Split Unit Air Conditioning

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References
Related Articles

More Information

Less noisy than wall units, and more energy efficient than central units, split unit air conditioners are quickly gaining popularity all over the U.S. If you don’t have the ductwork in place or the need for a central unit, then split unit may be your best bet. Here is some more information.

Costs

The average cost of a standard split unit air conditioning system is $3,000 for the unit itself and up to $3,000 more for the installation. Systems that have both cooling and heating abilities cost around $5,500. High-efficiency systems cost at least an additional $500. Get in touch with a licensed HVAC contractor to learn more.

Pros

Split unit air conditioners can be just as quiet as a central air conditioning system.

They have very high energy-efficiency ratings.

In addition to not taking up floor space, split unit air conditioners are easy to install.

Cons

They are more costly than a portable air conditioner.

Split unit air conditioners can sometimes require the purchasing of additional parts.

It is more complicated to install than a portable unit.

Durability

Split unit air conditioning systems are considered durable as long as they are paired with the correct-size room (to prevent additional stress on the unit), the filters are regularly removed and cleaned, and the most suitable refrigerant is installed in the unit.

Maintenance

If you want to ensure the longevity of your split unit air conditioner, it’s important to keep up with the required maintenance.

Begin by cleaning the entire unit, then removing the front cover and all filters.
Make sure to cover the fan unit with a wash bag.
Use a chemical cleaner to spray the coils and fan rotor. Leave for the amount of time recommended on the cleaner itself.
Rinse the fan coil and rotor blade with water.
Turn on air conditioner to dispel the excess water into the bag, then remove the bag.
Wipe everything dry and replace the filters.

Common Questions and Answers

What are the components of a split unit air conditioning system?

Split unit air conditioners are comprised of two main parts or components: the outdoor component and the indoor component. The former consists of a compressor, condenser, and expansion valve, while the latter is made up of the evaporator (or cooling coil), and the cooling fan.

How many rooms can a split unit air conditioning system cool?

Generally these systems are used to cool one or two rooms, depending on the square footage.

History

In an effort to stray from the noisy window unit air conditioning systems and large central air conditioning systems, the Japanese invented the mini split unit air conditioning systems in the 1950’s. They have since grown in popularity throughout the United States due to their energy efficiency.

More Information

Important note: some manufacturers will consider their warranty to be null and void if the split unit air conditioning system is not installed by a professional.