Small Wonders
Article published in Northampton Living
(July 2023)
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
KRISTINA SMITH
Berkshire Heating and Air Conditioning LLC
413 200 9116
berkshireheatingandairconditioning.com
Mini-split HVAC systems, also known as ductless HVAC systems, have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency, flexibility, and ease of installation - and at Berkshire Heating and Air Conditioning, we have everything you need to install (or repair) this relatively new product in your home.
Mini-split HVAC systems consist of two main parts: an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units. Mini-split HVAC systems are effective, and might be the solution you are looking for in your home.
The outdoor unit of a mini-split system contains a compressor, condenser, and expansion valve. It exhausts heat from the inside air during the cooling mode or absorbs heat from the outside air during the heating mode. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, raising its temperature and pressure. The hot refrigerant then flows to the condenser, where it releases heat to the outside environment. The expansion valve controls the flow of refrigerant and reduces its pressure, allowing it to evaporate and absorb heat from the indoor space.
The indoor unit of a mini-split system has a low-profile, and is mounted on a wall or ceiling and consists of an evaporator coil and a fan. When the system is set to cooling mode, the indoor unit blows air over the evaporator coil, which contains cold refrigerant. As the warm indoor air passes over the cold coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down. The cooled air is then distributed back into the room by the fan.
During the heating mode, the process is reversed.
Our customers love the mini-split HVAC systems because of the flexibility of the units. Because they do not require ductwork, they can be installed in a variety of spaces, including older homes or buildings without existing ducts. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing for zoned heating and cooling. This means that different areas or rooms can be maintained at different temperatures, providing personalized comfort and energy savings.
Mini-split systems also offer high energy efficiency, while traditional HVAC systems with ducts can experience significant energy losses due to leaks and poor insulation. In contrast, mini-split systems eliminate these losses since the conditioned air is delivered directly to the room. Additionally, the ability to control individual indoor units allows for targeted heating or cooling, reducing energy waste.
In conclusion, mini-split HVAC systems are easy to install, and a highly efficient and flexible solution for heating and cooling spaces. By eliminating the need for ductwork, providing zoned temperature control, and reducing energy losses, these systems offer significant advantages over traditional HVAC systems. Give Berkshire Heating and Air Conditioning a call so that we can teach you more, and see if your home is a candidate for a mini-split.
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