Mini Split AC Units - Three Types of Split Units For Your Home

Mini split AC units are becoming very popular as a type of ductless air conditioning that allows a significant reduction of the home cooling costs thanks to an individual room inside unit thermostats, and efficient, ductless heat transfer. In this article you will review three types of split ductless AC units: Wall mounted mini splits, Ceiling recessed mini splits, and Ceiling suspended mini splits. Reviews will compare and contrast these three types of split units.

Mini split AC units are based on the idea of separating the refrigerant compressor or condenser part of the air conditioning unit into the outside unit, and keeping only the expander, or the evaporator, cooling part of the air conditioning unit inside the room. Then, using a relatively thin, a few inches in diameter, conduit with insulated hoses for the incoming and outgoing refrigerant liquid, the heat is efficiently transported from the inside of the house and deposited outside. Such a configuration significantly reduces the noise inside the house. The split units, when positioned right, also provide a quick and completely controlled way to cool down targeted spaces in a home. And finally, they can be a savior when someone is searching for a "no window air conditioner" for a single room.

Let's look at the three types of mini split AC units. You should have a better idea which one might be best suited for your home when you are done reading. We will not discuss the split AC units condenser part here, but instead focus on the split AC units evaporator unit, or the inside unit.

Wall mounted mini splits

These are the most common type. The installer will first drill a small 2-3 inch hole into the interior wall and provide the conduit and the hoses. He will then connect the inside unit to the conduit and the hoses and mount the inside unit over the hole. Usually, the wall mounted split unit will be mounted either above the window or relatively high up on the wall to provide sufficient air supply. The advantage of wall mounted split unit is the ease of installation. The disadvantage is limited air flow.

Ceiling recessed mini splits

Ceiling recessed mini splits will mount inside the ceiling, so none of the unit will protrude out of the ceiling. However, a significant amount of depth will need to be provided for the recessed part, as much as 7 - 10 inches or more. The ceiling recessed split units that are available on the market place will normally take up the air centrally and blow it in four different directions through the directed vents. The advantage of ceiling recessed split unit is that a larger unit can be accommodated into the ceiling given enough space there. The disadvantage is a peculiarly fashioned air flow, taking in air centrally.

Ceiling suspended mini splits

These are suspended several inches from the ceiling on two or more metal rods. The air flow will be uni-directional, from the front to the back of the unit. Due to the adjustable suspension, the unit can be significantly removed from the ceiling which plays a role when the ceilings are high. An additional advantage of ceiling suspended split AC unit is that they are extremely "aerodynamic", meaning that the cold and hot air flow around the unit will be completely unobstructed. In contrast, the ceiling recessed split unit air flow is obstructed by the ceiling and the wall mounted split unit has the air flow obstructed by the wall. This is significant as a better air flow around the unit means that the cooled air can reach a longer distance, thereby more effectively cooling larger spaces.