Going Ductless for Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling
When you want to outfit a building without extending its ductwork, you can count on a ductless system (also known as a mini-split). These systems feature indoor air handling units that attach to a wall or ceiling and are connected by refrigerant lines to an outdoor unit.
They save you money on energy costs by eliminating the duct leaks that contribute to wasting heat and cooling. They also improve indoor air quality with onboard filtration.
1. Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling
Unlike traditional air conditioning systems that force cooled and heated air through air ducts, ductless mini-splits offer zoned comfort. With units in each room, you can cool only the area that is occupied by family members or guests, minimizing your energy use and electric bill.
A ductless system is ideal for adding cooling to a new home addition or to an older home without existing ductwork. It can be far less invasive than installing ductwork for a traditional HVAC system, and you won’t be dealing with duct leaks.
Ductless systems can also be used to add heating and cooling to spaces that aren’t currently being used, such as a garage apartment or man cave. This can often cost far less than extending a standard ductwork system to that space.
2. Less Maintenance
One of the most common reasons homeowners consider ductless systems is to reduce maintenance. The streamlined design means there are no ducts for dust and other debris to clog. The fans in a ductless system are also less likely to suffer from airflow restrictions due to dirty evaporator coils.
Additionally, if a ductless mini-split is properly sized and installed by a professional, there are often rebates available from local and state governments as well as utilities. But proper sizing and installation is essential, as DIY approaches can result in a system that doesn’t work properly or that voids the warranty.
Ductless systems can also help resolve family squabbles over the thermostat by allowing for zoned temperature control. Each indoor unit maintains its own temperature setting, ensuring that everyone is comfortable without wasting energy cooling or heating rooms that aren’t being used.
3. Aesthetics
Many homeowners have concerns about the aesthetic of ductless systems. However, some manufacturers are taking steps to make their units more design-friendly.
Ductless ACs combine an outdoor compressor unit with indoor evaporator coils cooled by refrigerant. This eliminates the need for ductwork, and cooling is provided room-by-room.
This means new add-ons like home offices, media rooms, exercise rooms, sunrooms and even man caves can be conditioned without interrupting existing comfort systems or stealing air from other parts of the house. And because ductless systems can be used as a source of heat in the winter, this allows them to be used for year-round comfort.
Some ductless installers, like Christiansons heating and cooling in Yelm City, even wrap cassettes to match the theme of their customers’ garages. The result is a cool, sleek and energy-efficient system that blends in perfectly with your lifestyle.
4. Flexibility
Ductless mini split systems feature one or more indoor air-handling units that connect to an outdoor compressor unit using a flexible series of tubing. This gives homeowners precise temperature control in each room of their home and eliminates the waste of conditioned air going to rooms that aren’t being used, resulting in energy savings.
Carney says that ductless heating and cooling has grown in popularity as rebates are offered by states and cities. However, proper system sizing and installation are crucial. A DIY approach can void warranty and lead to poor performance.
A ductless system can help turn your garage, attic or an addition into year-round usable space without the need to extend your home’s existing ductwork. It can also be used to heat an uninsulated shed or workshop.
5. Convenience
Unlike ductwork, a ductless system doesn’t rely on a network of vents. Instead, it utilizes a small setup consisting of an indoor evaporator and an outdoor compressor.
This makes a ductless system easier for homeowners to control. Using their smartphone, they can adjust the temperature of a room from anywhere in the house. Cielo Breez also supports geofencing, which automatically senses when you’re close to home and turns the AC on or off.
A ductless system is quieter than traditional air conditioners, which can disrupt concentration, cause you to miss important phone calls or even force you to pause that movie you were watching. However, proper system sizing and installation are critical to enjoying these benefits. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional.