Have you seen a ductless HVAC system before? Chances are that you probably have, even if you can’t pinpoint when it was. If you’ve noticed a unit up on the wall of a room that resembles a sleeker version of a window air conditioning unit that doesn’t go through the back of the wall too, then you’re looking at the air handler of a ductless system.
Also referred to as a ductless mini-split heat pump, ductless systems work through these wall-mounted air handlers, each of which is connected to a single outdoor unit. An outdoor unit can be connected to up to 4 indoor air handlers, which all work independently of one another with their own thermostats.
Ductless systems have become increasingly popular in the U.S. in the last decade or so, and for good reason. Read on as we uncover the various benefits of such a system.
Versatility
One of the main reasons many homeowners choose to go ductless is because they serve as both a heating system and a cooling system. They work on heat pump technology, which means that instead of generating heat like a furnace does, they use refrigerant to transfer heat, like a central air conditioning system does.
All it takes is the flip of a switch to change your ductless system from cooling mode to heating mode, and vice-versa.
Zone-Control Heating and Cooling
As we mentioned above, each air handler of the ductless system can be independently controlled. What we mean by this is that each one has its own thermostat. So let’s say you are cooking in the kitchen–you don’t need the air blasting from your HVAC system to be quite as warm as what might be cycling into a child’s bedroom.
So, you can run the air handler out in the kitchen at a lower temperature than you would elsewhere. This is not only much more efficient than using a furnace, but it can increase overall home comfort, as well!
Saves Energy and Money
The zone control capability of a ductless system is just one way that it saves energy and subsequent money. Ductless systems also have smaller motors than conventional heat pump systems, which means just by design, they consume less power than a traditional heat pump.
Additionally, the absence of ductwork boosts energy efficiency too, since there is no loss or gain of heat along the length of the ductwork like there would be with a central furnace or central air conditioner.
Flexibility
Ductless systems have become quite popular for new home construction as well as remodeling projects, since they remove the hassle of trying to piece air ducts into the space. Ductless systems are also great for older, smaller homes that were constructed without HVAC systems in mind, and so wouldn’t have much room for concealed ductwork anyway.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Last but certainly not least, the lack of ductwork automatically improves your indoor air quality. This is because ductwork can accumulate not only debris like dust, dirt, and mildew over the years, but it can accrue damage like tears and pinhole leaks.
This is not only inefficient since it allows the conditioned air to escape, but it can also allow more contaminants into your indoor air as well!
To learn more and to schedule professional heating installation in Palmer Lake, CO and beyond, contact Brown’s Heating & Cooling today!