If you are in the market for a new HVAC system, it’s important to be aware of all your options before making a final decision. Though traditional central air conditioners and furnaces are the most well-known, there are other options available for keeping your home on Long Island comfortable.
Among your options is what is known as a split system. Understanding what these systems are and what they’re capable of is an important part of making an informed HVAC purchase decision. Here is what you need to know about split systems.
Types of Split Systems
A split-system heat pump installed by B.A.C. Systems Inc. has a compressor that sits outside that both compresses and expands the refrigerant as it passes through a long tube. There are also different switches in the outside component that control the flow of the refrigerant. This ensures that high- or low-pressure refrigerant is sent inside your home, depending on the season.
High-pressure refrigerant is used to draw heat from the outside air and deliver it to your home. Low-pressure refrigerant is used to draw heat from your home and deliver it outside. This process creates an efficient and effective system that can help keep your home comfortable.
A mini-split system works quite similarly to a full-size split-system heat pump. The main differences between the two types of split systems are the size and the fact that mini-split systems don’t push their air through ducts in your home. Instead, mini-split systems output their air directly into the room in which they are located.
What Can They Do?
Split systems can provide both heating and cooling for a single room or for your entire home, depending on the type of system you choose.
When it comes to cold Long Island winters, you may be wondering how a split-system heat pump installed by B.A.C. Systems Inc. is able to extract enough heat from the air to effectively warm your home. The secret lies entirely in the pressurized refrigerant. When pressurized as a gas, the refrigerant is shockingly effective at extracting air from the space through which it passes.
In order to draw in this heat, the refrigerant has to be at a lower temperature than the surrounding air. During cold weather, the refrigerant line can form significant frost on its surface. The heat pump has a defrost cycle that prevents a reduction in efficiency or a bursting of the refrigerant line.
During the defrost cycle, your split unit has to work harder to produce heat since the heat in the refrigerant is being used to defrost the refrigerant line. Most split systems have some type of built-in electric heating element that activates during the defrost cycles.
The only problem here is that electricity isn’t a very efficient way to heat your home, meaning the efficiency of the system will suffer when the weather is especially cold. Otherwise, split systems are great at keeping your home at just the right temperature.
What Are the Advantages
The main benefit of a split system lies in its efficiency.
As long as the system is able to pull heat from the air instead of needing the backup heating element, a split system is exceptionally efficient. Since it relies entirely on the pressure of the refrigerant to do the work of changing the temperature, there is no wasted energy. The amount of energy that is required to pressurize the refrigerant is fairly low. Compared to other types of HVAC systems, split systems provide superb efficiency, which results in lower utility bills.
If you’re still wondering what type of heating and cooling system is best for you, B.A.C. Systems Inc. welcomes your questions. As experts in the HVAC industry, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience that we can use to get you the answers you need.
More than answers, we at B.A.C. Systems Inc. strive to apply our knowledge to each job we do. If you’re considering a ductless system or you’re thinking of something more traditional, we can install and service it all.
We can also take on other jobs, including roofing, siding and windows, masonry, and gutters. We aim to be your one-stop shop for all your home comfort and exterior remodeling needs on Long Island.
Of course, it’s our reputation and integrity that truly matter. To affirm our reputation, we are proud members of both Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau. What really keeps us going are the kind testimonials we receive from customers just like you. Join our long list of satisfied customers by giving us a call today.
