Split System Air Conditioning The Advantages And Disadvantages
This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of split system air conditioning, where the cold side and hot side are separated for ease of installation and other benefits. First of all, this should be distinguished from ductless air conditioning, which is also known as the mini-split system but its unique feature is that it does not require ductwork while the standard split system may use ductwork. What makes the split system unique is that the cooling and air handling units are separate. Therefore, the ductless type of air conditioning system is also a split system but it has the additional feature of not requiring ductwork. Basically, split system air conditioning is needed when the cooling capacity of the window air conditioner is no longer sufficient.
In the package type of air conditioner, such as thru the wall air conditioners, there is only one motor for the fans blowing through the hot coils and cold coils. However, in split system air conditioning, you have two separate motors for the two fans. While this may seem to be a waste of energy, it also means that it is possible to have a different motor speed for the air handling or cooling unit. Thus, in the split system, the air handling motor has a variable speed and usually operates at a lower speed to save on energy costs. The speed can also be adjusted by the user to achieve the desired environment.
Unfortunately, this particular configuration has the disadvantage of being more costly than conventional central air conditioning systems. This is easy to understand because of the need for two motors and the more complex wiring system that is required. It has been observed that this kind of air conditioning system is 30 percent more expensive when compared to conventional centralized systems of the same cooling capacity. It is also 100 percent more costly than window mounted air conditioners of the same capacity.
On the other hand, one important advantage of the split system is quiet operation. This is because only the air handling unit is operating inside the home or building. When compared to the window and wall mounted air conditioners this advantage is very obvious. Moreover, because the motor for the air handling unit is separate, it can be operated at optimum speed. Thus, an essential advantage of this system is that it requires lower energy costs, which means that it is also more environment-friendly.
Split system air conditioning provides advantages that cannot be ignored by some people, particularly with its low noise and low operating costs. However, one should make sure that the connection between the two main parts is not too long. If this happens, the temperature of the cool air from the compressor could increase substantially as it reaches the air handling unit. It is also advisable to look for reviews that compare these systems with other kinds of air conditioning systems. This will allow you to ensure that you are selecting the best system for your needs.
