Split unit air conditioners, also known as ductless air conditioners, are becoming increasingly popular in homes and businesses. These units are designed to cool individual rooms or areas without the need for ductwork. Split unit air conditioners consist of two main components: an outdoor compressor and an indoor unit. The two units are connected by a conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and condensate drain. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of split unit air conditioners, how they work, installation, maintenance, and cost.
Benefits of Split Unit Air Conditioners
One of the main benefits of split unit air conditioners is their flexibility. They can be installed in almost any room or area, making them ideal for homes and businesses with limited space. Split unit air conditioners are also very energy efficient. Unlike central air conditioning systems that cool the entire house, split unit air conditioners only cool the rooms that need it. This means that you can save money on your energy bills by only cooling the rooms that are being used.
Another benefit of split unit air conditioners is their ease of installation. Unlike central air conditioning systems that require ductwork to be installed, split unit air conditioners only require a small hole to be drilled in the wall for the conduit to pass through. This means that installation is quick and easy, and can usually be completed in a few hours.
Split unit air conditioners are also very quiet. The outdoor compressor is located outside, which means that noise levels inside the room are kept to a minimum. This makes split unit air conditioners ideal for bedrooms, offices, and other areas where noise levels need to be kept low.
Finally, split unit air conditioners are very easy to maintain. The filters can be easily removed and cleaned, and the condensate drain can be easily cleared if it becomes blocked. This means that you can keep your split unit air conditioner running smoothly with minimal effort.
How Split Unit Air Conditioners Work
Split unit air conditioners work by using refrigerant to absorb heat from the air inside the room and transfer it outside. The indoor unit contains an evaporator coil that is filled with refrigerant. When the air inside the room is blown over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and turns into a gas.
The gas is then sent to the outdoor compressor, where it is compressed and turned back into a liquid. As the refrigerant is compressed, it releases the heat that it absorbed from the indoor air. The heat is then released outside, and the liquid refrigerant is sent back to the indoor unit to absorb more heat.
The process of absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside continues until the desired temperature is reached. The temperature can be controlled using a thermostat, which is located on the indoor unit.
Installation
Installing a split unit air conditioner is a relatively simple process. The first step is to choose the location for the indoor unit. This should be a location that is close to an exterior wall and has access to an electrical outlet.
Once the location for the indoor unit has been chosen, a small hole is drilled in the wall to allow the conduit to pass through. The conduit contains the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and condensate drain.
The outdoor compressor is then installed outside, usually on a concrete pad or on brackets attached to the wall. The conduit is then connected to both the indoor unit and the outdoor compressor.
Finally, the system is charged with refrigerant and tested to ensure that it is working properly.
Maintenance and Cost
Maintaining a split unit air conditioner is relatively easy. The filters should be cleaned regularly to ensure that they are free from dust and debris. The condensate drain should also be checked regularly to ensure that it is not blocked.
The cost of a split unit air conditioner can vary depending on the size of the unit and the complexity of the installation. However, in general, split unit air conditioners are less expensive than central air conditioning systems.
In addition to the initial cost of the unit and installation, there are also ongoing costs associated with running a split unit air conditioner. These include the cost of electricity to run the unit and the cost of regular maintenance.
Conclusion
Split unit air conditioners are a great option for homes and businesses that need to cool individual rooms or areas. They are flexible, energy-efficient, easy to install, and easy to maintain. While there are some ongoing costs associated with running a split unit air conditioner, these costs are generally lower than those associated with central air conditioning systems. If you are considering installing a split unit air conditioner in your home or business, be sure to consult with a professional HVAC contractor to ensure that you choose the right unit for your needs and that it is installed properly.
