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How Do Ductless Mini Splits Work?

June 28, 2024
How Do Ductless Mini Splits Work?

At Southern Air, the technicians agree that exploring new air conditioner possibilities for your home may sound intimidating with all the new models now available. A lack of familiarity (and the price factor) can bolster a sense of apprehension. However, one thing is certain – if you want superior temperature control, ductless mini-splits are the way to go.

Here’s more about modern ductless cooling and heating solutions so that you can make a more informed decision.

What Are Ductless Mini-Split Systems?

Ductless mini-split air conditioners have two parts – one outside and one inside – that are connected compactly. Most types will heat and cool effectively within a small space or zone, making them a perfect alternative to larger centralized systems with elaborate ductwork. Plus, without ductwork required, installing the unit is a lot cheaper. 

This compact option for temperature control combines easily with small, wall-mounted units that cool and heat a single room at a time. Through a flexible tube in the wall, you connect your outdoor unit to your indoor one for a temperature management solution that’s just as powerful as it is concentrated. While it isn’t as widespread as a central air system, you can let this energy-efficient system work for comfort as well as energy savings.

How Do Ductless Mini-Splits Function?

Your ductless mini-splits bring in hot air through your outdoor unit, passing it through a pipe. This air flows into your indoor unit, which compresses it and blows out cool air. 

Unlike a duct system, this method of cooling your home is direct and quick. The tube is quite narrow, so it is a relatively short pathway for the air from hot to cold.

Benefits of a Ductless Mini-Split System

Generally, ductless mini-split systems serve smaller homes better or even, if a landlord allows it, apartment units. The units cool in just a short amount of time, so you won’t even notice the lack of ductwork with the secure air transfer system (and there’s no room for leaks, either!).

If you’re considering a ductless mini-split system, the following reasons might persuade you:

  • Compact: Unlike other air conditioners and heating systems, the mini-split system puts a great deal of emphasis on the ‘mini’ in its title. Both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are compact and easy to keep clean.
  • Affordable: The mini-split system contains no ductwork, so you save money on the installation and maintenance aspects compared to duct systems.
  • Efficient: Electing for a mini-split system can help you manage your energy bills more succinctly – they’re highly energy efficient.
  • Superior control: Because this system cools one room at a time, you can maintain better control over your home’s temperature control with ductless mini-splits.

Are you interested in installing a ductless mini-split unit? Consider working with Southern Air, one of the best air conditioning and heating services in Florida’s Palatka area and the surrounding cities. 

Call Southern Air at (386) 222-1342 for everything from cooling and heating solutions to air quality control, maintenance packages, and HVAC installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ductless mini-splits?

Ductless mini-splits are cooling and heating systems that consist of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air-handling units.

How do ductless mini-splits work?

They work by transferring heat between the indoor and outdoor units using refrigerant lines.

What are the advantages of ductless mini-splits?

They offer flexibility in installation, energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.

Can ductless mini-splits be used for both cooling and heating ?

Yes, many ductless mini-splits are heat pumps that can provide both heating in winter and cooling in summer.

What is the installation process for ductless mini-splits?

The installation involves mounting the indoor unit, connecting it to the outdoor unit via refrigerant lines, and electrical connections.

How do I maintain my ductless mini-split system?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the filters, checking the refrigerant levels, and scheduling professional inspections.

Meet Dustin

Dustin Caison serves as both the President and CEO of Southern Air, a family-owned business founded in 1980 and based in Palatka, Florida. As the third generation to lead the company, Dustin has dedicated over 21 years to continuing the legacy of excellence established by his father and grandfather.

A State Certified Air Conditioning Contractor, Dustin brings extensive expertise and professionalism to the HVAC industry. Under his leadership, Southern Air has maintained its commitment to delivering quality service and fostering strong ties with the Palatka community. His dedication and credentials have been key to the company’s ongoing success.

An avid outdoorsman, Dustin enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing with his family and friends. He is also deeply involved in his local community, serving at his church, Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, the Putnam County Fair Board, and A Women’s Resource Center.

Dustin places great importance on taking care of his people and building strong relationships with his employees. He believes that with a dedicated team, strong business practices, and a focus on continuous growth, any business can achieve remarkable success.

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Arron C.
14 hours ago
Albert Vera serviced our AC today he was on time professional and thorough.
Response from the owner:Hey Arron, Justin is Amazing and we are glad to hear he saved the day! Thank you for choosing Southern Air!
Silas C.
15 hours ago
Southern Air was a great choice. They were punctual, communicative, timely, polite, and trustworthy throughout the process. Everything was easy and professional, and I really appreciated how simple they made the air conditioning service. Albert, TJ and the Management/Office staff were awesome during a dire need. Thank you and God Bless USAll
Al
19 hours ago
Professional service with a smile, I couldn't ask for more.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Al, for your feedback and for noting the friendly, professional service you received. We take pride in our professionalism and making every visit a smooth experience. Please feel welcome to call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing service.
marie C.
2 days ago
Technician Mr. Lake is professional, detailed and knowledgeable. He explained what needs be done and thorough. Geat service.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Marie, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad Mr. Lake provided a professional, detailed visit and clearly explained the recommended work, and our fast response is something we work hard to maintain. Please call us anytime for seasonal tune-ups or if you’d like to arrange ongoing HVAC service.
David S.
3 days ago
Mr. Woo did a great job. He performed our semi-annual maintenance.
Response from the owner:We’re happy to hear Robert did a great job and took the time to work through everything with you. Thank you for trusting Southern Air with your HVAC repair.
Doug C.
3 days ago
Very professional & courteous. Efficient service.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Doug! I'm delighted to hear that our team's professionalism and courteous service made a positive impression. Efficiency is a core principle for us, and your feedback is truly appreciated.
Suzanne V.
3 days ago
Our technican was worked quickly and efficiently. He did a great job of the service and letting us know what he was doing.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re proud to have Jason on our team — he’s always quick to diagnose and get things taken care of. We’re so glad we could get out the same day and get you back up and running!
Kathy
3 days ago
I thank you for the opportunity to leave this response. I had an issue yesterday, October 11 with family coming over and I had a technician come pretty quick I must say and it was Trenton and he was Awesome. My maintenance was scheduled for today and he came back out and did a thorough check and he was very professional gave me all the information and I was very happy would highly recommend!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Kathy, for your feedback and for recommending Southern Air. We’re glad we could respond quickly, and that Trenton provided a thorough, professional check along with clear information to keep everything running smoothly. Please feel free to call us anytime for seasonal tune-ups or to set up ongoing maintenance service.
Diane P.
4 days ago
Is very personable . Told us the problem and exact cause. We really appreciate that! Did a find job for us. Advised us too - all was under warranty Larry and Diane Pope
Response from the owner:Thank you, Diane, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re grateful you appreciated our professionalism in staying on site, diagnosing the issue, and getting the right parts to complete the repair. Please call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing service for your system.
Michael H.
6 days ago
Great job. Please send him back when we need service again.
Response from the owner:Thank you! Glad he took great care of you—we’ll have him back when you need us.
Ilene L.
6 days ago
Southern Air technician Justin C. is the best technician I have ever had work on my systems. He is polite, professional and trustworthy. He is very knowledgeable with the equipment. 10 🌟
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ilene, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad Justin provided a professional, trustworthy visit and clearly explained your system with strong technical know-how. If you’d like, please call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing service.
Church S.
7 days ago
Tech came out to evaluate our system and found that it must be replaced. He examined the system and found that the unit was not too old and not worth repairing. Will be meeting with sales team for estimate to replace the unit.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate you noting how thoroughly our technician evaluated your system and helped you understand why replacement made more sense than repair, and we aim to stay professional from the first visit through the estimate. Please call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing service.
Ida F.
1 week ago
He was detailed and very pleasant to work with.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ida, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad you appreciated the detailed work and how pleasant the visit felt, and we pride ourselves on our professionalism. If you ever need a seasonal tune-up or would like to set up ongoing service, please give us a call.
Beth A.
1 week ago
Very nice experience as always. Thanks J. 6 months new system maintenance .
Response from the owner:Thank you, Beth, for your feedback and for continuing to trust Southern Air for your new system maintenance. We pride ourselves on professionalism, and we’re glad your visit with our team went smoothly again. Please call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing service.
Bryon K Evans S.
1 week ago
Awesome Technicians. Knowledgeable & Thorough Service
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review, Bryon! I'm glad to hear that our technicians provided knowledgeable and thorough service for your HVAC needs. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you again.
DonaRae L.
1 week ago
Communication was excellent all along from scheduling the service to completion of the service call.
Response from the owner:Thank you, DonaRae, for your feedback and for highlighting how smoothly things went from scheduling through the completed visit. We pride ourselves on fast response and professional communication every step of the way. If you would like to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing service, please call us anytime.
Nana A.
1 week ago
Lake was very knowledgeable and efficient. I would recommend this employee. Great person to work on air
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We know how important it is to have issues resolved quickly, and we’re glad Robert was able to take care of the drain problem promptly and professionally. We appreciate you trusting Southern Air!
Tony D.
1 week ago
Dylan was extremely courteous, professional, and a pleasure to interact with for my A/C check.Thank you
Response from the owner:Tony, thank you for taking the time to leave this review. I’m glad Dylan made your A/C check easy with his courtesy and professionalism, and we appreciate you choosing Southern Air.
Judy
2 weeks ago
Our first experience having Southern Air service was due to A/C unit going down. Contact person at the office, I believe Gabby, was courteous and mentioned they had a technician available late morning on same day. We received a text with Justin's pic attached to say he would be in. Unbelievable, he was here within 3 hours. Justin is very knowledgeable with his work. He kept us informed of what he was doing. He's courteous and respectful to speak with. He's a great asset to the company. They've gained an additional satisfied customer. Unfortunately, the previous company we were with, about 11 years, could not respond to our needs or apparently cared. We will share our experience with Southern Air with our neighbors and church family. Thank you Southern Air and Justin! Bob & Judy Today's visit..2/21/24 5 Star technician with Southern Air. Justin is well informed and knowledgeable with his delivery of quality service. He is a man of integrity. Thank you Southern Air for offering quality technicians to the community. Bob & Judy
Response from the owner:We're overjoyed to see your 5-star rating! Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us.
Quyen D.
2 weeks ago
Very good in what he does, pleasant and knowledgeable.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Quyen, for your feedback and for noting how pleasant and knowledgeable our technician was. We pride ourselves on professionalism and a fast response on every visit. Please call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing service for your HVAC system.
Anna D.
2 weeks ago
Albert was polite, professional and took the time to explain maintenance and warranty options to me. No pressure. Very satisfied with 6 month p.m.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Anna, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad you received quick, courteous, professional service and that our team answered your questions clearly, since fast response is a point of pride for us. Please call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing maintenance service.
Michael
2 weeks ago
Tech was very professional and courteous.. and answered all my questions
Response from the owner:Michael, thank you for the 5 Star Review! It means a lot!
Gemeinschaft79
2 weeks ago
Jadon came to perform routine maintenance on our house AC unit and our Daikin unit. He was in tine, friendly and professional. He worked quickly and efficiently. Southern Air has been wonderful to work with and I would recommend them to anyone who his looking for a new air conditioning service. Thanks Jason!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback! We're thrilled to hear Justin was prompt, professional, and efficient during your maintenance visit. It’s always our goal to make AC service smooth and stress-free. We appreciate your recommendation and the opportunity to serve you!
George K.
2 weeks ago
Perfect as always
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, George. We’re glad everything continued to go smoothly, and we aim to keep every visit professional from start to finish. Please call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing service.
Debby E.
2 weeks ago
Trent was on time and very professional. He was very helpful, and explained everything he was doing in a way I would understand. I would give him an A+!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Debby. I'm glad to hear that Justin was able to help get you back up and running quickly. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again in the future.

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