HVAC San Diego Buyers Guide: Ductless Mini Splits

When we’re buying a home in San Diego, we know that our AC and heating unit is called an HVAC system, which stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. There’s an entire glossary for HVAC, but what we don’t know are specific terms that identify designs within the HVAC system. We’re going to tell you all about a ductless mini split air conditioner and guide you on how to buy one.

What is a ductless mini-split?

In simple terms, this means that part of the unit is inside and part of it is outside. Typically, the outdoor device is known as the condenser and the inside device is the evaporator. The line units connect these two devices together to cool different zones of the home. This isn’t quite a central air conditioning system, but it’s similar. You can use either one device or both to cool the area and your inside unit could easily be mounted to either the ceiling or your walls.

Remember that you must also purchase tubing when you decide to install a ductless mini-split. These tubes will make sure your outdoor and indoor units are connected. Without these tubes, you will not be able to run your units together.

What does “zone” mean?

A zone is a room. If you have multiple rooms and lots of walls, rather than an open concept, you’re going to have to count each room as a zone. When you have more zones, you need more BTU’s within your air conditioner. Typically, you’ll have one indoor unit per room if your space is large, but remember: the larger the room square foot wise, the more BTUs you’ll need. If you know the size of your room but now how many BTUs you need your air conditioner, there are plenty of online calculators that can help.

There are single and multiple zones, as well. The outdoor unit may be for only one zone in your house, whereas there are other units that are meant for multiple zones indoors. If you want everyone to stay cool, make sure you purchase and install a cooperating outdoor unit.

Can I use multiple units at the same time?

If the BTUs of the units inside add up to a BTU number that is larger than your outdoor unit, then you cannot run every unit at the same time on maximum. This will short out your air conditioner system and it will not work.

Can I install it myself?

Ductless split air conditioners should be installed by a licensed HVAC contractor. San Diego has plenty of them. You cannot install these units yourself, as they must follow regional and state codes.  However, this type of unit is much less complicated to install than central air but it’s not as simple as your normal window AC unit.

AIRMAKERS HEATING and AIR

5 Stars for Airmakers

World class is how I would rate Airmakers heating and Air Conditioning. I called Airmakers one afternoon because of all the good reviews they have. It seems everyone likes their customer service. They did not disappoint. The crew arrived after I had called them last minute and got right to work replacing my furnace since it hadn’t worked for over two years. They were done in a very short while and went over everything they did. They even charge me less than what they expected it to cost because the old furnace came out so easily.

Van, who I think is the owner, said something that I really appreciate. Before he came out, he asked me to write an honest review for him on the internet. I’ve been asked this before, but never before work began. Always afterward. That’s honesty! I was fully prepared to write a negative review if that is how it turned out, but I am very pleased with Airmakers service and price. For San Diego heating and air conditioning, they’ve got to be the best in the area.

Douglas F.

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R.E. Furnace Installation, just completed

Your installing team of Van Johnson and Joe arrived when they said they would and got right to work. I was impressed with how VERY careful they were while removing the old furnace and bringing in the new AND with their pleasant demeanor. They had it installed in short order but . . .

A problem developed (bad part on the new furnace) and I became ballistic. Van secured a promise of next-day delivery of the part from your normal source but when I objected to having no furnace overnight  (and possibly running into the weekend  when no one works and a party planned here with overnight guests as well!)  He and Joe set out and found the necessary part in the area and got us working. Van was very patient and polite with my whining (I  was frantic, boxes out of the attic waiting to be stowed away and the prospect of a cold night or going to a motel). They just set out to take care of the problem.

While they were out hunting, I left messages for our salesman, Steve Sweeney (who did return the call and spoke to Van) and also the number Steve supplied for the Project Coordinator, in the event he was unavailable. That experience was not as pleasant. Was told “these things happen” and the usual “doing all they can”. Van and Joe went beyond the usual and I want you to know they are serving your image well.

All’s well that ends well thanks to those two guys.

Mrs. William Monks

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Heating/Cooling installation

Subject: Central Heating Unit Install by Van Johnson

1. I recently purchased a new central heating unit for my house. After the unit was installed, we learned that the flue was not large enough to handle the heater. I would like to commend VAN JOHNSON of Airmakers in San Diego, CA who installed the unit.
2. Mr. Johnson continued to work with me and came back to resolve the issue until it was completed.
3. He was courteous and professional and gave me his best service. I would be happy to recommend him to any of my friends.
4. Mr. Johnson demonstrated the best in customer service after we learned we had a problem with the flue. I thank him for the good service in correcting this problem.
   Thanks again Van for doing the right thing!

Jerry W. Shirley

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I first met Van in 2003 when he introduced himself and his air conditioning and heating company, Airmakers to our Mira Mesa real estate office. I like the ambition I saw in him to build his business and have since called on him many, many times for both my clients and for myself personally. He has  done estimates, repairs, new installations and emergency service calls too. He always answers his call and is very quick to service even on weekends or after hours. His work is excellent and his prices are excellent too! I have no problem giving a high recommendation for Van Johnson and Airmakers.

Brooke Chambless