Ductless Systems - Benefits and Practical Applications

Posted: 2018-01-26

For the past several decades, homeowners get their home comfort by utilizing ducted heating and cooling systems. However, in a typical house, about 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ductwork. As a result, there is the inevitable rise in utility bills and inconsistent temperatures throughout the house.

Signs Your Home Has Ineffective Ducts

According to ENERGY STAR, there are certain signs that tell your ducts are not working as they should. These include:

  • Humid rooms that never seem to feel comfortable
  • Rooms that are difficult to heat and cool
  • Ducts that are located in an attic, crawlspace, or the garage
  • Tangled or kinked flexible ducts in your system
  • High summer and winter utility bills

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, you may need to re-evaluate your entire HVAC system, which could cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. A ductless system might be the solution to this head-scratching problem.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is a leading heating company in White Bear Lake, MN that can give you professional advice if you are looking into having a ductless system installed in your home.

Overview

A ductless system works like a central heating or cooling system but without the ducts. Ductless systems, also called mini-splits, have two main components - an outdoor compressor or condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. They are connected by a conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain.

Compared to central air, ductless systems do not need ducts to move air. This is one of the reasons why they are the most comfortable, quietest, and energy-efficient way to condition the air in your home.

Practical Applications

Because of their high-efficiency levels, reasonable prices and ease of installation, ductless systems are becoming the more popular choice of homeowners.

They can be used in various applications such as:

  • Zoning
  • Conversions
  • Areas Without Ductwork
  • Home Additions
  • Home

Benefits

One of the main benefits of having a ductless system installed in your home is HVAC zoning. This allows certain rooms to have individual heating and cooling settings, depending on the occupants’ preferences. This is made possible by having a separate thermostat for each room, making it more energy-efficient and highly economical. Compared to centralized HVAC systems, mini-splits consume 25 to 50 percent less energy.

Also called mini-splits, these systems do not need ducts to move air, which means you will get rid of energy losses related to central forced air systems that utilize ductwork. This helps you save money on energy and lower your carbon footprint.

Certain ductless air conditioners and heat pumps are ENERGY STAR® labeled which may qualify for federal and state tax incentives as well as local utility rebates.

Ductless systems need less power to operate, compared to a traditional setup. They are significantly smaller than forced-air systems, and since the heated or cooled air is delivered directly into a room, there is no loss in efficiency.

Another advantage of ductless systems over conventional air is their ease of installation. While it typically takes days to complete the installation of a conventional setup, a ductless system can be up and running in as little as one day.

In addition, ductless systems use a refrigerant called R410A, which is known for its zero ozone exhaustion potential. A home with a ductless system installed has less impact on the environment throughout its life cycle.

On top of saving money on energy bills, homeowners may also qualify for tax credits or utility rebates for the year they install a ductless system. There are certain programs at the federal, state and local level that allow homeowners to take advantage of these benefits.

Get the Right Solutions from Four Seasons Air Specialists

A ductless system is an efficient, modern way to heat or cool your home. If you need help in finding the ductless system that fits your needs, call Four Seasons Air Specialists.

Since 1974, we have been providing high-quality HVAC solutions. We are known as the Mahtomedi heating and air conditioning contractor that satisfies its valued customers by delivering excellent workmanship and outstanding customer service.