Ductless Mini Splits in a Commercial Space.

Ductless mini splits are a popular alternative to traditional heat pump systems. They can be particularly useful in commercial settings where available space may be minimal, where a ducted HVAC infrastructure doesn’t already exist, or where you may not be able to make structural changes to your building to accommodate a duct network. Ductless minis will also require regular preventive maintenance to keep them working effectively and efficiently.

Ductless Mini Splits in Brief.

Ductless mini splits are just as effective as ducted heat pump systems, but take up much less space. They do not require a ductwork system to provide heating and cooling. Instead, they rely on an outdoor unit (similar to that of a full-size heat pump) that is connected to up to four smaller indoor air handling units. The indoor units are connected to the compressor, condenser and other components in the outdoor unit by power lines, refrigerant pipes, and drains running through a conduit in the wall. The indoor units distribute the cool air produced by the system.

Because mini splits need no ducts, the indoor units can be placed anywhere cooling or heating is required without concern for wasting conditioned air by sending into areas that don’t need it. You can use mini-splits to create a very effective zoned cooling and heating system, or you can combine two or more indoor units in areas that need more conditioning. Placement options are limited only by the length of the cables and pipes connecting the indoor and outdoor units. Ductless mini splits are relatively easy to install, are very efficient and run quietly.

Don’t Forget Maintenance.

Business owners who experience the benefits of ductless mini splits will want to do everything possible to keep them working properly. These units may be smaller than normal, but they still require regular preventive maintenance much like larger systems.

Put in clean filters regularly: The air filters improve indoor air quality by trapping and holding airborne contaminants. They are also extremely important to system airflow. Dirty filters can impede airflow and cause malfunctions or breakdowns. Check filters at least every month, or more often if your site tends to have more particulates in the air. Change or clean filters when they get dirty.

Keep the outdoor unit clean: The outdoor unit also needs plenty of airflow, so take steps to keep it clean and free of obstructions. Make sure trees, shrubs, grass and other greenery is cut far enough back to allow at least two feet of clearance on all sides of the unit and five feet of open space above it. Remove any accumulations of dirt, mud, grass, or other material in the unit’s vents.

Clean and balance fans in the indoor units: Fan blades must be properly balanced and oiled to keep them working properly. The entire blower assembly should also be correctly balanced for smooth operation.

Check refrigerant levels: The system will require a manufacturer-specified level of refrigerant to cool properly. Make sure there is not too much or too little refrigerant in the system and that refrigerant lines are undamaged and tightly connected.

Keep the coils clean: The indoor and outdoor evaporator coils must be kept clean and free of debris and blockages. Check the outdoor coils more frequently since they are in an environment where dirt, grass and other material can accumulate more quickly.

Keep the drains clear: The system provides dehumidification for your indoor spaces, which means there will be water that needs to be drained away. Make sure the drain pans and pipes are clear and not blocked and that water can flow away freely.

Contact us...Telephone: 305.767.0610, Email: info@thebestminisplit.com

Installing a Mini Split System (Complete the Split System Air Conditioner Installation).

Installing a Mini Split System.

Most people hire a professional to install a split system air conditioner. However, if you have some experience with plumbing and electrical work, you can install the unit on your own. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to its manufacturer, but this article explains the general instructions for installing a split system air conditioner.

Complete the Split System Air Conditioner Installation.

1. Bleed the air and humidity from the refrigerant circuit.

- Remove the caps from the 2-way and 3-way valves and from the service port.

- Connect a vacuum pump hose to the service port.

- Turn the vacuum on until it reaches an absolute vacuum of 10mm Hg.

- Close the low pressure knob and then turn off the vacuum.

- Test all of the valves and joints for leaks.

- Disconnect the vacuum. Replace the service port and caps.

2. Wrap the joints of the piping with insulating covering and insulating tape.

3. Affix the piping to the wall with clamps.

4. Seal up the hole in the wall using expanding polyurethane foam.

Installing a Mini Split System (Install the Outdoor Condenser).

Installing a Mini Split System.

Most people hire a professional to install a split system air conditioner. However, if you have some experience with plumbing and electrical work, you can install the unit on your own. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to its manufacturer, but this article explains the general instructions for installing a split system air conditioner.

Install the Outdoor Condenser.

1. Choose the best place to install the outdoor unit.

-The outdoor unit’s location needs to be away from any heavily trafficked, dusty or hot areas.

-The outdoor unit needs 12" of space surrounding its perimeter to ensure proper functioning.

2. Lay the concrete pad on the ground and make sure that it is level. 

The pad should be high enough so that the condenser will sit above the level of winter snows.

- Set the outdoor condenser on top of the pad. Use rubber cushioning under the unit's feet to minimize vibration.

- Make sure that no antenna of a radio or television is within 10 feet (3 meters) of the outdoor condenser.

3. Connect the electrical wires.

- Remove the cover.

- Refer to the unit’s wiring diagram and make sure the cable wires are connected as the diagram suggests. Following the manufacturer's instructions for wiring is crucial.

- Fasten the cables with a cable clamp and replace the cover.

4. Secure the pipes’ flare nuts to the corresponding pipes on the outdoor unit.

Installing a Mini Split System (Install the Indoor Unit).

Installing a Mini Split System.

Most people hire a professional to install a split system air conditioner. However, if you have some experience with plumbing and electrical work, you can install the unit on your own. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to its manufacturer, but this article explains the general instructions for installing a split system air conditioner.

Install the Indoor Unit.

1. Select an unobstructed location on your interior wall to mount the indoor air conditioning unit.

- Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.

- Avoid locations where gas may leak or where oil mist or sulphur exists.

- The indoor unit requires at least 6" (15 cm) of open space surrounding its top and sides. The unit should also be mounted at least 7 feet (2.13 m) above the ground.

- Install the unit at least 3.3 feet (1 m) away from antenna, power or connecting lines that are used for television, radio, home security systems, intercoms or telephones. The electrical noise from these sources could cause operational problems for your air conditioner.

- The wall should be strong enough to hold the unit's weight. You may need to construct a wood or metal frame to provide added support.

2. Secure the mounting plate to the interior wall.

- Hold the mounting plate against the wall where you want to install the indoor unit.

- Use a level to make sure the plate is both horizontally and vertically square.

- Drill holes into the wall at the appropriate spots to affix the plate to the wall.

- Insert plastic anchors into the holes. Secure the plate to the wall with tapping screws.

3. Create a hole in the wall to fit the piping.

- Find the best spot for the hole to the exterior based on the opening in the mounting bracket. You should also consider the length of the pipe and the distance that it needs to travel to reach the outside unit.

- Drill a hole that is 3" (7.5 cm) in diameter through the wall. The hole should slope downward toward the exterior to ensure adequate drainage.

- Insert a flexible flange into the hole.

4. Check the electrical connections.

- Lift the unit’s front panel and remove the cover.

- Be sure the cable wires are connected to the screw terminals. Also, make sure that they match the diagram that comes with the unit.

5. Connect the pipes.

- Run the piping from the indoor unit toward the hole drilled through the wall. Minimize bending to ensure that the unit performs well.

- Cut a length of PVC pipe 1/4" (6 millimeters) shorter than the length between your interior and exterior wall surfaces.

- Place the pipe cap on the interior end of the PVC pipe. Insert the pipe into the hole in the wall.

- Bind the copper pipes, the power cables and the drain pipe together with electrical tape. Place the drain pipe on the bottom to ensure a free flow of water.

- Secure the pipe to the indoor unit. Use 2 wrenches, working in opposite directions, to tighten the connection.

- Join the water drainage pipe to the indoor unit’s base.

- Run the bound pipes and cables through the hole in the wall. Make sure that the drainage pipe allows water to drain in an appropriate place.

6. Secure the indoor unit to the mounting plate by pressing the unit against the mounting plate.

Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning.

Compact Size and Versatility.

The main advantages of Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning & Heat Pump units are their compact size and versatility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many Mini-Split models can have as many as four indoor air handling units connected to one outdoor unit. Since each of the ductless zones will have it’s own thermostat, you only need to Air Condition or Heat when someone is there, saving energy and money.

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning Systems are also often easier to install than other types of Air Conditioning systems. If necessary, you can locate the outdoor unit Up to 100 feet from the indoor evaporator making it possible to provide Air Conditioning to rooms on the front side of a building house with the compressor in a more desirable place on the outside of the building. In addition, indoor and outdoor units are a quiet as 50-dB; barely audible under most circumstances.

Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning. 

Since mini-splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems; which can be as high as 30%, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.

The main advantages of a ductless mini-split HVAC system are its small size, quiet operation, and the flexibility it has for heating and cooling individual areas within your home. It’s a good choice if:

• You have an older house that lacks ductwork.

• You’re building an addition that will be difficult to tie into your central air-conditioning system.

• You want to supplement your existing heating and cooling without resizing your existing HVAC system.

They’re easy to install. These cooling systems can be installed in much less time than it takes to put in central air conditioning. A two-person crew would need at least a week to install the ductwork and other components of a central air conditioning system. A ductless minisplit system could be installed from start to finish in a day.

They don’t take up much space. Their compact size makes ductless AC units perfect for cooling small living spaces, such as apartments and dorm rooms. They’re also great for cooling individual rooms in larger homes, particularly basements and attics, which are usually not ventilated well. Also, ductless air conditioners are easy to store because of their small size.

They're easy to operate. Most ductless air conditioners have a remote control that enables you to easily increase or lower the temperature of the air coming from your unit. Feeling too cold in bed? You can adjust the room temperature with your remote control, without getting out of the covers. Try doing that with a central air conditioning system.

They’re cost-effective. Ductless air conditioners use considerably less power than traditional air conditioners, which saves on your energy bill. In addition, if you use multiple units, you can control the individual room temperatures in your house, which is more energy efficient than using a central air conditioning system to cool the whole house.

They’re quiet. Traditional air conditioners can make a lot of noise, but ductless ones are quiet. The noise they make is usually no more than a quiet hum. It amounts to background noise that is easily drowned out by conversation, music and television.