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How a Multi-Split Air Conditioner Works

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Split air conditioners are known to be more powerful, effective, and cost-efficient than other kinds of air conditioners, which has increased their popularity among current buyers.

Multi-head split system air conditioning is the most popular air conditioning system internationally. But did you know that single-split AC and multi-split AC are different types of split air conditioners?

If you’re unsure how a multi-split air conditioner works at home, how many indoor units it comes with, or its difference from a single-split system air conditioner, then keep reading as we will take you through everything you need to learn about how multi-split air conditioners work!


What Is a Multi-Split System Air Conditioner?

A multi-split system air conditioner is more powerful, quieter, and more energy efficient than window, wall, and portable air conditioners. In addition, a multi-head split system air conditioner has an entire system of built-in sensors and features like inverter technology, motion sensors, Wi-Fi, and air purifiers or ionizers.

A multi-head split system is essentially the bigger sibling of a single-wall split air conditioner. So that one outdoor unit may power multiple inside wall-mounted devices. A multi-split system air conditioner may connect 2 to 5 indoor units with just one outdoor compressor.

Let’s learn more about the features of this device. There are different varieties of multi-split system air conditioners available nowadays, and most multi-split air conditioning systems feature the following:

Inverter Technology

The compressor turns on when the thermostat determines that more heat in multiple rooms or cool air is needed. It starts when the thermostat detects that the desired temperature is achieved, and the compressor turns on and off whenever significant amounts of energy are consumed.

The problem is solved by the inverter technology, also known as variable speeds technology, which enables the compressor to run at different rates. When necessary, machinery slows down and speeds up to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature.

Heat Pumps

Both have a lot in common when comparing a multi-split air conditioner to a mini-split air conditioner. For instance, these two rely on heat pumps to warm air and cool the air.

Heat pumps are praised for their energy-efficient operation. They consume much less energy than traditional furnaces and air conditioners since they use heat’s natural tendency to flow from hot to cool places.

A minimal quantity of power is required to advance the process. It is reversed by the heat pumps, allowing them to heat and cool a room with only a minimal amount of additional energy.

Specialized Sensors

The inverter technology notably contributes to temperature stability, enhanced even further by specialized sensors.

They automatically adapt when they notice even little temperature changes. These motion sensors are placed in each room in multi-split systems, ensuring that the correct temperature remains stable in each zone.


Are Multi-Split Air Conditioners Right for Me?

A multi-split system air conditioner is an excellent choice if you prefer:

  • Air conditioning system to circulate in more than one room in your home.
  • A customized atmosphere while also reducing energy consumption.
  • To keep your place cool since you will have individual control over it and can adjust the temperature control.
  • A low-cost air conditioning system perfect for limited space owners who can’t afford a ducted system.
  • An air conditioner that is adaptable since it can hold up to five different outlets, all powered by one outdoor compressor and controlled by one remote.

Multi-split air conditioners are no different from other split system air conditioners with their technology. They frequently have system built-in features like energy efficiency, thermostat senses, and air purifiers or ionizers. These capabilities allow you to achieve greater energy savings with cooling capacity.

Meanwhile, comparing the ducted air conditioner against multi-split systems that use multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit, ducted air conditioners use ducts to deliver cold or warm air. They both provide zoned heating and cooling, but their approaches are different.


How Does a Multi-Air Conditioner Work?

A multi-split system has multiple indoor outlets that all connect to one outdoor unit and one compressor. The indoor outlets are all linked to the one outdoor unit through condensate drain lines and electrical wires.

Instead of using a complex duct system, multi-split air conditioners connect their single outdoor unit compressor to four to five internal air outlets via refrigerant lines.

Along with the refrigerant tubing, the indoor air outlets connect to the outdoor units with condensate drain lines and power cables. Although each indoor air outlet is separately controlled, they are connected with the same outdoor heat pump unit to absorb or disperse heat.

In the same way as a single-split air conditioner, a multi-split air conditioner uses a heat pump to absorb or distribute heat. A heat pump works by removing the heat from the outdoor environment and transferring it indoors.


What Is the Difference Between Split AC and Multi Split AC?

  • A multi-split air conditioner allows you to cool multiple rooms, while a split air conditioner only one room at a time.
  • A multi-head split system air conditioner includes up to five multiple air outlets which are all connected to one compressor, as opposed to a split air conditioning outdoor unit connected from a single compressor and single air outlet.
  • Multi-split air conditioning has an outdoor unit compressor connected to the indoor unit. Interior units can be wall-mounted, floor-standing, ceiling space mounted, or by refrigerant pipelines and cables.
  • While the split air conditioner has plenty of condenser units with the same cooling capacity, the multi-split air conditioner only has one condenser. Many of the performances of a multi-split air conditioner are identical to those of an inverter split air conditioner because they are always of the inverter type.
  • Comparing multi-head split system air conditioning to non-inverter split air conditioning is unfair and inaccurate because they don’t have the same technology. The majority of the advantages of the multi-split air conditioner over the non-inverter split air conditioners are due to the inverter technology itself, not the multi-split system.

What Is the Advantage of a Multi Split Air Conditioner?

There are plenty of great reasons to consider multi-split air conditioning and keep the cooling capacity in your home throughout the hottest days of the year! Here are some advantages of owning a multi-head split system AC:

Energy Efficiency

Energy-saving features with heat or cool individual room options can contribute to lower power and operating expenses. You can also avoid wasting energy by selecting the appropriate indoor air outlet unit for each room.

It will not be adequately cool in the room if the incorrect unit is installed, which may lead to energy wastage. A unit that is too large for a smaller room consumes more power every time it is turned on than a smaller one running for a longer amount of time.

Convenience and Versatility

Multi-split system air conditioning provides exceptional versatility and convenience, allowing you to select the most suitable indoor unit for each room in your home.

For bigger living rooms, you can install a maximum-capacity air conditioner. For bedrooms, you can install smaller indoor units for a quieter air conditioner. It enables you to regulate the environment and temperature in your home on a room-by-room basis.

Quiet

Multi-head split system air conditioning systems are silent and peaceful.

Independently Control

You may save money and improve comfort by heating or cooling individual rooms. Up to five indoor units of air outlet choices can be utilized, each powered by a single outside compressor and managed by a wireless remote.

Cost-Effective Maintenance

Servicing a multi-split air conditioner may be less expensive. The quantity and size of air conditioners impact professional servicing costs, resulting in fewer air conditioners, or a single indoor unit may have lower maintenance costs.


Final Thoughts

We hope this article helped you decide whether you want to try purchasing a multi-split air conditioner. We know how crucial it can be to pick an air conditioning system and understand its features.

Given the options available in the market, a consumer’s choices may change depending on their preference. That’s why before making an important decision, list the pros and cons of the system you like and go for the best one for you!

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JP Reyes

JP has been in the aircon industry for almost as long as he has been alive. As a child JP would help his tatay fix aircon units at their junk shop in Cavite. After graduating UP in the early 2000's, JP then started his own Aircon servicing business and within 5 years had 10 shops in 8 different cities. Fast forward to today and JP brings all his experience and expertise online to give readers trustworthy advice and reviews about Air-conditioning buying, servicing, cleaning and repair in the Philippines.

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