If you're considering a ductless split system installation, you probably have some questions. Using highly advanced technology, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating makes some of the best ductless air conditioning systems on the market. These innovative cooling devices are highly efficient by delivering a consistent, quiet flow of cool air to keep you comfortable and conserve energy. However, split systems must always be properly sized to accommodate the indoor spaces they are designed to cool. The primary advantage of Mitsubishi Electric ductless air conditioning systems is that you don't need the duct work required by a central air conditioner. Another benefit is that, unlike central air conditioning systems, ductless systems are much easier to install. Split systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units (air handlers). The compressor and condenser coil are located in the outdoor unit, while the evaporator coil is situated in the indoor unit. A small hole of less than 3 inches in diameter is made in the wall to accommodate electrical wiring and copper tubing that connects the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.

The outdoor unit transfers refrigerant from the compressor and condenser coil via the tubing to the evaporator coil in the indoor unit. Cooled air is then blown indoors by a fan that's virtually silent. The sleek and inconspicuous indoor units can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. You can regulate the temperature of each indoor unit with a remote control or a wall-mounted thermostat. Multiple indoor units can be connected to the same outdoor unit. Each indoor unit can then be programmed to maintain a different temperature, thus creating separate cooling zones. This differs from central systems where the thermostat setting determines the temperature in every room. Proper ductless air conditioner sizing is essential for high efficiency performance and the level of cooling capacity. If the sizing is too small or too large, the system won't cool properly, and it won't operate efficiently. And if the system is improperly sized, if the indoor units are mounted in the wrong locations, or the installation itself is done incorrectly, you'll be left with an expensive problem to fix.

Systems that are incorrectly sized and improperly positioned can seriously interfere with humidity control and cost a bundle in high electric bills. Sizing a split system will depend on existing insulation levels, the area you want to cool and on how many indoor air handlers you plan to include. The more indoor units you want, the more precise the sizing must be. Because you're investing in a high performance system, technicians at Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating recommend professional sizing and installation. That way, you'll know the job will be done properly and that your investment will be protected. Ductless splits cool a larger area at the same BTU level than do window air conditioners and portable air conditioners. Below is an approximate sizing guide: 350 square feet = 9,000 BTU 500 square feet = 12,000 BTU 750 square feet = 18,000 BTU 1000 square feet = 24,000 BTU 1250 square feet = 30,000 BTU 1500 square feet = 36,000 BTU The expert contractors at Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating do not recommend installing a mini split system yourself.

Although these systems are easier to install than central air conditioners, it's best to hire a licensed and insured contractor who employs NATE-Certified technicians. There are safety risks involved, and the installation process requires high-tech tools and specialized techniques. The installation must be performed in accordance with HVAC guidelines or it won't be covered under warranty. cost to replace outside hvac unitAnd although split systems come pre-charged, your technician may need to add more refrigerant to establish the correct charge.outside ac unit stopped running Mitsubishi Electric ductless systems have Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEERs) of at least 13, while some inverter units boast SEERs of from 20 to 22. 2 ton ac unit for how many square feet

The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system will be. For maximum efficiency, Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Cooling recommends installing an air handler in every room. However, one indoor unit can certainly cool multiple rooms if the BTU capacity of that unit is sufficient to cool the area of the corresponding space. There are two additional reasons why Mitsubishi Electric split systems are so efficient:HomeAir Conditioner Buying Guide Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) What is a Ductless or Mini Split Air Conditioner? Like central air conditioners, these units have a split design but without an elaborate system of ducts. The split system (also called a mini-split, ductless split, or duct-free system) has at least one unit inside the home (this is the evaporator) and one outdoor unit (the condenser). Small tubes of refrigerant run from the outdoor unit to the indoor units � these are also known as line sets. Indoor units can be wall or ceiling mounted.

Ductless splits can be used to cool one zone or multiple zones applying two to four indoor units to one condenser � the indoor units can all be used independently of each other. (See details about ductless split warranties.) Shop Ductless Split Air Conditioners How do I choose a ductless split air conditioner? The most important factors when choosing a ductless split air conditioner are BTUs, number of cooling zones, and installation type. Zones A single zone ductless split system will have one evaporator, or air handler (indoor unit), and one condenser (outdoor unit). If you want to cool more than one area, a multiple zone split system applies two, three, or four (depending on the model) indoor units to one condenser. Normally its one unit per room � just make sure there is enough BTUs to cover the square footage in the room. Shop Single Zone Ductless Split Systems Shop Multiple Zone Ductless Split Systems BTUs (British Thermal Units) BTUs are units of power � the larger the area you need to cool, the more BTUs you need.

To calculate the BTUs you need use our BTU calculator. This is very straight forward for a single zone split system. For multiple zone systems, both the outdoor units and the indoor units will have a set number of BTUs. One of the benefits of a ductless split system is that each indoor unit runs independently. Therefore, the total number of BTUs for the indoor units can exceed the outdoor unit�s BTU by up to 30%, but all the units cannot operate (on maximum) at once. Installation Type There are many different options of indoor units. One type of indoor unit is mounted on the wall. Select wall mounted units will come with customizable front panels that look like picture frames or pieces of art. Another type goes on the ceiling. Ceiling units can be suspended, recessed into the ceiling or concealed inside the ceiling. Ceiling units are for single zone applications only (multiple zone ceiling units are not available). Please keep in mind that ductless split systems have to be installed by a certified HVAC technician.

Shop Ductless Split Ceiling Units Shop Wall Mounted Units What are single zone and multiple zones? Single zone means that there is only one indoor unit, and multiple zones means there are two to four indoor units for one condenser � each unit can be set to a different temperature and function independently. (Note that if the outdoor unit is equipped for more than one zone � you do not need to use all of the outlets). It is best to get an indoor unit for each room you are trying to cool � just make sure the BTUs are enough to cover the square foot area of all of the rooms. What are the pros and cons of a ductless split air conditioner? Ductless split air conditioners are a cost effective choice compared to central air conditioning. They are typically more expensive than wall or window air conditioners and you need an HVAC professional to install the unit. Since the compressor sits outside, ductless split air conditioners are very quiet and efficient. The indoor units do not need to vent through an exterior wall, so ductless splits are a good option to cool rooms with no windows and no exterior walls.

A ductless split system also provides more temperature control because each indoor unit can be set independently from the other units. How do I install a ductless split air conditioner, why do I need a HVAC Professional? Installing a ductless split air conditioner is more complicated that a window unit but far less complicated than installing central air. An HVAC professional will need to run lines for the coolant, electricity, and drainage. You will also need a HVAC professional to charge it with the right amount of coolants. How big will the hole be in the wall? This slightly varies depending on the unit you buy but, it is generally 3" in diameter. Will a ductless split system work in the winter? If you are installing a ductless split air conditioner for all times of the year (ex: a computer/server room) you will need to purchase an air conditioner that has low ambient operation. The unit can set for cooling even when the outdoor temperature drops below 41�F (5�C).

Shop Low Ambient Ductless Split Air Conditioners Do I need to purchase tubing? Yes, you do need to purchase tubing (also called line sets) to install your ductless split air conditioner. The tubing will connect the indoor and outdoor units. The size of the tubing depends on how far the inside unit is going to be from the outdoor unit. If you are installing the indoor unit on an interior wall, you will also have to purchase a condensate pump to drain the excess condensation to the outside. Do some ductless split air conditioners have heat? Some ductless split air conditioners come with heat. Most work with a heat pump, but some models have electric heat strips as back up. Learn more about the different heating types. Shop Ductless Split Air Conditioners with Heat/Cool Please note that it is standard for ductless splits to come with a one-year parts warranty. AJ Madison stands behind the product we sell and are dedicated to help you answer any questions throughout the lifetime of your ductless split system.