Ductless mini splits are a great choice for homes that are building new or for those looking to retrofit ductwork. This type of home upgrade will improve comfort and efficiency and add value to the home if it’s ever sold. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of a new system before making a purchase. This article will help you weigh your options and decide if a ductless AC is right for your home.
A ductless heat pump system Mini Split AC is comprised of indoor units (evaporator coil, blower, air handler) and an outdoor unit with refrigerant lines connecting to each indoor unit. Each indoor unit can be installed on a wall or in the floor or ceiling of a room. They are very flexible and can be used in any room, as long as the area can be adequately ventilated. Each unit is controlled individually using a remote control. This gives you the ability to operate each unit on a timer. This is a big energy saver, allowing you to heat or cool specific areas of your house as needed.
One of the biggest advantages of a ductless system is that it avoids the duct losses associated with central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for 30% of the energy consumed for air conditioning. Often times this is due to poorly designed or sealed ductwork. Ductless systems eliminate this issue completely as they don’t use ducts at all.
Because they don’t use ducts, a ductless system is also much more efficient than traditional AC. It takes more energy to produce heat than it does to transport it. That’s why mini splits can be up to 3x as efficient as traditional HVAC system combos.
A ductless system can also offer built-in zoning. This allows you to heat or cool only the parts of your house that need it, eliminating waste. In fact, studies like Schoenbauer et al (2020) have shown that ductless heat pumps with built-in zoning can save up to 56% of energy in cold climate regions.
While it’s possible to install a ductless system on your own, we recommend that you hire an experienced professional. They will be able to assess your needs, look at the layout of your home and make sure you have everything properly set up. They’ll also be able to answer any questions you might have about the system.
To find out if a ductless AC system is right for your home, see if you qualify for Sealed. An expert from Sealed will talk with you, analyze the layout and quirks of your home, and design a network of units that will perfectly meet your needs and minimize energy waste. Then they’ll help you install it, so you can start enjoying your comfortable, efficient new home! To get started, click here. Or call us at 303-814-9060 to schedule an in-home consultation. We’ll come out to your home and help you decide where the indoor and outdoor units will go.