Is Ductless Heating And Cooling Best For You?

Are you thinking about heating or cooling your space without ducts? Find out when these systems are the best option and what to anticipate during installation.

Mini-split systems, often known as ductless HVAC systems, are incredibly effective and consistently comfortable. However, each homeowner makes a different choice regarding installation.

Why A Ductless System Is Better

A ductless heat pump or air conditioner typically comprises of an outdoor compressor and a wall-mounted inside unit. It is most frequently employed in situations where baseboard heating or window air conditioning would be considered, like a new addition to a home. But ductless units are less prone to air leakage and security issues than window units because they only need a tiny hole to be drilled into the wall. Additionally, they are less audible and visible.

Furthermore, they are incredibly energy-efficient. Additionally, ductless models use inverter-driven compressors, which adjust their speed and torque in response to the demands of the system rather than completely shutting off like conventional HVAC compressors do. When a compressor starts up, you need a lot of energy.

In fact, by investing in a ductless device, you can reduce your heating and cooling expenses for the concerned space by up to 30%.

The Drawbacks Of Ductless Systems

For the majority of households, ductless has three drawbacks: initial expense, ongoing upkeep, and aesthetics. A fourth factor should be taken into account for individuals who live in extremely cold areas. Although some newer versions can handle the load even when temperatures drop below zero, you’ll likely need a fuel-based backup if you want ductless heat.

Ductless units are significantly more expensive for a single-room solution than equivalent window units or baseboard heaters (thousands of dollars versus hundreds). And in terms of the entire house, you may pay two to three times as much if you completely replace your current central heating/cooling system with a ductless option as opposed to just replacing it with another ducted one. Lower energy costs will result, but the payback period will vary depending on your climate, how you use the system, and the cost of electricity in your area.

You can visit a respectable trade organization such as your local chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), to conduct the calculations and choose a trustworthy HVAC contractor. Additionally, the contractor needs to be aware about system sizing and whether ductless heat in your region needs extra support.

Each unit’s filter needs to be washed monthly to keep your system functioning properly (more often if you smoke or have pets). Avoid skipping maintenance; ductless fans can’t take gathering material, and if you put off cleaning until it becomes necessary, you’ll spend hundreds of dollars and possibly limit the lifespan of your system.

Ductless systems aren’t always design-friendly, so many homeowners are reluctant to install them. They are non-coverable and often come in white or beige. However, following installation, even ductless customers who are initially hesitant due to aesthetics report forgetting the unit is even there.

What Situation Suits Ductless The Best?

Ductless systems can be practical in a number of situations, including whole-house heating and cooling, depending on the design of your property. But in some circumstances, ductless has a distinct advantage:

• Sunrooms, extra rooms, and garage apartments are recent additions. The main benefit of ductless in this situation is that it will be appropriately scaled for the new space, won’t draw air from other rooms, or overwhelm your old HVAC system, so if you smoke cigars in there, you won’t be sharing ductwork with the rest of the house.

• Attempts to upsize in favor of bigger homes. Many retirees, for instance, don’t want to heat and cool spaces that aren’t being used, but they commonly block the HVAC grilles in vacant spaces, which causes pressure inconsistencies and mildew problems.

• Addressing a variety of demands under one roof. Do members of your household frequently argue about the thermostat? Although you can install zoning in a conventional ducted system, it won’t be as effective as ductless for creating distinct temperature zones in various rooms.

• Offering assistance to a room that has particular heating/cooling issues. A ductless unit can significantly reduce the amount of sweating during your Fourth of July party without the need to build new ducting if you have a compact kitchen with a large stove, a southwest outlook, and large picture windows.

• Installing air conditioning in a home without any ductwork. Although ductless isn’t cheap, installing ductwork to an existing home is more expensive.

Select A Reputable Contractor

To maximize the benefits from a ductless system, proper system sizing and installation are very essential. Although a DIY method is feasible,it may not work to your advantage because the warranty will probably be voided. If the system is too small, the wall penetration is improperly sealed, or the delicate electronics are handled improperly, ductless will never function properly. Additionally, you must be competent to handle refrigerants in accordance with EPA regulations. It is worthwhile to invest the extra money to hire a professional.