If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your system to a ductless mini split, it’s a great choice. However, you may be wondering exactly how a ductless mini split works since it is so different from a more traditional central HVAC system.
Our team is here to help by answering all of your questions and guiding you in choosing a new HVAC unit when the time comes, whether it is a ductless system or not. Then we can help you with all of your future HVAC needs, including ductless heat pump repair in Alachua. Keep reading to learn more about ductless mini split HVAC systems, including exactly how refrigerant works to both heat and cool with this unique design.
Ductless Heat Pump Layout
First, let’s go over how a ductless heat pump is set up for your home. Though there is still a large outdoor unit, the large central unit is replaced by smaller units. Evenly dispersed throughout your home. Essentially, each ductless mini split unit operates independently from the other units.
Each unit is essentially a more compact version of the large indoor unit that you would have with a central cooling system. You can set each unit to the same temperature for whole-house temperature control, or you can set individual temperatures for each room. Keep in mind that if you want to do this, you need to keep doors closed so that spaces are maintained separately.
The Role of Refrigerant
Each of the mini split units has its own refrigerant lines. These refrigerant lines are airtight and all connect to the central outdoor unit. When a heat pump is set to cooling, the mini split will bring air in from the surrounding room and blow the air over coils inside the unit so that refrigerant within the airtight lines can absorb heat from the air.
This refrigerant then cycles through the lines to the outdoor unit where heat gets expelled outside and refrigerant compresses back down to cycle back into the unit and repeat the process for the next cooling cycle. Everything inside of your mini split unit has to work together for cooling, but refrigerant arguably has one of the most important roles to play.
Care Tips for Optimal Operation
If you want to keep your ductless mini splits operating efficiently without any refrigerant problems, there are a few steps you need to take. The first is making sure that you clean out the air filter frequently.
Ideally, you want to clean out the air filter at least once a month. This prevents a clogged filter from blocking airflow into the system. After all, without adequate airflow, your ductless mini split doesn’t have heat to absorb and transfer outside. This can lead to refrigerant coils freezing.
You should also monitor the condensate line, which can clog. If water backs up into your ductless mini split, it can get on the refrigerant lines and cause ice to form that subsequently blocks airflow and damages the lines.
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