In this age of hybrids, an interesting hybrid is the split air conditioning system. It combines the idea of having one outside unit supplying cold air to one to several rooms, or to the whole home inside. A split air conditioner system consists of combination a compressor and condenser unit located outside, and one to four fan/evaporator units indoors. A conduit connects the fan/evaporator unit or units inside with the compressor/condenser unit on the outside. The conduit contains the refrigerant tubing, power cable, condensate drain, and suction tubing.
The split-system air conditioners has been gaining popularity in Japan for many years; and over the last few years they have been gaining popularity in North America. Split air conditioners bring together the advantages of zone cooling and having a central cooling unit.
Advantages
No Ducts Are Required
The biggest advantage to a split air conditioner unit is that no air ducts are needed. There is a lot of possible applications for the split air conditioner. It can be used in a windowless room. It can be used in home with radiant heat without having to install duct work or install several window air conditioners in order to cool the whole house. It is perfect for the hobbyist headquartered in a garage or a corner room of a basement. It can be used in a shed or small building to create a climate control storage environment.
Lower Noise Level
Since the cooling/condenser system is outside, there is lower noise levels inside than with window air conditioners. The fans can run at lower speed to cool the room than with comparable window mounted air conditioner situations.
The possibilities are endless. You can set up a system which can both cool a back bedroom and a garage, with a vegetable cellar thrown in. Imagine being able to turn a home on a typical city lot into a mini estate with some of the above options.
Tip 1: First Research the Comparative Costs with other Types of Systems before Buying
The split air conditioner system costs about 30 percent more, on a BTU/Hr basis, than a central air system. However, that cost can be made up for with the elimination of installing ductwork, from the equation. Weigh the total costs between system options before buying.
Tip 2: Know Your Service Options Before Buying
Being such a new technology to North America, it is important to find out if there are factory authorized service people who can come to your home to service your system.
Tip 3: Get the Right Size Unit
Too big of a unit would be a waste of money, and on the other hand you need a unit that can handle future growth of your system. This is why long-range planning is very important.
Tip 4: Scout out the Best Location for the Room Unit
Make sure there is now obstructions for the air flow and that it is not in a place where someone might bump into it.
Tip 5: Set up the Drainage Line Properly
Make sure that the drainage tube has good air flow and that the condensation will not ruin any architectural elements it flows over. The flow of water down the building should be in area with good air flow and sunlight.
Tip 6: Plan for your Conduit System
The split systems are relatively easy to install. The main things are to drill a three-inch hole in an outside wall for the conduit, and the conduit should not stretch more than 50 feet to the outside unit.
Tip 7: For Tight Budgets Develop the Project in Phases
If you can't afford to put the whole system in place at once, you can add room units in phases.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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