More and more homeowners are looking for residential HVAC alternatives to traditional heating and cooling systems. These alternatives include the ductless HVAC system. It provides targeted heating or cooling for households experiencing inconsistent indoor temperatures or in need of extra comfort in a specific room. The absence of ductwork makes it a great addition for homeowners looking to add more space or convert an existing one. So, should you consider adding one of these to your home?
What Is a Ductless HVAC System?
As the name suggests, a ductless HVAC system operates without the use of ductwork. It has two main parts: one that’s located outside your home and another that’s located indoors. The indoor unit, which is mounted on the wall and houses the evaporator coil and blower fan, delivers conditioned air into the living area. The outdoor unit, which houses the condenser coil and compressor, releases the absorbed heat outside. Both of these units are connected by electrical wiring and refrigerant tubing via a hole in the wall.
Wall-mounted mini-splits are the most common type of ductless HVAC system, with the indoor unit installed high on the wall. The outdoor unit, meanwhile, is on the other side of the wall, either installed on the ground or likewise wall-mounted. Other ductless HVAC system types include wall-mounted multi-splits, packaged terminal air conditioner (PTACs), portable air conditioners (ACs), window ACs and cassette-type ACs.
Benefits of Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System
Choosing a ductless mini-split system has its benefits. Here’s a look at seven of them:
1. Hassle-Free Installation
Since it no longer requires ductwork installation, a ductless mini-split can be installed faster than traditional ACs. The cost of installation is even said to be significantly less expensive than that of ducted units. No need to rip the ceiling or relocate your stuff temporarily. The only adjustment required is a small three-by-three hole where the wiring and refrigerant tubes are inserted to connect both indoor and outdoor units. A ductless unit is an excellent option if your home’s layout and design makes it inconvenient for you to install a central HVAC system.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint
A ductless mini-split system has significantly higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings. This increased efficiency means it is less likely to contribute to Earth’s carbon footprint than its ducted counterpart. Additionally, ductless systems with the ENERGY STAR® label indicate that they are more energy-efficient than the minimum standards set by the U.S. government. Thus, you not only save money on your energy bills, but also ensure reduced carbon emissions.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
As it provides consistent comfort inside your home, a ductless HVAC system can also remove dust, pet dander and other airborne contaminants from the indoor. It can help family members who suffer from seasonal allergies, allowing them to breathe easier. Some ductless models can even extract moisture from the indoor air effectively, preventing the growth and spread of mold and mildew. Others have a “dry mode” option to dehumidify without cooling.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Households who install or switch to ductless mini-split systems can benefit from rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives that many utility companies may offer. This is because energy companies could use leftover energy from the low air conditioning usage that ductless ACs provide toward other important energy demands.
5. Flexibility
A ductless system should work for you if you have limited space inside your home. In fact, you have the choice to configure it to either a single- or multi-zone system. A single-zone system involves one indoor and outdoor unit while a multi-zone one can have up to five indoor units that are all connected to the outdoor unit. In the latter option, each indoor unit has its own thermostat that can be controlled separately by a wireless remote, giving you the flexibility when it comes to your comfort needs. In other words, one room could be slightly warmer or cooler than the other depending on the preferences of every member of your household.
6. Minimal Maintenance
Another notable benefit of a ductless HVAC system is that it doesn’t require a tremendous amount of maintenance to keep it in good condition. It only consists of a few parts, with only the filters and the outdoor unit requiring care and attention regularly. Like most HVAC units, the filters must be cleaned and replaced accordingly. The outdoor unit must be clear of obstructions to ensure its ongoing operation. Of course, if you experience something out of the ordinary from the ductless system, get in touch with your local HVAC contractor to rule out potential issues.
7. Increased Energy Efficiency
Ductless air conditioning systems are more energy-efficient for the following reasons:
- Central HVAC systems provide comfort inside the home, regardless of whether the room is used or not. With a multi-zone ductless system, you can turn off the indoor units in rooms that aren’t in use. Your energy consumption – and the resulting utility bill – will be reduced as a result of this.
- Traditional HVAC systems are prone to duct leaks, which lower the efficiency of the HVAC system. A ductless air conditioning system completely eliminates this issue.
- To keep your home at the set temperature, most air conditioners use one- or two-speed compressors, causing them to use more power. Ductless systems, meanwhile, use variable speed compressors to maintain a constant temperature. They save electricity because they don’t turn on and off all day.
To find out if a ductless HVAC system is best for your home, turn to EZ Air Conditioning and Heating. We specialize in a full range of ductless HVAC services, from new design/installation and replacement to seasonal maintenance and skilled air condition repair. As a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer, we offer high-quality, ENERGY STAR®-rated industry innovations. Plus, our certified technicians are trained and outfitted with leading-edge technology to not only deliver total customer satisfaction, but to complete the majority of projects in a single visit.
Give us a call at (210) 429-9186, or fill out our contact form to schedule a service appointment. We look forward to working with you!
