What makes up a ductless mini split system?

A mini-split system has three main parts: an outdoor unit, one or more indoor units, and the conduit connecting them

The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coil — the components that do the heavy lifting of compressing refrigerant and releasing or absorbing heat. Indoor air-handling units, mounted on a wall, ceiling, or floor in each room, contain an evaporator coil and a fan that deliver conditioned air. A slim conduit runs between them carrying refrigerant lines, a condensate drain, and power/control wiring — no ductwork anywhere in the system.

The core components

• Outdoor condenser/compressor unit — sits outside like a traditional AC condenser, but often smaller and quieter
• Indoor air-handling unit(s) — one per zone, each with its own fan and often its own remote or thermostat control
• Refrigerant lines — copper tubing carrying refrigerant between outdoor and indoor units
• Condensate drain line — removes the moisture the indoor unit pulls out of the air
• Electrical/control wiring — links the indoor and outdoor units so they communicate and share power

Single-zone versus multi-zone

A single-zone system connects one outdoor unit to one indoor unit, ideal for a single room or addition. A multi-zone system connects one larger outdoor unit to two or more indoor units in different rooms, each controlled independently — useful for conditioning several spaces without installing a separate outdoor unit for each one.

What isn't part of the system

Unlike a central system, there's no furnace, no air handler in a closet or attic, and no network of ducts running through the house — that's the whole appeal for homes where ductwork isn't practical.

Not sure how many zones your home would need? LJ Refrigeration Co. can lay it out for you — call (480) 948-5004.