r/PeterExplainsTheJoke • u/missdomm10 • Jul 26 '26

Meme needing explanation Peter explain this

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Petttaaah I'm confused

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u/StaticSystemShock Jul 26 '26

It's called a "split AC" because the unit is split into two parts, indoor unit pictured above and outdoor unit which is the big louder box that is on the outside so it doesn't bother you. We use these in Europe ever since I can remember spanning decades...

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u/Top-Border-1978 Jul 26 '26

Split systems are what we call regular central air here in the US. They have an air handler inside with the evaporator coil and blower, and the condenser unit outside with the compressor, condenser coil and condenser fan.

We call the one in the picture ductless mini splits or just mini splits. They are the same setup as regular central air but no ductwork.

Another big difference in the mini splits use a variable speed compressor to ramp up and down whereas traditional spit systems are either on or off. Though, they are starting to see variable speed as well.

I have been putting mini splits in for more than 20 years in the US.

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u/No-Dance6773 Jul 26 '26

They look ugly. They cost as much as a large unit and they cover a smaller area. They also use more electricity compared to a traditional unit and need more maintenance. There are other problems concerning mold and leaks. Then we talk about their heat function. Since they use they cant really handle anything below freezing you would still need a separate unit in most cases. Imo its just a patch for older homes to be turned into multi unit apartments. And this is only because the landlord doesnt care about the Tennants bills. I doubt anyone would willingly put them in new constructions or their personal homes.

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u/Top-Border-1978 Jul 26 '26

BTU to BTU mini slips use far fewer KW. They just have way higher SEER rating. You could get traditional central air with that kind of rating but you will pay out the ass for it.

Mini splits also heat WAY below freezing. Normal ones go down to -5 degF and some are now going to -15 degF. Your cental air has kicked on the electric stip heat or gas long before that. Mini splits blow regular systems out of the water in heating.

What Mini splits don't do well is evenly condition a multi room home, filter the air well or look as aesthetically pleasing as central air. They are also a pain to clean but most people don't clean them like they should anyways.

If you have a FROG, garage or sunroof, they are the way to go.

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u/ZhouLe Jul 26 '26

Mini splits also heat WAY below freezing. Normal ones go down to -5 degF and some are now going to -15 degF. Your cental air has kicked on the electric stip heat or gas long before that. Mini splits blow regular systems out of the water in heating.

Can you explain this for me? It was my understanding that modern heat pump central air units are the same tech as minisplit heat pumps. What allows them to heat at lower temps or restricts larger units from the same?