What Is a Ductless Mini-Split? A Complete Homeowner’s Guide

Ductless mini-splits are a cost-effective, energy-efficient heating and cooling solution that is well-suited for Virginia’s humid summers and chilly winters. At C.B. Lucas, our licensed and insured technicians understand the unique challenges of our Northern Virginia climate and will help you find the best system for your needs, desired comfort, and budget.

How Does a Ductless Mini-Split Work?

Ductless mini-splits, also known as ductless heat pumps, are fairly simple and straightforward. The system consists of an outdoor unit, which contains the compressor and condenser coil. There is an indoor air handling unit that contains an evaporator, and there are refrigerant lines that transfer heat between the indoor and outdoor units.

The cooling process is very similar to that of central air conditioners. That is, the indoor unit draws in air from the surrounding room. As it enters the system, it’s blown over the refrigerant coils causing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air. In turn, this turns the refrigerant into a vapor. The vaporized refrigerant is then circulated through the refrigerant line to the outdoor unit and the compressor. As the refrigerant is compressed, it releases the heat outdoors, into the atmosphere and returns to its liquid state.

Do Mini-Splits Work Well in Virginia?

Northern Virginia’s climate is hot and humid in the summer, and cold and frosty in the winter. This means that without reliable heating and cooling systems, you’ll suffer heat extremes in July and August and freezing cold weather in December through February. Fortunately, ductless systems are perfectly suited to keep your home comfortable.

Like a traditional heat pump, a ductless mini-split is dual-purpose: It can heat and cool your home. Since our regional weather rarely falls outside of normal temperature ranges, your ductless system will have no trouble keeping your home cool over the summer and warm in the winter.

Why Are Mini-Splits Becoming So Popular in Virginia?

There are a number of reasons that Northern Virginia homeowners opt for ductless mini-splits. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Preserves property: Northern Virginia is filled with historic and older homes that do not have installed ductwork. Ductless systems allow you to heat/cool the property without undergoing extensive renovations or affecting any historical value of the property.
• Energy-efficiency: Ductless systems are more energy-efficient than central air conditioners and heating systems. This is due in part to the lack of ducts which means there is no energy loss.
• Ease of installation: Ductless mini-splits do not require ductwork, and are thus easier and less expensive to install.
• Zoning possibilities: Ductless systems can be installed to create temperature zones, allowing you to heat/cool rooms only when needed.

How Many Ductless Mini-Splits Does My Home Need?

One of the limitations of ductless mini-splits is that they’re only capable of cooling/heating the immediate vicinity where they are installed. While this allows for zoning control, it also means that you may need to install multiple units to achieve the comfort you desire. Most outdoor units can support up to eight indoor units. In order to determine how many units you need, our team will perform a comprehensive load calculation that factors in the size of your home, construction style, insulation, and heating and cooling needs.

Why Choose C.B. Lucas for Your Ductless Mini-Split Needs?

At C.B. Lucas, our licensed and insured HVAC technicians will help you select the ideal ductless mini-split for your home. We offer a broad selection of top-rated systems that will perform exceptionally well within our Northern Virginia climate. Since 1977, our teams have proudly served the region and you will always enjoy 24/7 emergency service, NATE-certified HVAC technicians, and more from our family-owned and -operated company.

When you’re ready to enjoy superior comfort, contact the experts at C.B. Lucas to schedule air conditioning services in Northern Virginia today.