3 Things to Know Before Buying and Installing a Split-System Air Conditioner
A split-system air conditioner is an excellent choice for people who live in apartments or small homes and don't have space for large units. The AC features one outdoor unit and one or multiple indoor units depending on your cooling needs. It does not have ductwork as does central units, and this increases its efficiency while reducing installation and maintenance costs. For you to get the most out of your new split system, here are three things you should know before buying and installing it.
Choosing Between Single Split and Multi-Split ACs
There are two primary types of split-system ACs: single-split and multi-split systems. Single-split air conditioners have one outdoor unit and one indoor unit, while multi-split systems have one outdoor unit and two or more indoor units. As you buy, you need to choose the right unit that will adequately cool your home. Some determining factors include the following:
The Size of Your Home
For a small apartment, a single-split AC may be enough to cool the entire space. However, if you live in a larger house, you may need multiple head units to cool the whole area. You can have two, three or even four indoor air handlers depending on the number of rooms in your home.
Open vs. Closed Layout
For homes with an open layout, it is easy for cool air to flow from one room to the next. Therefore, a single head unit would suffice. However, if you have a closed layout where the rooms are separated by walls and doors, you may require multiple head units to cool the entire space adequately.
Sizing a Multi-Split System
If you choose to buy a multi-split AC, you have to size it correctly and determine how many indoor units you will require to cool the home. Sizing affects the performance of the outdoor unit and, ultimately, the efficiency of the air conditioner. The higher the number of indoor units you need, the larger the outdoor unit.
Improperly sizing your outdoor unit will result in a potential breakdown of the system due to overexertion.
Placement of Outdoor and Indoor Units
During installation, the outdoor and indoor units should be placed appropriately to ensure maximum efficiency. For a multi-split system, the outdoor unit should be located at a central point in relation to all the indoor units. If the distance from the outdoor unit to indoor head units is long, the AC won't adequately cool the air in some of the rooms.
Have these things in mind when buying an installing your split-system AC. Talk to a split-system installation contractor for professional advice and installation services.