what's located within that one unit.


A typical split device, on the other hand, will certainly have the ac system's compressor and condenser coil, both put together as the condenser system, located outside. The evaporator coil and air trainer or heater lie inside the residence or company. Clearly, the part of the device that is seen outdoors is going to show up much smaller than that of a packaged device.



Different Kinds of Split Units

When it comes to mini splits, there are various types available. There is a split unit air conditioning device, a split system heat pump, a split unit air conditioner unit with a heater, and more. There are likewise ductless mini-split systems too, yet we aren't covering those in this post.


A split system AC unit is rather straightforward. It will certainly consist of the compressor and also condenser coil located outside and the rest of the elements, such as the evaporator coil, located within. If there is not a heating system included within, then an air handler will likely also need to coexist. There are methods to supply a heat source with an AC unit alone, yet it's not advised for climates that often get below freezing.


Last but not least, a mini split heat pump system would certainly be very similar to the split AC unit system. The compressor and condenser coil would certainly lie outside with the rest of the components located within. An air trainer will commonly be needed inside along with a heat pump. The heat pump will give a more efficient source of heat in contrast to the split AC device setup without a furnace.



Advantages of a Split Device

  • A split unit is normally extra efficient than a packaged system. While packaged systems can get near an 18 SEER efficiency score, divided systems can attain and also surpass a 22 SEER performance rating.
  • Much of the system's components are located inside the home so a lot of the straightforward upkeep can be carried out inside the convenience of your house or business.
  • Split devices offer more flexibility in changing or updating your heating or cooling system. For instance, if you've currently obtained a furnace, including a basic split AC system is the most cost-effective choice.


We know this can be confusing and is a lot of information to process. If you have any questions or are wondering what the best choice is for your home, just give us a call today.

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