How Does a Ductless Air Conditioner Work?
Ductless air conditioners or mini split ACs do not require ducts to operate like traditional central air conditioners.
Ductless air conditioners or mini split ACs do not require ducts to operate like traditional central air conditioners. They consist of a wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected via electrical wiring and refrigerant tubing that work to provide targeted cooling to a specific home area. Ductless ACs work efficiently for older homes that do not have ducts, a room addition, sunroom, or room conversions.
Ductless ACs are becoming popular among homeowners looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to cool their homes. Whether a homeowner is installing a new ductless AC or replacing the existing unit, it is essential to understand how these systems work to get the most out of them.
How does a ductless air conditioner work?
The operation of ductless air conditioners is similar to traditional air conditioners, minus the expensive ductwork. The primary difference lies in the way the cooled air is distributed. While the central AC distributes the cooled air throughout the home via air ducts, ductless units directly blow cold air into an area.
Components of ductless ACs
Indoor unit: The evaporator or blower unit is installed indoors and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. A remote controls each indoor unit, which is usually thin. Its function is to pull the warm air from the room, absorb moisture and heat from it, and channel the cold air back into the room while simultaneously sending the accumulated heat and humidity out through a conduit.
Conduit: A conduit in a ductless AC is a thin, long cable comprising a condensate drain, refrigerant tubing, and electrical cable. It connects the indoor evaporator unit to the outdoor unit. The conduit provides power to both units and acts as a passage that transfers moisture and heat from the interior to the condenser to be expelled outside.
Outdoor unit: As the name suggests, the outdoor unit is located outside and contains a compressor, a condensing coil, and a fan or blower. Its purpose is to collect excess heat and moisture from the house and release it into the outside air. The compressor's condensing coil converts gaseous refrigerant to a high-pressure liquid. The fan's task is to draw air from the condensing coil and disperse the excess heat outside.
In short, ductless ACs suck the warm air from a room, remove heat and moisture, and dump them outside. One or more indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor unit, each with a separate remote control to set the desired temperature.
Benefits of ductless air conditioners
Easy installation and less costly maintenance
Highly energy-efficient, as there is no heat loss through ducts
Built-in zoning gives the homeowner complete control over a room's temperature
Eliminates the hassle of installing ductwork
Highly versatile and flexible
Quiet operation
Lower energy bills
Better comfort levels
Choose the most suitable air conditioning unit
Contact a local air conditioning and repair company to learn more about how ductless air conditioners work and if they are the right choice for the home.
CMB Air is a residential heating and cooling installation, service, and repair company with 15+ years of experience serving Tampa and surrounding areas. If you need a new air conditioner, repair, maintenance or some other service, we can help! Call (813) 447-1443 today!
