Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Overview of the Ductless Mini-split system
A ductless mini-split system could be your perfect heating and cooling solution. Ductless mini-splits are easy to set up and can keep your home's temperature comfortable while doing this efficiently.
This guide will look at the types of ductless mini-splits available, the installation process, and the costs expected to invest in this type of HVAC system. So read on to find out how you can take control of your home's comfort with a ductless mini-split system.
Introduction to Ductless Mini-Split Heating & Cooling Systems
Ductless mini-splits are heating and cooling systems that do not require ducting to supply air to each individual room; instead, each room has its own dedicated air handler. This makes them ideal for homes that don’t have existing ductwork or where adding ductwork would be too expensive.
The main components of a ductless mini-split system are an outdoor condenser unit and one or more indoor air handlers. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor units via refrigerant lines, which carry the cooled or heated air from the condenser to the air handlers.
The air handlers are mounted on walls in each room and can be controlled independently, allowing you to customize the temperature in each room.
Types of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Single-zone systems 
consist of one outdoor condenser unit and one indoor air handler, making them ideal for smaller homes or apartments.
Multi-zone systems consist of one outdoor condenser unit and multiple indoor air handlers, allowing you to control the temperature in multiple rooms at once.
Installation Process for Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Installing a ductless mini-split system is relatively straightforward but should always be done with the assistance of a qualified HVAC technician.
The installation process typically involves:
- Installing the outdoor condenser unit on a concrete pad or other level surfaces near an exterior wall
- Running refrigerant lines from the condenser to each indoor air handler
- Mounting each indoor air handler on an interior wall
- Connecting electrical wiring between all components
- Testing all components for proper operation
- Adding insulation around any exposed refrigerant lines (if necessary)
Steps for Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System
Installing a ductless mini-split system is a relatively simple process.
The first step is to choose the type of system you want and purchase the equipment. Once you have the equipment, you can begin the installation process.
The next step is to install the outdoor unit. This involves mounting the unit on a wall or a slab and connecting it to the power supply.
The indoor unit must be installed on an exterior wall, and a hole will need to be cut into the wall to allow the pipes to pass through the wall and to the outdoor side of the wall, where they will then be routed to the outdoor heat pump. This involves mounting the unit on a wall or ceiling and connecting it to the conduit.
Once the indoor and outdoor units are installed, the next step is to connect the two units with the set of wires and the two copper pipes. These copper pipes should be installed without any kinks or damage.
The final connections are better made by a professional HVAC contractor because of the importance of these connections to how long this system will hold a refrigeration charge and the overall longevity of this equipment in general.
The next step is to connect the system to the power supply. This involves running a power cable from the outdoor unit to the power supply and connecting it to the appropriate circuit.
Finally, the system must be tested and commissioned. This involves performing tests on each vital data point to ensure that the system is operating correctly and providing the desired heating and cooling level.
Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Heating & Cooling Systems
The primary benefit of a ductless mini-split system is that it's easy to install. It requires minimal construction and installation time to get your home's heating and cooling up and running quickly. Ductless mini-splits are energy efficient and can be zoned to provide heating and cooling in specific areas of your home.
Additionally, ductless mini-splits are quieter than many other heating and cooling systems. They don't require much maintenance. Since a conduit connects the outdoor and indoor units, there's no need to worry about ductwork or air leaks. Finally, ductless mini-splits are often more affordable than other heating and cooling systems.
Because you don't have to install ductwork for these systems, they are great for homes that don't have ductwork or a place where it could be installed. It's also ideal for those who are remodeling and want to avoid installing ductwork.
Another perfect solution for ductless systems is used within the trending and recently very popular builds we've all been seeing popping up and being added to our neighbor's properties, called ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units).
These are popping up in the backyards or open areas of a property that families have been adding so their parents can be close to them during their retirement, avoiding the inevitable and sad future of being sent to and living within a caregiving/retirement facility; which is often a place where our loved ones are neglected and living without their families close by and adequately taking care of them as they get older and older, becoming unable to help themselves.
Mini-splits have an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a set of copper pipes, and four 14-gauge wires that connect the two. The outdoor unit has a compressor and a condenser, and the indoor unit has an evaporator coil and a fan. A set of copper refrigerant pipes and 14-gauge communication cables will connect the indoor to the outdoor equipment, along with a drainage pipe that will remove the moisture from the air and drain this condensation to the outdoors.
The outdoor unit is usually installed on the side of the house, and the indoor unit is usually installed on the wall or ceiling. The connecting set of pipes and wires runs between the indoor and outdoor equipment and will sync up and communicate between the indoor and outdoor sections of equipment to work as a complete system. The operation between these units allows them to communicate and function together, which in turn allows the system to work efficiently and in harmony with one another.
Different Types of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
There are several types of ductless mini-split systems available. The type you choose will depend on your needs and the size of your home.
The most popular type of indoor unit among ductless mini-split choices is a high-wall unit. These self-contained units are installed on the wall and provide heating and cooling. Low-wall units are similar to high-wall units but are installed lower on the wall. Cassette units are installed in the ceiling and provide both heating and cooling.
For larger homes, concealed ducted units are a great option. These systems are installed in the ceiling and connect multiple indoor units with ductwork.
For larger homes with multiple zones, ducted-ductless systems are a great option. These systems use ductwork to connect the outdoor unit to multiple indoor units.
Variable-refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-stage ductless systems are great for larger homes or commercial buildings. Multiple zones can be heated or cooled with these systems because they have more than one compressor and evaporator.
Preferred™ Cassette Indoor Unit
Model: 40MBCQ
VERSATILE COMFORT YOU CAN LOOK UP TO
- SEER EFFICIENCY:
- Dependent upon outdoor unit pairing
- HSPF EFFICIENCY:
- Dependent upon outdoor unit pairing
FEATURES
- Sizes: 09 / 12 / 18 / 24 / 36 / 48
- Available in 208/230V
- Modes: Cool, Heat, Dry, Fan, Auto
- Auto-restart function
- Louver control (fixed or swing)
- Three fan speeds
- Follow Me (senses temperature at handheld remote)
- Heating Setback (46° F Heating Mode)
- Quiet indoor operation, as low as 34 decibels
- Built-in condensate lift pump
- Grille/Ceiling panel 2' x 2' sizes 9 to 18 / 3' x 3' sizes 24 to 48
- Anti-corrosive fin coating
- 10-year parts limited and 10-year compressor limited warranties to the original purchasing owner upon timely registration
- NOTE: Grille is required; sold separately
SPECIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE
- Quiet indoor operation, as low as 34 decibels
CAPACITIES
- 0.75 - 4.0 Ton
REQUIREMENTS
- 208/230V
AESTHETICS
- Unit cabinet is constructed of galvanized steel. The cabinet is fully insulated for improved thermal and acoustic performance.
Design Considerations for Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System
When installing a ductless mini-split system, there are a few design considerations you should keep in mind.
The size of your home and the number of zones you want to heat and cool will determine the system you need. The weather in your area and the type of insulation in your home will also affect how well the system works. The placement of the indoor and outdoor units is also important. The outdoor unit should be protected from the weather so that wind and other weather conditions don't affect it.
The indoor units should be placed in areas where they can provide the most efficient heating and cooling. The pipe that connects the two units should be run in a way that doesn't compromise the aesthetics of your home.
How to Zone Your Home with Ductless Mini-Splits
If you have a large home, consider installing a zoned ductless system. With a zoned system, you can control the heating and cooling in different areas of your home independently, allowing you to have different temperatures in different areas and helping you save money on your energy bills.
To zone your home, you'll need to install multiple indoor units, each of which will be connected to a single outdoor unit. The outdoor unit will be connected to the power supply, and the indoor units will be connected to the conduit. You can then control the temperature in each zone independently
Costs Involved with Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System
The cost of installing a ductless mini-split system will vary depending on factors such as size, type, brand, and complexity of installation.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000-$7,000 for a single-zone system and up to $15,000+ for a multi-zone system (including installation).
It’s important to note that these costs do not include any additional insulation that may be required around exposed refrigerant lines. An indoor fan coil connected to a single outdoor unit is called a single-zone ductless mini-split system
Maintenance Tips for Ductless Mini-Splits
It's important to take care of your ductless mini-split system so that it works well and lasts for a long time. The first step is to make sure that the outdoor unit is free from debris and is not blocked from the elements.
You should also have a professional check the system once a year to make sure it is working properly. This will help you find any problems before they get worse and keep your system running smoothly.
Finalize the Installation Process of the Project - Taking Control of Your Home's Comfort with a Ductless Mini-Split System
Installing a ductless mini-split system can be a great way to take control of your home's comfort. It's easy to set up and saves energy, and it can help you keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level.
Our Advice to the DIYers
For you DIYers, make sure you have a pro to finalize your installation to get the job done using the best available tools and equipment along with the skillset required to enjoy an efficient and warranted system that will work for many years to come.
Contact Silicon Valley Comfort and allow them to finalize the installation of your new ductless mini-split system and provide you with a warranty that you can only obtain if it's installed by a licensed contractor.
Silicon Valley Comfort is the premier provider of Bryant ductless mini-split systems in San Jose, CA.
We can offer a wide range of services including installation, maintenance, and repair for all types of heating and cooling systems.
Contact us today to take control of your home's comfort and enjoy a comfortable and efficient climate control solution.
A Ductless Unit Can Be Installed Almost Anywhere And Provides Efficiency And Comfort In Any Room.
With a long list of 100% satisfied customers, you can rest assured that you're investing in the right Contractor.
DIY Homeowners that would like to do the majority of the installation of their new ductless mini-split system, but would like a pro to come to finish the piping & electrical and/or refrigeration side of the project, we can help! We can provide the finishing touches that matter the most for the equipment's longevity, there's nobody more qualified than a licensed & EPA certified technician to complete and start up the final steps
• Finish copper piping connections
• Test for leaks
• Evacuate the lines to 300 microns
• Weigh in refrigerant charge according to manufactures specs
• Perform start-up
Request a service call with no obligation. We'll make sure you have the knowledge to make the right decision for your home's comfort and efficiency.