Ductless AC Systems Installation Guide

Some residential applications just don’t fit the normal central air conditioning system applications or home additions that will not connect well to an existing system. Ductless AC Systems College Station are a great option and here is why:

• Older homes without central air conditioning that have been making do with room window units.
• Room additions or garage remodels that make an existing system undersized.
• Trouble spots at the end of long duct runs that are always uncomfortable.

A mini-split ductless air conditioning system might be a perfect solution for problem spaces.

Compare Central Air to Ductless AC Systems

Central air conditioners are the primary residential air conditioner application across the nation. They consist of:

• An outdoor condenser unit connected to the indoor cabinet by tubes containing refrigerant.
• Ductwork running from the indoor cabinet to each room in the home.
• Return air ducts that bring the warm air back to the central cabinet.

This system removes heat (cooling the indoor space), cleans and moves the air, and removes humidity.

Ductless AC Systems are relatively new to the US housing market. Ductless AC Systems consist of:

• An outdoor condenser unit connected directly to rooms and spaces being cooled by tubes containing refrigerant.
• Small, room-sized air handlers, and no ducts.

This system also removes heat, cleans and moves the air, and removes humidity.

The two major differences are the mini-split system has no central cabinet and no duct system. If central air conditioning was installed in a home from the beginning, replacing the air conditioner and furnace with new versions would make economic sense in most situations.

But if a home started without a central air system, the mini-split ductless system saves the expense of making room for a central cabinet and demolition to install ductwork behind finished walls. A problem hotspot or remodel might be inaccessible to an existing central air system. Mini-split systems might be a good alternative.

Here is what a mini-split installation might look like in your home.

Locating the Condenser Unit for Ductless AC Systems

The outdoor portion of the air conditioner is called a condenser unit. A major function is the cooling of refrigerant after it picks up heat from inside the home, so it needs to have adequate air movement on all sides.

• The condenser may be installed on a concrete pad, elevated to a shelf on the side of the home, or as a rooftop unit. In any of these applications, 2 to 3 feet of space needs to surround the unit.
• The condenser should not be placed in direct sunlight if possible, since this reduces air conditioner efficiency.
• The installation should be central to the area being served, keeping the refrigerant tubes under 150 feet if possible. Beyond this distance, refrigerant efficiency is lost.

Locating the Air Handler Units for Ductless AC Systems

• The air handler must be installed on an exterior wall, as close to the condenser unit as possible. An opening is made in the wall for refrigerant tubes and drain lines (carrying the humidity removed from the air outside).
• The air handler can be placed at any height, from floor to ceiling, but placement at about 5 to 6 feet from the floor is advantageous. The blower can more easily distribute the fresh, cool air throughout the room from this height. The air handler will also need to be accessible for maintenance and air filter replacement.
• Some wall features may hamper adequate performance, such as large windows or heat-producing appliances—hot lights or large television screens. Install the air handler as far away from these features as possible.
• Each air handler will have a separate thermostat, which must be placed out of direct sunlight on an interior wall. This, too, must be placed away from heat-producing appliances.

Mini-split ductless air conditioning systems need the same regular professional maintenance and air filter changes as central air conditioning systems.

Ductless AC Systems College Station – Call RM Mullinix

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our Ductless AC Systems College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our Ductless AC Systems College Station information page.