Ductless air systems, sometimes called ductless mini-split systems, have gained popularity with homeowners over the past several years. As the name implies, this is essentially a cooling and heating system that lacks the typical ductwork of a traditional HVAC system. A ductless system basically consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by electrical wiring and refrigerant tubing. The indoor units are typically wall-mounted, and they can deliver cooled or heated air directly to a living area with no ductwork needed.
A single-zone system will consist of one outdoor unit and one indoor unit and will supply air to a specific area. A multi-zone system consists of multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit that can supply air to a larger area, such as an entire house. There are several advantages to a ductless mini-split system, hence their growing popularity. Here are some of the most important reasons why you might want to choose a ductless HVAC system.
Versatility
A mini-split system is great for homeowners who need options or as a supplement to a typical central air system. Since no ducts are needed, these systems are great for use in home additions, such as extra rooms built on. Installers can also place a smaller ductless system in areas that traditional air conditioning systems wouldn’t be able to reach. While a traditional HVAC installation can have a significant impact on your home, such as the need to install a large furnace, a ductless HVAC system can be installed with virtually no impact since it simply requires a hole in the wall.
Ductless units even give you the option to choose just cooling or just heat, depending on your needs. This is useful if you just need to heat a small room more during the winter or even install one in work shed. Of course, they’re also the perfect option for older homes that lack ducts in the first place. HVAC pros are recommending the ductless mini-split more often as a solution to virtually any need.
Air Quality
When you think of pollutants, you probably imagine an industrial plant emitting fumes or a city covered in smog. Unfortunately, your indoor air can become polluted more easily than you might think, and it’s actually estimated that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution can mean various things, from allergens and harmful particles in the air to mold buildup or tobacco smoke. Indoor pollutants are more common if the humidity indoors is high or if you aren’t taking proper care of your air filters or your HVAC system.
No matter how well you take care of your system, however, a network of ducts will inevitably become filled with dust, and it may even grow mold and spread harmful particles around the house. This means that you’ll need professional duct cleanings to keep your indoor air quality high. With a ductless system, you won’t have to worry about this, and the high-quality, easily cleanable air handlers and filters will keep your air as pristine as possible. They’re especially advantageous over options like space heaters, which provide no filtering whatsoever.
Energy Consumption
If you’re environmentally conscious, or you just want to avoid paying a large electric bill, then looking into a split system is definitely worthwhile. They can provide both heating and cooling using a single heat pump, making them much more efficient than HVAC systems that require multiple components. In fact, these systems can provide heat using roughly 60% less energy than other options, and they’re able to cool using roughly 30% less energy. This is because a ductless mini-split system transfers heat rather than having actually generating it.
Whether you’re trying to save money, breathe easier, or heat a troubling room in your home, a ductless mini system can be the perfect solution. Speak with an HVAC professional to find out what your options are.
