Ductless Mini Split HVAC
Mini splits with ductless ducts eliminate the requirement for ductwork. This allows for greater flexibility in terms of the location where outdoor and indoor units are put in.
It is essential to select the appropriate size for your mini split system. This is accomplished through the process of load calculation. A professional can ensure that your system is sized to meet your needs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Mini splits equipped with ductless technology are a great way to cool and heat your home. They do not make use of air ducts for the distribution of conditioned air. Instead, an indoor unit uses an air-cooled compressor to heat or cool the air, and a blower sends it directly into the room using refrigerant tubing. The system’s high SEER2 rating enables it to use less power than conventional AC, which results in lower energy costs.
Another reason to opt for a air-tight ductless cooling and heating system is that it removes the need for expensive ductwork. Traditional duct systems usually add another 30% to the home’s energy bill. This is because air loses energy when it travels through the duct system. Mini splits that are ductless do not suffer from this issue because they do not use ductwork.
Additionally they can be installed in hard-to-heat areas that are difficult to retrofit with ductwork. For instance homeowners can convert their garages into a gym and want to have the space comfortable while exercising. The HVAC system that is ductless can be placed on the ceiling or wall in these rooms.
Many homeowners also appreciate the appearance of a ductless unit, since they don’t need to deal with ugly vents on the ceiling or walls. Many of the units are sleek and minimalist and blend well into the surrounding space.
To ensure that a ductless mini-split system is efficient it is crucial to select the appropriate size for the room. A technician can help you determine the necessary British thermal units (BTUs) for the room based on its usage and your requirements. This will help you find the best units and install them in a proper manner. After that, the ductless mini-split will work efficiently and save you money over time. In fact, you can count on a full return on investment in as little as five years! Furthermore, you can expect significant savings when you compare your utility bills with those of your neighbors who do not have ductless cooling and heating systems.
2. Convenience
Ductless mini splits don’t need ductwork to perform their function, and are easy to install. They operate by using a cooling liquid that transfers heat from the air handler to the heat pump, and back again. This is done through flexible tubing that can be installed behind your walls or ceilings. This makes a ductless system ideal for rooms like sunrooms, basements, or garages that don’t have ductwork. It’s also a great option to add a new room to your house such as an outdoor patio or sunroom.
You can adjust the temperature in each zone independently, as every indoor air handling unit and distribution unit has a thermostat. This lets you keep spaces that are frequently busy at a higher temperature than rooms that are less used and can save money on your electricity bill.
Another benefit is the improved indoor air quality. The air you breathe won’t be circulated through dirty filters that collect dust and allergens as well as germs. This can lead to respiratory irritation and a host of health issues, however the mini split ductless system’s high-efficiency filter can help eliminate these particles and improve your family’s respiratory health.
The majority of ductless systems offer the option of operating in a heating mode during colder months. This versatility, when combined with a dehumidification option, can make your home more comfortable all year round.
Mini splits with ductless technology are a great option for homeowners who wish to cool a finished basement or bonus room but don’t have the money to invest in traditional HVAC. The cost of a ductless system is contingent on the amount of air conditioning units you buy and how complex the installation process is. It is essential to employ an experienced HVAC contractor to ensure that you get the most efficient system that fits your budget. It is recommended to get an estimate from more than one company to compare prices and the services. If you’re trying to finance your ductless system, consider opening a HELOC or borrowing against your equity. These options can help you avoid paying interest while you pay off your debt.
3. Versatility
Mini splits equipped with ductless technology have multiple operating modes. They can do more than cool your home. They can also heat it, which is ideal for our frigid Washington winters. They’re also designed to run quietly.
This flexibility is the reason why ductless systems are ideal for room additions, renovations and new construction. They’re perfect for homes that don’t have ductwork or aren’t suited to install ductwork in areas such as garages, patios and sunrooms. These spaces are often hard to cool or heat with a standard HVAC system. You can design zones to heat or cool these spaces by using the air ductless system.
Many ductless systems are able to cool and heat up to four rooms or spaces, and some even up to eight. These systems are able to achieve this feat by using multiple indoor air handlers connected to a single outdoor compressor unit. This is able to eliminate ductwork and helps save time and money on maintenance and installation.
In contrast to traditional HVAC systems, which burn fossil fuels to heat or cool your home, ductless systems use an environmentally friendly electric heat pump to transfer heat into or out of your space. This reduces the carbon footprint of your home and makes it healthier.
Another benefit of these systems is their capacity to eliminate impurities from the air, which is also good for your health. These pollutants include smoke from cigarettes, dirt, dust, allergens, and other harmful substances. By keeping your filters clean and hygienic, you can improve the air quality of your home, while also protecting your ductless system.
These systems are great for a variety of reasons, but they are not suitable for every home. If you live in slab foundations, or an older home with no ductwork, or if you are planning to build on your home in the near future, you should consider both ducted and non-ducted alternatives. Also, while these systems are efficient, it’s important to ask your contractor about how often you need to replace your filter as regular cleanings can help prolong the life of your system.
4. Installation
A ductless mini split system is a fantastic alternative to traditional central air conditioning. Installation is fairly simple especially for homes with no ductwork. The system can be installed within sunrooms, garages home additions, and attics. It is also a great way to convert three-season spaces, like exercise or bedroom spaces, into livable living spaces.
A ductless AC can also provide heating. It operates in a number of modes that are controlled by the thermostat used to control air conditioning. There are three modes: sleep, dehumidify, and auto, which decides the operating mode based upon the ambient temperature.
The ductless system is energy efficient, saving on the cost of electricity. It has smaller units as when compared to other systems. This means that it uses less refrigerant that is required to cool the room. Installing a split ductless system requires an experienced professional as it involves charging of refrigerant as well as the routing of electrical wiring. This type of installation is dangerous and a faulty installation can lead to component damage or costly repairs.
An HVAC professional can help determine the appropriate size of the system by analyzing square footage insulation, ceiling height. He or she will also determine if the system should be sized up or down in accordance with how many people are likely to use the space. A professional can assist you in avoiding an installation that is either under or over-sized, resulting in an unneededly expensive electric bill.
Ductless ACs provide superior indoor air. They can lessen allergies and respiratory problems by eliminating dust, allergens and bacterial buildup. You’ll also spend less money and time for annual duct maintenance.
In addition to charging refrigerant, an expert must also run electrical wiring between the indoor and outdoor units. This task should only be done by a qualified and licensed technician to reduce the chance of sustaining an accidental shock or injury. The technician should also make sure that the exterior compressor unit has enough clearance for circulation and isn’t blocked by trees, snow or bushes accumulation.