What Is a Ductless AC System? And How Does It Work?

A ductless air conditioning system, also known as a mini-split system, is a cooling solution that provides efficient and flexible temperature control for individual rooms or zones. Unlike traditional central air conditioning systems, ductless systems operate without the need for ductwork. B & J Refrigeration is here to explain more about the benefits of these systems.

Components of a Ductless AC System

A ductless AC system consists of two main components: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser. It is installed outside the home, like the outdoor unit of a central air conditioning system. The indoor unit is typically mounted on a wall or ceiling and contains the evaporator and blower.  There may be multiple indoor units in your system to provide cooling throughout your home or commercial space. 

How Does a Ductless AC System Work?

The operation of a ductless AC system involves a simple yet effective process:

  • Refrigerant Flow – The outdoor unit compresses and circulates refrigerant to the indoor unit through a small conduit that passes through the wall. This conduit includes refrigerant lines, a power cable, a suction tubing, and a condensate drain.
  • Heat Exchange – The indoor unit absorbs heat from the room air through the evaporator coil. The refrigerant absorbs this heat and carries it to the outdoor unit.
  • Heat Dispersion – The outdoor unit releases the absorbed heat into the outside air through the condenser coil. The refrigerant is then cooled and recirculated back to the indoor unit.
  • Air Distribution – The indoor unit blows cooled air directly into the room, providing immediate and efficient cooling. 

Advantages of Ductless AC Systems

Ductless AC systems offer several benefits that make them a great cooling solution:

  • Energy Efficiency and Personalized Comfort – Ductless systems are highly energy-efficient because they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork in central AC systems. Because you can control individual indoor units independently, ductless systems provide personalized comfort in different rooms or zones. 
  • Ease of Installation and Flexibility – The absence of ductwork makes ductless AC systems ideal for homes without existing ducts or for room additions where extending ductwork is impractical. These systems are versatile and can be used in homes, offices, garages, and commercial spaces. They also provide both cooling and heating, making them a year-round solution.
  • Improved Air Filtration – Some ductless mini split systems  include multi-stage filtration, which helps reduce dust, allergens, and other particulates in the air.
  • Winter Functionality – Ductless mini splits not only function as air conditioning units, but they can also be an efficient source of heating in the wintertime. 

Where You Can Use Ductless AC Systems

Ductless AC systems are an excellent cooling solution for several reasons. They are ideal for older homes or buildings where installing ductwork is not feasible. If you have added rooms and need temperature control, you can install a ductless system without extending your ductwork. If you own a building with multiple units or spaces, these systems provide individualized control of each area.

Learn More About Ductless AC Systems with B & J Refrigeration

Whether you are looking to cool a single room or multiple zones, ductless systems from B & J Refrigeration offer a modern solution to meet your cooling needs. Schedule an appointment with our professional team to find out if a ductless AC system is right for you.