Ductless Wonders: The Benefits of Going Duct-Free This Spring
HVAC systems with ducts are the most common heating and cooling systems in homes and commercial buildings, but ductless systems are slowly gaining traction as an alternative. Often called mini-splits, these systems use refrigerant lines rather than ducts to transfer hot and cold air. This type of HVAC system has numerous benefits, hence its continued popularity. Let’s look more in-depth at mini-split systems and how they can benefit you this spring and summer.
Efficiency
The number one benefit of a mini-split system is greater efficiency. Because ducted systems rely on a network of ducts to transfer air, much of that air is lost through cracks or gaps in the ductwork. Ducts also need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the air flowing properly.
A mini-split system uses refrigerant lines to exchange heat and cooled air between the outdoor condenser unit and the indoor temperature unit. As such, no air is lost in the transfer process. These kinds of systems require a lot less maintenance than ducted systems because the refrigerant lines don’t have to be cleaned and maintained in the same way that ductwork does.
Lower Costs
Depending on whether you want a single-room unit or a multi-room unit, upfront installation costs for mini-splits can seem expensive. However, installing a new ducted system into an older home or maintaining an already present system will cost you much more money overall. Because mini-splits are a lot more efficient, you’re not paying the electric costs of lost heat or air.
A ducted system also shuts off when the home reaches temperature, which causes a surge in electrical costs every time the system turns on again. A mini-split system uses an inverter compressor, which either speeds up the heat transfer or slows it down. These changes occur based on outside temperature fluctuations, and they eliminate those expensive surges.
Installation
A ducted system is made up of an outdoor unit that connects to the ducts running throughout the house, which then connect to vents in each room. Depending on the type of house, the ducting could run through the floors or ceilings. As such, if you need a new heating and cooling system, the contractors may have to rip up flooring, walls, or ceilings to replace the ducts. Of course, this depends on several factors, such as whether your new system is compatible with your current ductwork, the condition of the ducts, and how accessible they are.
A mini-split system requires a place where the technician can install the small outdoor condenser unit, one hole in the wall to run the refrigerant lines, and some wall space to mount the indoor temperature control unit. If you’re not a fan of a wall-mounted unit, mini-splits also come in floor, ceiling, or even vent models, so you can choose according to your preferences. Whichever design you choose, the indoor unit can cover the hole for the refrigerant lines.
While installing a ducted HVAC system can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, a mini-split takes just one day.
Cleaner Air
If you live in an area with heavy pollution or pollen in the air, a ductless system can ease the symptoms of health conditions like allergies or asthma. Ducted systems are much more likely to bring in irritants along with the outside air, and even the best filters won’t completely get rid of pollen or pollution.
Because a mini-split system uses refrigerant lines, outside air cannot get into your home. These systems come with air purifiers and filters already installed. A mini-split recycles the indoor air rather than pumping it in and out of the house, which means the air stays clean continuously.
Flexibility and Scalability
Ducted systems must have a vent in every room that connects back to the central unit to work. This means that if you want to add an addition to your home or heat your garage, you’d have to install more ducts. Mini-split systems can be used in a variety of ways, all of which are still easy to install.
The outdoor units on a mini-split are smaller than traditional HVAC units, making it easier to install if you need multiple systems. You can choose to connect a mini-split system to each room in the home or buy a larger capacity system to heat different zones in the home, such as the first and second floors.
Check Us Out!
Here at Vastola Heating & Cooling in Erie County, NY, we’re dedicated to keeping your home or business comfortable. We offer mini-split installation and a wide variety of other heating and cooling and indoor air quality services. Call us today for a quote!
