Climate control is a concern for every Southwest Florida building whether it is a single-family home or a large office building with multiple floors and a large amount of square footage. The right system is a vital element for both comfort and productivity. A mini split ductless air conditioning unit can accommodate various sized buildings, depending on the number of number of BTUs output by the outdoor unit. For the most part, it will work best with smaller buildings with a total square footage of about 1500.
We install Mini-split ductless HVAC units in the Naples and Ft. Myers area.
Advantages of Ductless Air Conditioners
One of the major advantages of a ductless air conditioning system is its ease of installation and implementation. The climate control is much more precise with a ductless system, making it subsequently energy- and cost efficient. Initial costs are also much lower since there is no need for invasive and expensive renovation work to get it up and running.
Operation of a Mini Split Ductless Air Conditioning System
A split ductless system involves the use of copper tubing and electrical wiring from an indoor unit connecting to an outdoor unit that has been separately installed. The outdoor condenser coil and compressor pump refrigerant through the tubing to the indoor unit (or units, depending on the configuration). Cool air is distributed down the evaporator coil through the use of a fan. The amount of cool air delivered to the room is generally determined by thermostat settings. When multiple cooling ones are required, so are multiple air handlers.
Choosing the Air Conditioner
Choosing a mini split ductless air conditioner unit is no different than selecting a single-room unit. The size of the space determines the necessary BTU output. A reliable gauge would look like this:
- 9,000 BTUs for up to 350 square feet
- 12,000 BTUs for 400-500 square feet
- 18,000 BTUs for 650-750 square feet
- 24,000 BTUs for 900-1000 square feet
- 30,000 BTUs for 1100-1250 square feet
- 36,000 BTUs for 1350-1500 square feet
These measurements are all approximations. Your contractor will help you decide what level of output would best serve you in your space.
Installing a Mini Split Ductless Air Conditioning System
While it is definitely more of an involved process than installing a portable unit like a window air conditioner, it is not very difficult and many homeowners do opt to install on their own. However, hiring a licensed contractor is always the recommended route for installing permanent and semi-permanent components to a home or building. If you are not completely familiar with the process or are in any way unsure of your ability to do it right, hire an HVAC contractor. Improper installation voids the equipment warranty and could result in costly repairs to put things right. An HVAC technician will correctly run the wiring, coolant and drainage lines, set the gauges and charge the lines. When they are done, you will be left with a unit that performs well season after season for years to come.
