Mini-split systems consist of a cooling unit and indoor and outdoor units. The indoor unit is usually mounted on a wall or placed in a closet and the outdoor unit is usually mounted on the roof. The indoor and outdoor units are connected with a refrigerant line that runs through a pipe. The indoor unit has an indoor fan, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The outdoor unit has a fan, a compressor, and a heat exchanger.During operation, the indoor fan circulates air through the indoor unit and outdoor fan. The refrigerant line transfers heat from the indoor air to the outdoor air through the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit. The outdoor fan then moves the cooled air through the duct system and into the interior of the home. The indoor fan moves the cooled air from the duct system back into the indoor unit where the refrigerant line transfers the heat from the cooled air back into the indoor air. This process continues until the indoor and outdoor temperatures are the same.
A packaged system consists of a cooling unit, a heat pump, and an air handler. The cooling unit consists of a compressor, a condenser coil, and an evaporator coil. The heat pump has a compressor and an indoor heat exchanger. The air handler has an indoor fan and an outdoor fan. The indoor fan moves air through the indoor unit and the outdoor fan moves air through the duct system.During operation, the indoor fan circulates air through the indoor unit and outdoor fan. The indoor fan moves the cooled air from the indoor unit through the duct system and into the interior of the home. The outdoor fan moves the cooled air from the duct system back into the outdoor unit where the indoor fan moves the cooled air from the indoor unit back into the outdoor unit. The indoor fan then transfers the heat from the cooled air back into the indoor air. The outdoor fan moves the cooled air from the duct system back into the indoor unit where the indoor fan moves the cooled air from the indoor unit back into the duct system.
A ductless system consists of a cooling unit and an indoor unit. The cooling unit is usually placed in a closet and is connected to the indoor unit with a refrigerant line. The cooling unit has a compressor and a heat exchanger. The indoor unit has an indoor fan and a blower. The indoor fan circulates air through the indoor unit and the blower moves air through the duct system.During operation, the indoor fan circulates air through the indoor unit and the blower moves air through the duct system. The indoor fan moves the cooled air from the indoor unit through the duct system and into the interior of the home. The blower moves the cooled air from the duct system back into the indoor unit where the indoor fan moves the cooled air from the indoor unit back into the indoor fan. The indoor fan then transfers the heat from the cooled air back into the indoor air. The indoor fan circulates the cooled air back through the duct system into the interior of the home.
Central air conditioning systems are designed differently based on their intended use and the climate in which they’re installed. There are three primary types of central air conditioners: mini-split, packaged, and ductless. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to understand these differences so that you can pick the right system for your home and lifestyle.