Have you heard about ductless systems, also sometimes called mini splits? For a lot of people, this is a new concept, but it can be just the thing for your next air conditioning system. How would you know if it’s right for your home? We’ve got all the answers to your ductless AC system FAQs.
How Do Ductless Systems Work?
The reason for the term “mini split” is because the refrigerant lines entering the house from the outdoor unit divide and head in different directions. So the outdoor unit is the same as it would be for a central air conditioner. But the indoor part of the system is not centralized.
Instead, there are air handlers throughout the home, mounted on the walls. The refrigerant cools the air right there. Each air handler has its own thermostat for precise control.
Are Ductless Systems Just for AC?
Ductless systems can be connected to either an air conditioner or a heat pump. If you choose a heat pump, the system will also provide heating. It’s very impressive how well a heat pump can warm a home, even when the air is quite chilly outdoors. They’re extremely effective in climates where the temperature rarely drops below zero, and might provide all the heating you need.
Are Ductless Systems Efficient?
Yes! There are a few different reasons for this. First, consider ducts. They stay in place, hidden behind walls or in attics, and if they are damaged or deteriorating, no one notices. Leaks develop. Conditioned or heated air is lost through these leaks. This is so common that the average home loses 30% of its heated or cooled air this way! Ductless systems eliminate this issue.
Second, the individual thermostats make it possible to only heat or cool as much as you need, right where you need it. This avoids the issue of keeping a whole large home at a perfect temperature just to sit alone in your home office all day. A ton of energy can be saved this way.
Finally, if you do choose a heat pump, they are so much more efficient at heating than furnaces that it is simply astonishing. This is because moving heat from one place to another only uses a tiny bit of energy, whereas generating heat from scratch uses quite a lot.
Are Ductless Systems Expensive?
The air conditioner or heat pump for a ductless system would be in the same price range as one you’d need for a ducted system. The difference would be the cost of the indoor air handlers and their installation. This would likely cost a little more than simply replacing one central air conditioner with another.
But it would cost less than having to replace old, leaky ductwork, and it would cut your utility bills, too. Determining the exact cost of a ductless system for your home would be a job for our qualified technicians with access to all the relevant information about your home.
Is Ductless a Good Plan for My Home?
Are you concerned about wasted energy? Do you need to replace your heating system as well as your air conditioner? Does your home lack ductwork or have ductwork in poor condition? Ductless system installation in Covington, LA is a great option.
Or, if you’re happy with your central air system in most of your home but need a small auxiliary system for an addition or a part of your home that the ducts don’t reach, a ductless system could bridge that gap.
When you need answers to HVAC questions, contact Gowland’s Heating & A/C! Relationship over revenue!