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HVAC Installation & ReplacementHeatingAir ConditioningDecember 07, 2021
Is It Wise to Have Ductless HVAC Systems?
Mini-splits, also called ductless HVAC systems, are one of the most energy-efficient ways of keeping your home comfortable year-round. They use the same components that central air conditioners and heat pumps do, but they don’t require ductwork to provide comfort. These systems are a viable way of conditioning a new addition or modified space like a garage or a room in the attic.
They use an outdoor condenser and an indoor air handler that sits on the floor or hangs from a wall. A flexible conduit connects the two, and it contains the power cord, drainage pipe, and refrigerant line. Small units can be plugged into a 110-volt outlet, while larger systems require a 220-volt outlet.
The advantages of ductless HVAC are many and include:
High energy efficiency. Since they don’t use ductwork, there are no air or thermal losses that are typical with central HVAC systems. Many use upgraded components like variable-speed compressors that save significant amounts of electricity.
Easy installation. Their lack of ductwork makes installation much simpler. The technician from Ace Hardware Home Services places the condenser on an outside wall or on a concrete pad. The air handler sits on an interior wall or the floor. Finally, the technician drills a small hole in a nearby exterior wall to run the conduit that connects the air handler and condenser. The final step is to connect the two and calibrate the system.
Safety and security. A ductless HVAC system is often used as an alternative to a wall or window air conditioner. However, a ductless unit is much more secure since the conduit that connects the air handler to the condenser uses a 3-inch hole.
The disadvantages include:
Cost. Ductless systems cost more than portable, window, or wall units, although they are much more energy efficient, which saves money in the long term.
Appearance. A standard mini-split uses an air handler that is visible on the wall. However, upgrades are available that mask their appearance on a wall or ceiling.
Cold weather. A mini-split heat pump may not provide extra warmth on a very cold day.
To learn more about a ductless HVAC system, contact the experts at Ace Hardware Home Services.
They use an outdoor condenser and an indoor air handler that sits on the floor or hangs from a wall. A flexible conduit connects the two, and it contains the power cord, drainage pipe, and refrigerant line. Small units can be plugged into a 110-volt outlet, while larger systems require a 220-volt outlet.
The advantages of ductless HVAC are many and include:
High energy efficiency. Since they don’t use ductwork, there are no air or thermal losses that are typical with central HVAC systems. Many use upgraded components like variable-speed compressors that save significant amounts of electricity.
Easy installation. Their lack of ductwork makes installation much simpler. The technician from Ace Hardware Home Services places the condenser on an outside wall or on a concrete pad. The air handler sits on an interior wall or the floor. Finally, the technician drills a small hole in a nearby exterior wall to run the conduit that connects the air handler and condenser. The final step is to connect the two and calibrate the system.
Safety and security. A ductless HVAC system is often used as an alternative to a wall or window air conditioner. However, a ductless unit is much more secure since the conduit that connects the air handler to the condenser uses a 3-inch hole.
The disadvantages include:
Cost. Ductless systems cost more than portable, window, or wall units, although they are much more energy efficient, which saves money in the long term.
Appearance. A standard mini-split uses an air handler that is visible on the wall. However, upgrades are available that mask their appearance on a wall or ceiling.
Cold weather. A mini-split heat pump may not provide extra warmth on a very cold day.
To learn more about a ductless HVAC system, contact the experts at Ace Hardware Home Services.
