Mini-Split - Efficient and Effective

It is no secret, mini-split systems have taken a huge chunk of the residential HVAC market because their ease of installation and high efficiency. The heat-pump mini-splits provide both cooling and heating. The RV market on the other hand, have remained fairly constant with large noisy inefficient roof top A/C units being the standard. They only provide cooling so a separate heating system must be used. Let's first look at what a mini-split is, what it can do, and then compare and contrast the two options.

What is a mini-split

A mini-split system, also known as a ductless mini-split, is a heat-pump type of air conditioning and heating system that doesn't require ductwork to distribute air. It consists of two main components.

The Outdoor Unit: This includes the compressor and condenser. It is installed outside the building or RV.

The Indoor Unit: This is the evaporator unit, which is mounted on the wall or ceiling inside the building or RV. It is responsible for blowing the cooled or heated air into the living space.

How It Works: The system operates using a refrigerant cycle, where the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside the space via the indoor unit and releases it outside through the outdoor unit. For the wintertime, the process is reverse and it is able to convert even air in frigid temperatures (some into the single digits) into heat that is then entered into the home/RV.

Lets compare a mini-split with a roof-top AC unit.

Efficiency Factors:

1. Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) / Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER):

- Mini-Split Systems: These often have higher SEER ratings, typically ranging from 18 to 24 or more, indicating they use less electricity to produce the same cooling output compared to traditional units. Some mini-split units can also operate at variable speeds, further improving efficiency by adjusting power usage based on cooling demand.

- Rooftop RV Air Conditioners: These generally have lower SEER ratings, often between 10 and 15. They are designed for the specific space and weight constraints of RVs, but they are typically less efficient than mini-splits.

2. Installation and Operation:

- Mini-Split Systems: Retrofitting an existing RV with a mini-split cold be complex, but in a new custom build, it is designed for it. They are not installed on the rooftop, so frees up that space enabling higher ceiling heights. It does require an external compressor unit and an internal evaporator unit, which can be installed in a location that optimizes air distribution. The operation is very quiet, often not discernible even when standing next to the external unit. Many top efficiency units require 220v

- Rooftop RV Air Conditioners: These are easier to install in existing RVs as they are designed specifically for RVs, fitting into a pre-existing rooftop cutout. However, they tend to be noisier and less efficient because of their smaller, compact design that is constrained by the rooftop space.

3. Power Consumption:

- Mini-Split Systems: Typically consume less power for the same cooling capacity, partly due to their higher SEER ratings and variable speed compressors.

- Rooftop RV Air Conditioners: Tend to consume more power and may not cool as effectively or efficiently, especially in very hot climates or large RVs.

4. Cooling Performance:

- Mini-Split Systems: Provide more consistent and evenly distributed cooling, often with the ability to control temperature in specific zones or areas within the RV.

- Rooftop RV Air Conditioners: May struggle with even cooling, particularly in larger RVs or those with poor insulation.

Overall, the mini-split is the next generation HVAC system. It is what we install into the Barclay Travel Home. Its efficiency and effectiveness as both a cooling and heating unit is tough to argue with. Its quiet operation is like a whisper. Our experience using our Mitsubishi system has really been flawless. It has provided heat when it was -7 degrees outside and cooled us as the external temps exceeded 100 degrees. Using it and living full time for 4 and half years, we had one line set replaced (an industry wide phenomenon) and also had to top off the freon once. Pretty painless.