How Long Have Mini Splits Been Around?
You’re very appreciative of the ductless mini split system installed in your home now, but have you ever taken a minute to stop and think of how ductless technology has evolved over the years? If not and you’re interested in learning more, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s post, we’ll go over the fascinating history of ductless mini splits.
Air Conditioning History
We can’t properly talk about the origins of ductless mini splits without first discussing where air conditioning comes from. It’s believed that in prehistoric times, the Ancient Egyptians had some form of air conditioning, mostly passive AC. Passive air conditioning controls heat gain to increase cooling without using much energy. That’s right, the Ancient Egyptians were eco-friendly!
Their means of cooling became famous in prehistoric Northern India, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. It wasn’t until the 20th century that passive cooling was replaced as the primary means of cooling buildings and homes. Powered air conditioning became the new norm and has continued into the 21st century.
The Introduction of Ductless
Ductless mini splits came into being sometime in the 1950s, as the first ones were sold in 1954 by Japan’s Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric. As we’re sure you can recall, Mitsubishi still produces ductless mini split systems to this day. Both companies were inspired by the sizes of homes at the time, which skewed smaller, and wanted an appropriate cooling solution for these homes.
Daikin Industries, Ltd. in Japan created multi-zone ductless systems, which is more akin to the ductless mini split systems of today. A multi-zone system means there’s one compressor or condenser and several indoor air-handling units.
You can also thank Daikin for variable refrigerant flow or VRF systems, which are refrigerant-based. A VRF system will have at least one condenser but sometimes more than one. The system also features several indoor units. VRF systems are efficient since they can heat and cool a space simultaneously.
Before these technologies made their way to American soil, VRF and multi-zone systems were exclusively sold in Japan for a number of years.
Ductless Mini Splits Today
These days, ductless mini split technology has become widespread throughout the United States. Outside of Mitsubishi, many other manufacturers produce ductless mini split system as well, so you have your pick of options.
Mini splits can save you money compared to your current heater or air conditioner since the mini split will cool or heat specific zones. You’re no longer wasting cool/warm air output needlessly as you do with traditional HVAC. Very quickly, you’ll notice that your utility bill spending goes down, which is more money in your pocket.
At PowerSave AC, we specialize in ductless mini split systems of all kinds, from single-zone systems to two-zone, three-zone, four-zone, or even five-zone mini splits. With our HVAC load calculator, you can determine what your current HVAC spending is. Our energy savings calculator will help you realize what a difference a mini split system can make for you. Call us today at 877-297-6594 to order your ductless mini split system!
