Central air conditioning systems or heat pumps are the most common types of systems used for cooling most homes. These systems are very similar. They each have an outside compressor unit connected to the indoor cooling coils by refrigerant lines. The indoor coils are located inside of the ductwork and a fan or blower blows air across the cooling coils. The ductwork distributes the cooled air throughout the home. The primary difference between a heat pump and a central air conditioner is that a heat pump can operate in reverse to heat a home in cooler months.
In some homes, a ductless mini-split system may be a better alternative than a traditional central air conditioner or heat pump. A mini-split system is similar to a central air conditioner or heat pump. It has an outdoor compressor unit connected to an indoor cooling coil. However, in a mini-split system the cooling coil is mounted in a small wall mounted unit inside the room. A fan blows cool air across the coils directly into the room. In larger mini-split systems, a separate wall mounted unit is installed in each room of the home.
Since mini-split systems do not rely on a system of ducts to distribute the cool air, they are more efficient than traditional central air conditioning systems or heat pumps. Also, the temperature in each room can be controlled independently. This makes mini-split systems an excellent alternative for homes that may cool unevenly such as two story homes or homes that more direct sunlight in certain rooms.
Mini-split systems can also be an excellent choice for a home that does not have a duct system such as home that use baseboard heating or some other type of radiant heating system. They are also a great alternative for room additions or for finishing unheated and cooled space such as an attic or basement.
