Are you considering an HVAC system upgrade in your home, but you aren’t sure if a ductless system is right for you? While ducted HVAC systems are the most common in the US, ductless mini-split systems are becoming more and more popular due to their ease of install, increased energy efficiency, and improved comfort with specific zone control throughout your home.
What is a Ductless Mini-Split?
A ductless mini-split system is an all-electric HVAC system that provides heating and cooling to your home without the hassle of air ducts.
Ductless mini-splits have two main components: an outdoor condensing unit and one or more indoor air-handling units, or heads. No existing ductwork? No problem. The two components are connected by a conduit which passes refrigerant lines and electrical wiring through a small opening in the wall.
The Benefits of Ductless HVAC
Easy Installation:
Ductless mini-split systems can be installed quickly and efficiently, usually requiring only a small hole to be drilled through a wall to allow for wiring. On the other hand, installing a ducted system may involve opening walls and ceilings in your home to run ductwork into different rooms, which can be super disruptive and costly.
Flexibility and Zoning:
The units of a ductless mini-split have compact sleek designs that allow for flexibility in their placement. The indoor units can be hung from the ceilings, mounted to the walls, or floor-standing based on what makes the most sense for your home.
The individual indoor units allow you to fine tune the specific temperature in each area, or zone, of your home. This provides you with full temperature control throughout the house. To top it off, most ductless mini-split systems can be controlled with a remote or through an app on your smart phone. So you have direct control of your home comfort at your fingertips.
In addition to whole-home systems, many customers utilize ductless systems for single zone comfort. These applications can include home additions, sunrooms, hot or cold spots in your home, etc. and can act as great supplement heating and cooling solutions to your current system.
Energy Efficiency And Cost Savings:
One of the biggest reasons homeowners are adding ductless mini-splits to their homes is because of the overall energy efficiency and cost savings. Ductless systems have been tested to be up to 160% more efficient than traditional gas-burning furnaces.
Ductless mini-splits have great potential for long-term cost savings on utility bills because:
- They operate on less power than ducted systems.
- Their conditioned air is delivered directly into the room, so no energy is wasted.
- Their zoning feature means homeowners no longer have to heat/cool areas that aren’t occupied, allowing them to cut down on energy waste.
Better Air Quality:
Ductless HVAC systems also improve the quality of your indoor air with multi-stage filtration that can drastically reduce dust, bacteria and other particles that can be hazardous for your health. Some units even offer washable filters that can be clean and replaced regularly without having to buy new ones.
Is a Ductless Mini-Split Right for Your Home?
Ductless mini-splits are ideal in a variety of situations, from home additions and new construction to compact living spaces like condos and apartments.
Ductless systems are especially beneficial to Pittsburgh homeowners with older properties as these homes usually have spaces without ductwork and rooms that need improved temperature control.
If you are unsure whether ductless HVAC is the right fit for you, get in touch with our team of professional to learn more and get recommendation on the best options for your comfort. Tudi Mechanical knows ductless inside and out and is proud to be recognized as a Mitsubishi Electric Elite Diamond Contractor.