If you’re used to a conventional air conditioner, you’ll be happy to learn that a mini-split contains very similar parts. The indoor unit is fueled by a liquid known as refrigerant, which pulls heat from the air and reduces its temperature. The cooler air is then pumped into the outdoor unit, which pressurizes the refrigerant gas and transforms it into a liquid. Once the refrigerant has returned to a liquid state, it travels through refrigerant lines that are directly connected to individual AC units in your home. At the end of this process, the resulting cool air is pumped through your home to reduce its temperature.

The key difference between mini split AC and conventional systems is that mini-splits consist of small units that are placed in each room. You can freely adjust the temperature of each AC unit as your needs change. Instead of wasting energy by cooling an unoccupied room, you can shut off the air in that part of the house until you need it again. Not only does this allow you to save energy, but it also helps reduce your utility bills.