Mini Split AC Unit Discounted Factory Direct Systems

FAQ'S About Mini Split AC Unit
What is the history of split-ductless?
What is a ductless mini-split system?
What are Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Systems?
How Does Ductless AC Work?
What Types of Ductless Systems Are Available?
How do I know what sized system my house needs?
How much will a new system cost?
How can I prolong my system’s lifespan?
Can anyone install a ductless mini-split system and how long does it take?
Can I paint my ductless mini-split unit?
What is an air exchanger?
What is a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)?
How long will a ductless system last?
What kind of maintenance does a ductless system require?
How do I check for a dirty evaporator coil?
My air-conditioning stopped cooling, what can I do?
When is the best time to buy an air conditioner?
If I buy a new system, what is the best kind of control unit?
How can I get a high efficiency system that will have minimum operational costs?
When do I know it's time to replace my system?
What are Inverter Technology mini split air conditioners?
Should I be concerned about a mini split's indoor air quality?
What is HSPF?
Can the indoor unit be installed upside down ?
What is the issue in installing Indoor Unit it upside down ?
What is a BTU and how many do I need?
What is SEER?
What is the history of split-ductless?
At the end of World War II, modern residential air conditioning was widely introduced abroad by the United States. But typical central systems with bulky sheet metal ductwork, as well as window-type units, were not practical in many other countries, particularly in Japan, where building methods and lack of space made them unworkable. These practical concerns plus the high postwar energy costs in that country created the demand for a ductless design (also called "mini-splits" ): a cooling system that was quiet, energy efficient and easy to build into existing houses. Top ?
What is a ductless mini-split system?
Ductless mini splits provide a flexible solution for indoor temperature management and are a good alternative to central, forced air systems when installing ductwork is neither feasible nor cost-effective. They provide an excellent option for remodels, room additions and as a supplement to existing HVAC systems. Top ?
What are Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Systems?
- Unlike bulky window air conditioners which block outside views, the indoor units of ductless mini splits are compact and stylish and can be mounted high on the wall, out of the way.
- Since each indoor unit is only responsible for the comfort of one room, it is typically equipped with convenient features like sleep modes and other customizable options to suit individual preferences.
- Three- to four-inch conduit is much easier and faster to install than ductwork, reducing overall project costs and allowing more flexibility. A professional HVAC installer can set up a ductless mini split system in a few hours.
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How Does Ductless AC Work?
Ductless AC is an HVAC technology that's innovatively designed to bring greater versatility, increased convenience and improved energy efficiency to the modern home. A ductless system works by connecting an outdoor compressor to one or more compact indoor evaporator units via a narrow conduit that contains a refrigerant line, an electrical power cord, suction tubing and a condensate drain pipe. The outdoor unit delivers cooling — or in some cases heating and cooling — to the home through the indoor air handling units, which can be mounted on the wall or ceiling and each of which contains an evaporator coil to process the air and a fan for distributing the treated air throughout the room or zone in which it is located. Ductless systems make it easy to install an HVAC or AC system in homes that are not designed to accommodate conventional HVAC equipment. Top ?
What Types of Ductless Systems Are Available?
Ductless systems come in split system, mini-split system and multi-split system models. Because all ductless heating and cooling systems consist of an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit, all are considered split systems.

Split Systems Ductless split system air conditioners, heat pumps and complete HVAC systems are powerful enough to heat and cool a significantly large area. In many milder climates, these systems are sufficient to provide dependable indoor comfort without the need for supplemental heating or cooling. Like all split AC systems, ductless splits consist of an outdoor compressor-condenser unit that powers an indoor evaporator-air handler.

Ductless split systems are available as air conditioners for cooling-only applications or as heat pumps for all-around heating and cooling functions in less-extreme climates. In colder locations, a ductless heat pump can be combined with a ducted furnace to provide "hybrid heat." This dual heat system can help ensure that even on the coldest nights, you receive sufficient heat and yet still enjoy the energy efficiency of your heat pump as a method for heating your home on milder winter days.

Mini-Split Systems Mini-split systems, also known as mini splits, are similar to standard split systems, except that they are smaller in size and are designed to target a specific area of the home. This area could be a single room, a workshop, a foyer or another part of the home that is fairly limited in size. These AC systems work well for providing supplemental cooling to those parts of the home that may not be sufficiently cooled by a central air conditioner.

Mini-split ductless heat pumps can also be effective for summer cooling. However, in winter they work just as well for supplementing the heat provided by radiant floor panels, wood stoves, propane or electric space heaters, and other portable heater types, including hydronic heaters, which may prove insufficient for maintaining consistent indoor comfort on very cold days and may not adequately warm outlying rooms or other difficult-to-heat areas without extra help.

Multi-Split Systems Multi-split systems provide whole-house cooling or whole-house heating and cooling. These systems are designed for connecting several indoor units to a single, more powerful outdoor unit. This space-saving option eliminates the need for more than one outdoor unit, as would be required when installing multiple split or mini-split systems.

Depending on where you live and how you use your system, a multi-split AC or heat pump system can also save you money by potentially allowing you to invest in a smaller-capacity outdoor unit. For example, your usage patterns may not require an outdoor unit that can handle all indoor units simultaneously. If you use only the indoor units in the main living areas of your home during the day and only the units in the bedrooms at night, your cooling and/or heating load requirements won't be as high. Since ductless systems are fully customizable, your HVAC professional should be able to help you determine the best combination of ductless system components for your needs.

Multi-split ductless systems also provide the option to mix and match the styles of the air handlers you place in each room. For example, if you would prefer a recessed ceiling-mounted unit in your dining room and standard wall-mounted units elsewhere in your home, the system you select should offer that option. Many systems also offer ceiling-suspended and floor-level-installed air handlers, giving you a wide variety of decorative and practical choices for your ductless system. Top ?
How do I know what sized system my house needs?
Ductless systems are sized to meet the heating and cooling needs of a home’s individual zones. There is a great deal of flexibility when it comes to system sizing as one indoor unit can provide between ¾ and 2 ½ tons of heating/cooling depending on its BTU capacity rating. Some common capacities for indoor units are 9k, 12k, 18k, 24k, and 30k BTU. Outdoor units are sized to meet the combined load of all heating/cooling zones. More than one outdoor unit may be necessary for multi-zone systems. Top ?
How much will a new system cost?
How much you actually spend on a new system depends on the size of your home, the type and condition of your existing ducts and whether or not you need additional equipment, like thermostats or air cleaners. Top ?
How can I prolong my system’s lifespan?
Regular preventative maintenance and cleaning is the best way to keep your heating or cooling system functioning optimally.
- Heat pumps and oil-base furnaces and boilers should be inspected annually.
- Gas furnaces should be serviced every other year.
- Blowers need to be lubricated, cleaned and adjusted regularly.
- Faulty electronic thermostats should be replaced.
- Humidifiers should be cleaned regularly and unplugged when not in use.
- 1” filters should be replaced monthly, and 4” to 6” changed twice a year.
- Ducts should be cleaned to reduce pollutants and allergens.
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Can anyone install a ductless mini-split system and how long does it take?
Only certified HVAC contractors, like dealer, are authorized to install ductless mini-split systems. This can take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day to do and will depend on the size of the system. Contact your dealer for a better estimate.
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Can I paint my ductless mini-split unit?
No. Painting the unit will nullify your warranty should any problems occur. 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 ?
What is a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a measure of the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system is at converting electricity into cooling power.
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How long will a ductless system last?
With proper maintenance and care a ductless systems should perform for over 20 years. Many of the systems installed during the 1980’s are still functioning well today. Top ?
What kind of maintenance does a ductless system require?
Ductless systems require basic maintenance to ensure optimum performance. In most cases maintenance is limited to keeping filters and coils clean. These tasks can easily be performed by the home owner. Top ?
How do I check for a dirty evaporator coil?
Probably the easiest way is to measure the temperature of the air entering the system at the filter then measuring the temperature at the closest register. A good system will show a 20-25 F degree difference in temperature. A restricted airflow will have a higher differential. This is a subjective decision. If the house does not cool properly after a technician adds Freon to the system, and the house has balanced airflow to the rooms, then I would clean the evaporator coil. Many things cause a system to stop cooling properly, but dirt is the most common problem. Many technicians will attempt to add Freon when the coils are dirty. This is because they do not want to clean the coils. Top ?
My air-conditioning stopped cooling, what can I do?
A lot of problems with air conditioning are caused by dirt. Dirty outside coil can cause the head pressure to go high. On a hot day the Freon can burst a hole in the system, cause a compressor to fail, cause an electrical breaker to trip then fail. Keep the outside coils as clean as possible. Keep plants from growing against the finned area, keep the exhaust pathway free of obstructions. The inside coil is another story. A dirty inside coil can cause the coil to Ice over and the flow of air is reduced. When this happens the ice gets thicker and the air eventually stops completely. The major cause of dirty inside coils is not changing the filter often enough. To clean an inside coil is a dirty time consuming job. I have heard of cleaning jobs that cost more than the labor for new installation of equipment. Even for the most diligent customer, the coils will need cleaning occasionally. Top ?
When is the best time to buy an air conditioner?
Like most items, in the off season. That's when contractors have more time to spend with you determining exactly the best options you would want to consider for your individual needs. Top ?
If I buy a new system, what is the best kind of control unit?
If you want flexibility to program your temperature changes, a computerized thermostat will probably be best. Manually operated control systems allow you to select a temperature setting which your unit will maintain. Top ?
How can I get a high efficiency system that will have minimum operational costs?
Manufacturers publish equipment efficiency ratings which are available to your contractor. ARI also publishes directories indicating various energy efficiency ratings of specific equipment. It is important that a contractor install a unit that has just the right capacity to cool your home. Units with excess capacity will cycle on and off and work less efficiently, thus increasing your operating costs. Top ?
When do I know it's time to replace my system?
When the system starts giving you more problems than seem cost effective to fix, particularly when major components such as the compressor start making unusual noises or otherwise indicating need for a service call. When faced with major repairs, consult several contractors for their recommendations. Replacing a compressor is somewhat less expensive than replacing the entire unit, but new units may give you greater efficiency and lower operating costs in the long run. Top ?
What are Inverter Technology mini split air conditioners?
Inverter Technology mini-splits eliminate the on/off cycle most air conditioners typically implement drastically reducing electrical consumption by up to 40%. They operate at adaptable speeds instead of constant ones. Through this operative manner, those who are at work or home can enjoy a comfortable rate of temperature all year long. Inverter air conditioners tend have longer life spans in general due to their speed control capabilities. Top ?
Should I be concerned about a mini split's indoor air quality?
As long as you choose a split air conditioner brand like Senville that carries advanced filtration technology and dehumidification feature, you can rest assured that you are maintaining high indoor air quality. Top ?
What is HSPF?
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a unit of measurement used to determine the energy rating of a heat pump. HSPF is a ratio of BTU heat output over the heating season to watt-hours of electricity used. The higher the HSPF of a heat pump the more efficient it tends to be. In 2013, a mini split ductless heat pump with an HSPF of 8 or higher can be considered high efficiency and worthy of a US Energy Tax Credit. Top ?
Can the indoor unit be installed upside down ?
NO Top ?
What is the issue in installing Indoor Unit it upside down ?
Unit would not drain properly and water would flow into the unit shorting out controls. Top ?
What is a BTU and how many do I need?
British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a unit of measurement that determines how much cold/hot air comes out of each unit. The more air comes out, the more space it needs for the air to circulate. The number of BTU's needed is usually calculated by square footage and may vary depending on the year/model of the mini split air conditioner. For more information you can refer to our Mini Split Buyer's Guide. Top ?
What is SEER?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a unit of measurement used to determine cooling and heating output. When it comes to the energy efficiency of a split air conditioner or other type, consumers should refer to the SEER ratings. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system is at converting electricity into cooling or heating power. In 2013, mini split air conditioners that carry a SEER rating higher than 18 are considered to be energy efficient. Top ?