What is a mini split air conditioner

FAQ'S About Mini Split Air Conditioner
How does an air conditioner work?
What is a heat pump?
What are the main components of a ductless air conditioning system?
Is there any air exchange between the indoor and outdoor units?
Is a ductless air conditioner more efficient than a central air conditioner?
Can I still use my R-22 equipped ductless system?
How long can a ductless air conditioner last?
Should I buy or rent air conditioner?
How can I find out if my air conditioning system contains R-22?
Am I allowed to purchase a new home air conditioner that contains R-22?
How important is it to buy a new air-conditioning system that is more efficient? Does energy efficiency depend on what type of refrigerant is used?
How do pollutants in my home affect indoor air quality?
Your home has excessive dust?
Why is it important for an air conditioner to dehumidify?
Why is there water in the base pan of my air conditioner?
How do I determine the proper cooling capacity for my space?
Are there air conditioning options for spaces without an exterior wall?
What causes ice to build up in an air conditioner?
How does an air conditioner work?
An air conditioner works by transferring the heat from the indoor air to the outside and transferring the coldness from the outdoor air to the inside. Transferring the actual air would be highly inefficient, so air conditioners utilize a refrigerant along with components such as a compressor and expansion valve to get the maximum performance out of temperature differences between the inside and outside. Top ?
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an air conditioner that simply reverses the flow of refrigerant between the outdoor and indoor units. Please note that all heat pumps are also air conditioners. When heating is called, the heat from the outdoor air is absorbed by the outdoor unit, then more heat is added by the compressor then pumped into the indoor unit. After being ejected into the room, the colder refrigerant is pumped through an expansion valve causing the refrigerant to become very cold. That is why some heat pumps can still heat homes when it's -25°C outside! Top ?
What are the main components of a ductless air conditioning system?
A ductless air conditioning system is quite simple and includes an outdoor unit, indoor unit(s), refrigerant line-sets, power and controls wires connecting them. The outdoor unit includes the condensing coil, the compressor, the expansion valve and a fan to get airflow through the condenser coil. The indoor unit includes the evaporator coil and a fan for airflow. The line-sets connecting the indoor and outdoor units are made up of heat insulated copper tubing for transferring the refrigerant. Top ?
Is there any air exchange between the indoor and outdoor units?
No, the line-sets flow only refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. The refrigerant used in all new systems is R-410A, with R-22 systems quickly being phased out. Top ?
Is a ductless air conditioner more efficient than a central air conditioner?
In most cases, yes. It is more efficient to pump dense concentrated liquid than it is for air. With ductless units the dense refrigerant is pumped to the evaporator which is placed close to the ceiling and since colder air is more dense than hot air, the cold air will naturally drop allowing the air conditioner to utilize its maximum cooling capacity.

Unlike central air conditioning systems, where the evaporator unit is placed in the basement above the furnace, which needs to push the cold dense air up to the second or third floor. In central systems most of the air will travel through the shortest runs creating a cold basement, a fairly cool 1st floor, and usually unsatisfactory conditions on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Top ?
Can I still use my R-22 equipped ductless system?
Of course, and in fact most residential and commercial air conditioning units installed before 2006 use R-22. It will take some time for those units to be replaced with R-410A compatible units. According to the Montreal Protocol, refrigerant maintenance for commercial and residential R-22 air conditioning units will be allowed until January 1st, 2015. After that date, the unit will be allowed to be used and maintained but refrigerant recharges will not be allowed. However, if the air conditioning unit was installed properly than no refrigeration leak should develop, allowing for many decades of enjoyable use. Top ?
How long can a ductless air conditioner last?
The people behind ductless.ca have been installing ductless units in the Toronto area since the mid 1980's and only a few of those units have been replaced due to defective components. Most are still running just as well as the day they were installed. If the unit is properly maintained than you can expect more than 20 years of life. Top ?
What maintenance and service do ductless air conditioners require?
It is very important to keep the indoor unit filters clean. These filters are located in front of the evaporating coil behind the front cover. Some ductless units include smaller black charcoal filters which are required to be dusted off and then exposed to sunlight for at least 8 hours every 6 months in order to properly function. The charcoal filters usually last for 2 seasons (24 months). Also, some ductless air conditioner include Catechin filters which are also required to be cleaned regularly and replaced every two seasons.
The outdoor units need to be cleaned regularly, especially the coil which can trap leaves, dust, etc. All that is required is a soft brush (as to not damage the coil) and sweep the coil until it is relatively free of any obstructions.
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How can I find out if my air conditioning system contains R-22?
Most air conditioners have a nameplate on the unit that identifies the refrigerant it contains and other information, such as safety certifications and electrical ratings. For a central air conditioner, the nameplate is usually on the outdoor condensing unit. If a nameplate is not provided, there are several other ways that you may be able to obtain the information. You could check your owner's manual for the information. The person/company that sold or services your air conditioner would likely know what refrigerant it uses. Or, if you know the manufacturer and model number, you could call the manufacturer or check its web site. Top ?
Am I allowed to purchase a new home air conditioner that contains R-22?
Yes, air-conditioning systems that use R-22 currently are still available for purchase. Consumers may purchase a system that contains R-22, but should be aware that supplies of R-22 will be more limited after 2010. Also, as R- 22 is gradually phased out, non-ozone-depleting alternative refrigerants are being introduced and will become more common. In addition to the refrigerant type, you should consider energy efficiency, along with performance, reliability, and cost in deciding which type of air conditioner to purchase. Top ?
How important is it to buy a new air-conditioning system that is more efficient? Does energy efficiency depend on what type of refrigerant is used?
Purchasing an energy-efficient system allows a homeowner to save on energy costs and protect the environment. Even if your air conditioner is only ten years old, you may save significantly on your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Products with an Energy Star® label can save you 10% to 40% on heating and cooling bills every year. Energy Star® qualified systems are available for both R-22 (where still available) and R-410A systems.

For central air conditioners and air-to-air heat pumps, efficiency is measured by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher the ratio, the more efficient the equipment, and equipment that displays the Energy Star® label must have a minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio that is significantly higher than the minimum required by law (currently this is SEER 13).

You should consider energy efficiency, along with performance, reliability, and cost, in making your decision. And don't forget that when purchasing a new system, you can also speed the transition away from ozone-depleting R-22 by choosing a system that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants. Top ?
How do pollutants in my home affect indoor air quality?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, we spend more than 90% of our time indoors, where pollution levels can be two to five times - and occasionally more than 100 times - higher than outdoor levels. The air in even the cleanest homes can harbour dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, mould and other airborne contaminants. Top ?
How can I improve my home's health?
Because we spend nearly 90% of our time indoors quality, clean air is important. Ensure that your heating and air conditioning systems are maintained, keep carpets and flooring clean, monitor and adjust your home's humidity to prevent mould growth, avoid chemical cleaners and ensure there is an exchange of air. Top ?
Why is it important for an air conditioner to dehumidify?
Air conditioners keep you comfortable by removing heat and moisture from the air. To do both effectively, the unit must be properly sized for your space. If the capacity is too low, you may never feel quite cool enough. When the capacity is too high, the unit produces so much cold air so quickly that the room reaches the desired temperature before the unit has adequate run time to dehumidify. The result is a cool but clammy room that can feel just as uncomfortable as one that is not cool enough. Top ?
Why is there water in the base pan of my air conditioner?
Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from a room. This process produces condensation which runs off into the base pan. This condensation is then used to cool the hot condenser coil which improves the unit's performance.
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How do I determine the proper cooling capacity for my space?
See the sizing guide in any of our product specifications for specific information on choosing the right size unit for your space. Top ?
Are there air conditioning options for spaces without an exterior wall?
Absolutely! One of the best options is a ductless split system, because the indoor unit can be mounted virtually anywhere. Depending on the system, the indoor and outdoor units can be separated by up to 164 feet with maximum height differences of 98 feet. So even if the rooms that need cooling are located in the building's interior or on separate floors, there may be a Friedrich ductless system that will fit the application. Top ?
What causes ice to build up in an air conditioner?
Icing can be caused by a number of factors. Units that have not been cleaned over a long period of time may have coils and fins clogged by dust, dirt or debris. Clogged coils and fins restrict air flow through the unit, which can cause the compressor to work even harder – so hard, that it may reduce the coil temperature below the normal range in an attempt to make up for the lost cooling power from the blocked coils.

Another potential cause is running a unit with a very cold set point (i.e. turning the target temperature down very low) on low fan speed for an extended period of time. This can cause excess condensate to build up on the coils, further lowering the temperature of the coil and leading to icing.

It may be helpful to ask an authorized warranty servicer to check the unit for you. Top ?