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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.


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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Heidi E.
18 hours ago
From booking appt, to communication, to our tech Albert, all was great. Our mini split system is large & takes all day for a tuneup, and it was a HOT day. Albert was: professional, experienced, thorough, clean & friendly. He even taught us how to use our remotes, which we never fully understood. He also recommend surge protection, which we never thought of. I was especially pleased that we got an appt right away even though it wasn’t an emergency. The original installer said it would be 6 mos! I like their service agreement too (only 1 tuneup/yr instead of 2) and very reasonable considering mine takes all day.
Calvin M C.
2 days ago
Justin takes care of all 3 of my units. He does a great job, I would highly recommend him. 👍👍
Response from the owner:Thank you! We're glad Justin took great care of your 5-ton unit. We appreciate the recommendation and those thumbs up! 👍👍
Doreen J.
2 days ago
As usual he does a great job. He explains everything about what he is doing. Always very polite and very helpful. Would highly recommend him and your company.
Response from the owner:Hi Doreen! We appreciate the review and are glad to be of service!
Therese B.
3 days ago
Got the issue fix in a timely manner. Was very friendly, and was able to answer all my question.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Therese, for your feedback and for choosing Southern Air. We’re glad we could resolve the issue promptly and that our team’s professionalism helped answer your questions clearly. Please call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing HVAC service.
Darrell L.
4 days ago
Dylan got us back up & running quickly.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Darrell, for your feedback. We’re glad our team was on time and provided knowledgeable service, and we pride ourselves on professionalism. Please call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing maintenance.
Tae Kwon T.
4 days ago
Professional and very knowledgeable, he explained everything going on with our unit and took his time making sure there was no more or other issues. Came back several times and was always polite and explained everything he was seeing and how it was going to be fixed. Jamar is an asset to this company. Thank you again for everything.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We appreciate hearing that our professionalism and in-depth explanations made a difference during the servicing of your unit. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we’re glad we could help.
BILL M.
4 days ago
What a great company, walked in the office two days ago, friendly & courteous and set me up for our first appointment for today. The technician that came Lake Batteiger, was an awesome young man and again friendly, knowledgeable and did one heck of a job for me! Look forward to having Southern Air take care of us for years to come! Thank you, Bill Merrill
Response from the owner:Thank you, Bill, for your feedback and for choosing Southern Air. We’re glad our office team made scheduling easy and that our technician delivered professional, knowledgeable service during your first visit. Please feel free to call us anytime for seasonal tune-ups or to set up ongoing service so we can keep your system running reliably for years.
Lisa B.
5 days ago
Randy Church did great job conducting my annual service to my two Daikin units. He was able to get the service done and very polite.
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave this feedback! Randy will be happy to hear his efforts made a positive impression.
Jacob A.
5 days ago
Professional, informative, and friendly. Convenient service.
Response from the owner:Jacob we thank you for the 5 Star review and appreciate your business.
Jane H.
6 days ago
Albert completed a maintenance service on our two ac units. He is knowledgeable, efficient, and extremely professional. He explains everything he has done and in layman’s terms any issues we might need to address. He is definitely a 5 star employee.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jane, for your feedback and for sharing your experience with Albert’s maintenance visit on your two AC units. We’re glad his professionalism and clear, easy to understand explanations stood out, and fast response is a key strength we work hard to deliver. Please call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing service for worry-free comfort year-round.
Sharon L.
7 days ago
Dylan was very informative and thorough. He called me to inform me of the work that was done because it was storming so bad. Safety is important. Nothing was paid because I have the service plan through the company, Southern Air. Great company to work with.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your feedback and for trusting Southern Air with your service plan. We’re glad Dylan kept you informed, worked thoroughly, and prioritized safety in the severe weather, and our professionalism is something we work hard to deliver on every visit. Please feel free to call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or to set up ongoing service.
Linda S.
7 days ago
Very friendly and professional!
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for the kind words! We really appreciate you noticing the little things—we’re always aiming to bring our best. Hope to see you again down the road!
Carmen M.
7 days ago
Lake did an excellent job! He was friendly knowledgeable, and professional. My dog liked him too!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the glowing review! We're so glad Albert took great care of you and made everything easy to understand. We truly appreciate your continued support and kind recommendations — it means the world to our team!
Raymond B.
7 days ago
I called Southern Air this morning (Monday)at 8:00 AM as our AC stopped working Sunday night. They dispatched Dylan Pacetti. He was here by 9:00 AM, analyzed the problem, made the repair, and was finished by 10:00 AM. Very speedy and professional service!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Raymond, for your feedback and for choosing Southern Air for your first visit. We’re glad Albert arrived early, treated you with courtesy and professionalism, and took time to walk through possible future concerns, and our fast response is something we work hard to maintain. Please call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing service.
Anna D.
1 week ago
Justin C.was polite and did professional service. Awesome job, took time to explain what happened and answered all my questions. Could not ask for better-thank you Justin!
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.
Phil M.
1 week ago
Woke up out unit was out. Called and within an hour we were fixed and cooling. Great service.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Phil, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad we could respond quickly and get your system back to cooling the same morning, and we pride ourselves on fast response and professionalism. If you’d like, please call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing service to help prevent surprises.
reynol G.
1 week ago
Very polite and professional. He repaired our A/C and did not leave until he made sure it was working good and cooling.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Reynol, for your feedback. We’re glad you appreciated our professionalism and that we stayed to confirm your A/C was cooling properly, along with our fast response. Please call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing service.
Jessica H.
1 week ago
Lake was really nice and knowledgeable. Did the maintenance efficiently. Took care to even put on shoes covers to walk back inside as to not bring mud indoors. 10/10 service as usual. Great company and employees. Thanks Southern Air!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jessica, for your feedback and for noting our professionalism. We’re glad Lake provided knowledgeable, efficient maintenance and took care to keep your home clean with shoe covers. Please call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing service.
Larry Wayne D.
2 weeks ago
Gabby took my initial call and was very personable and helpful. Jamar (Technician) showed up ready to work and listened carefully to what was happening with the system. He was very detailed while troubleshooting our system and in his explanation of next steps. I am looking forward to working with Southern on the rest of the process! Great job so far!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Larry, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad our team made your first call smooth and that the technician arrived prepared, listened closely, and explained the next steps clearly, and we pride ourselves on our professionalism. Please call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or to set up ongoing HVAC service.
John M.
2 weeks ago
Southern Heat and Air of Palatka,Florida has great service. I highly recommend everyone to use this company for A/C work in their homes. They are very pleasant and the job gets done fast. Thank you for your service
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, John. It's wonderful to hear you appreciated our prompt and friendly service. We’re grateful for your recommendation!
Jody H.
2 weeks ago
Dylan our technician very friendly and answered all our questions. Very informative! We'd like him to be our technician when servicing the unit.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jody, for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad Dylan was friendly, informative, and helped answer your questions, and we appreciate your note about requesting him for future visits, professionalism is a priority for us. Please feel free to call us anytime to schedule a seasonal tune-up or set up ongoing service for your system.
Kimberly M.
2 weeks ago
Very professional
Response from the owner:Kimberly, thanks for your feedback. We’re glad to know the service met your expectations, even if the root cause wasn’t fully resolved during the visit. Our team is committed to finding solutions, and we’re always available if you need further support. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
HARRY S.
2 weeks ago
Tech did a great job explaining everything with fast friendly service.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Harry! We’re really pleased to hear that our tech was able to clearly explain everything during the service call. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we’re glad to have made a positive impression.
MelindaArnie C.
2 weeks ago
Randy Church was our technician. He showed up on time. He thoroughly serviced our system and found the capacitor was going bad. He had the capacitor changed in no time, all while dodging wasps. Thank you Randy and Southern Air!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Melinda, for sharing your feedback. We’re glad our professionalism came through with an on time arrival, a thorough service visit, and a quick capacitor replacement that helped keep your system running safely. Please call us anytime to schedule seasonal tune-ups or set up ongoing service.
Raymond W.
2 weeks ago
Jamar Witt, was very efficient very pleasant. He serviced my AC unit and did a great job. Excellent technician. I would highly recommend Southern Air to my friends and family.🌹👍
Response from the owner:Raymond, thank you for taking the time to leave a glowing 5-star review for our company. We are so glad to hear that our HVAC technician was able to get the problem solved in a prompt manner.

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