Keeping your home comfortable with a split system AC shouldn’t feel difficult when the summer heat rolls in. If you are unfamiliar with a split system, it is one of the simplest and most energy-efficient options for cooling and heating indoor spaces.
What Is a Split System AC: Understanding Its Components
A split system air conditioner is an air conditioning system with two separate parts, called units. Some people even refer to it as a split-unit system.
Every split AC has indoor and outdoor units connected by insulated pipes. The indoor unit is usually mounted on a wall within the space that needs to be cooled, while the outdoor unit is on the exterior of the room or space. Having separate indoor and outdoor units helps improve temperature control and often makes the system more energy efficient.
The indoor and outdoor units work together to cool and regulate the temperature inside your space. Many split systems can also provide heating. Split systems are also known for being easy to install and maintain.
How Does a Split System Air Conditioner Work?
It can be helpful to understand what the indoor and outdoor parts do in a split system AC unit to understand how the whole system works.
A split system air conditioner helps keep your home cool by moving heat from inside your house to the outside. It’s called a “split” system because it has two main parts: one part inside your home and one part outside.
The outdoor unit is often called the condenser. It holds a compressor (which acts like a pump), a fan and coils. The outdoor unit works to release heat from your home into the outside air.
The indoor unit usually has a blower (a fan that pushes air), a filter and an evaporator coil. The indoor part of the split system is responsible for cooling the air before it’s blown back into your home.
Here is a quick breakdown of how this process goes:
- When you turn on your AC, the outdoor unit starts by pushing a cooling liquid called refrigerant through the system.
- Then, the refrigerant flows through coils and is cooled down by a fan, turning it into a cold liquid.
- This cold refrigerant moves into the indoor unit, where it flows through the evaporator coil.
- Warm air from your home blows over the cold coil. The coil pulls heat and moisture out of the air, making it cooler and drier.
- That cooled air is then blown back into your home.
- The refrigerant, now warmer again, goes back outside to release the heat and starts the cycle all over again.
Some split systems also use a heat pump, which means they can also heat your home in the winter.
Split systems are popular because they are energy efficient and allow you to easily control your home’s temperature. An HVAC professional can help you determine if this is the right system for your house.
What Is the Difference Between Central AC and Split AC?
Split units are not the only type of air conditioning system. Another common option is a central AC unit, pictured above. While both perform the same function, they differ in several ways.
Here are some insights into the main differences between central and split AC systems:
- Setup and design
- Functionality
- Usage
Let’s dive into each of these a bit more.
Setup and Design
A split unit is mainly made up of the indoor and outdoor units that are connected with insulated cable. A central AC, on the other hand, has a more complicated makeup. Simply put, it mainly consists of a single outdoor unit, indoor vents and ductwork to connect both.
A split system AC unit installation requires very little pipework, while a central air system needs more complex ductwork installed in the walls or ceilings.
Functionality
In both types of systems, the outdoor unit does the same job of removing heat from your home.
However, the indoor components work differently. In a split system, the indoor unit is usually mounted on a wall and uses small pipes to cool the air in that room. A central system uses ceiling ducts to move cooled air through the house.
Usage
Split units are best suited for smaller spaces with good ventilation and simple air conditioning needs. Central AC systems may be better suited for larger spaces that need multi-room cooling.
Central AC Versus Split AC: Which Is Better?
Both systems can do a good job of cooling your home. Considering some important factors like your specific AC needs, tolerance for noise, budget and energy efficiency concerns can help you decide which one will work best for your home.
A key factor to consider is your tolerance level for noise. In general, a split unit system works quietly, while a central AC system will be noisier. In addition, split systems are generally more energy-efficient, while central AC systems may use more energy.
If energy efficiency and noise concerns are top priorities, your best bet is to go for a split system. But if you need to cool an entire home with multiple rooms, a central AC system might be a better choice.
An HVAC professional can help you find the right choice. They will take into account your needs and budget.
What is the Lifespan of a Split AC?
A split unit air conditioner should serve you well for at least 10 to 15 years. The life expectancy can even be as high as 20 years if you adhere to the following routine maintenance recommendations:
- Regularly changing the filter
- General DIY care
- Routine servicing
Let’s dive into each of these maintenance tasks a bit more.
Regularly Changing the Filter
Generally, experts recommend changing your AC filters at least every three months.
General DIY Care
Switch off your AC when not in use and gently clean the exterior surface regularly. It’s also important to escalate any strange signs or concerns you may have to a professional. This may include an issue where you notice your AC is not blowing cold air.
Routine Servicing
Just like any other appliance, your split AC system requires regular maintenance. This maintenance is best handled by a trained expert, who can help extend the life of your system
You should have your unit serviced by a professional at least once a year. If you frequently use your unit, it may need to be serviced more often. If you notice any major changes in the system before the next service call, contact an HVAC expert for an inspection. If you notice that your AC is running but not cooling, it’s time to reach out for help.
Turn to the Pros for Help
A professional can help you in many ways when it comes to your HVAC unit. If you’re installing a new system, they can look at your home and tell you what size and model will work best. An HVAC pro can provide valuable information to help keep your AC unit working at its best. They can also help diagnose problems, for instance, when your AC isn’t cooling enough.
ABC Can Install and Maintain Your AC System
If you’re considering a split system AC unit, we can help. ABC Home & Commercial Services can help you find the right system for your space and handle the installation from start to finish. To keep things running smoothly year-round, we offer routine AC maintenance to extend the life of your system and help you avoid breakdowns.
