Although a central HVAC system is a popular choice, it is not the sole option. There are other ways to heat and cool dwellings, and one such approach is a heat pump ductless mini-split system. This type of HVAC system is particularly advantageous if you don’t already have ducts installed.
If you are building a new home or have built an additional space for your home, a ductless mini split provides heat and cooling capabilities in a compact unit. Maybe you enclosed a patio or porch, and your current central HVAC system cannot effectively condition the air in the non-ducted space. A heat pump is the perfect solution for you.
What Is a Ductless Mini-split System?
A ductless mini split uses a heat pump and indoor air handlers to condition and distribute cold and hot air. Cold liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from a room in the summer and expels the radiant heat to the outside air. In the winter, very cold refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air and expels the radiant heat into a room. When the temperatures drop below 40 degrees, it’s difficult to extract warmth from the outside air, and you can use your furnace as a supplemental heat source. Alternatively, you can invest in a geothermal heat pump that transfers heat to and from the ground, which remains about 50 degrees at a depth of 3 to 6 feet.
A ductless system consists of an outside unit and air handlers installed on the wall or ceiling in individual rooms. Each air handler has a temperature sensor and a remote control. Tubing connects the interior devices with the outside unit. Units come in different sizes, depending on how many air handlers will be attached. Currently, the largest unit can accept eight air handlers. If you need more than that, install a second unit.
Are you considering installing a ductless mini-split system for your home in St. Peters? Here are six reasons that will convince you to do it now.
1. No Major Installation Requirement
Unlike ducted systems, a ductless mini-split system does not need ductwork. Therefore, it is less invasive, cheaper, and faster. It won’t take weeks to finish and does not require significant construction to install. The HVAC professionals will simply drill a few small holes for the copper tubing and wiring connections. That way, the indoor and outdoor units are connected to each other. These holes are barely visible and will not damage your home. This option is excellent for older homes, as well as those that cannot easily accommodate ductwork.
2. Energy Efficiency
With utility costs rising across the country, many homeowners are looking for smart ways to save money. Maybe it’s time to replace an inefficient system, which will only lead to skyrocketing monthly bills. This is where these ductless systems come in.
A huge advantage you can gain when installing a ductless mini split in your St. Peters home is that there is no ductwork to contend with. Ducts may have leaks or gaps that allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches a room vent. That makes your system work longer to reach the set temperature on your thermostat. In addition to that, installing ductwork is labor-intensive, invasive, and costly. Maintenance and repairs will cost you additional money, and small creatures may enjoy nesting in the ductwork.
Unlike other HVAC systems, there is no combustible fuel source or mandatory heating elements that generate heat in a heat pump. The only energy expenditure is consumed by the motors and fans. In a heat pump, radiant heat is transferred into or out of the home, depending on the season. This is much more efficient than having to heat gas, oil or electrical components in order to generate heat.
3. Zoning Flexibility
The individual air handlers provide flexibility and save power. Essentially, every room in the house that contains a handler is a separate zone. If one resident prefers a very warm house in the winter, other individuals can sleep in cooler rooms, which can result in lower electricity bills. You can quickly turn off certain areas of the home when it is empty. That way, you do not have to use the appliance when no one needs it. Doing so can give you savings in the long run while still maintaining a comfortable environment.
When you close vents in a ducted system, pressure builds up in the ducts, which adversely affects the performance of the system. This doesn’t happen with a heat pump.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
Most people do not know that indoor air quality (IAQ) can actually be poorer than outdoor air quality. If you spend a lot of time indoors and frequently feel sick or have a stuffy nose, it could be due to poor IAQ. Air filters in a traditional HVAC system can trap relatively large contaminants, like dust, pollen and mold, but the filter’s pores are large enough for viruses to slip through. Filters with smaller pores are not suitable for central HVAC systems because those filters don’t allow enough air to pass through the filter to condition an entire home.
On the other hand, a ductless system has an air filter in each room, although there is not one in the outside unit because a heat pump recirculates existing air and does not draw any in from the outside environment. These air handlers may include activated carbon and HEPA filters, which have smaller pores, can trap viruses, and are considered hospital-quality filters. This enhanced protection is particularly important for seniors and immune-compromised individuals.
5. Space Saver
Ductless systems, particularly indoor units, are compact in size. This is beneficial for any home looking for more freedom in design. You do not have to worry about the efficient use of space when dealing with a ductless mini-split system. The HVAC professional will simply mount the indoor unit on your ceiling or wall. Therefore, the appliance will not take up space, which can be used for furniture and other items. There is no need for a utility closet that contains a large whole-house air handler.
6. Quiet Operation
No one wants to sleep with noisy humming and clanging from the AC. You don’t have to be a light sleeper to appreciate the noiseless operation of a ductless mini-split system. The silent operating ductless system is quiet due to its design. First, its noisy components, namely the compressor and condenser, are located outside the house.
As for the indoor unit, it has a fan and coil, which circulates air. Manufacturers have found a way to keep the operation of the air handler optimized for reduced vibrations and noise.
A critical requirement in order for you to enjoy the six benefits of a ductless mini-split system we have listed above is to have it installed and serviced by a professional. At Agers Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have worked in the HVAC industry for several years. We are the trusted installer and servicing company for HVAC systems in St. Peters, including ductless mini-split systems.
Do you want energy-efficient cooling or heating in your home in St. Peters? Look no further than Agers Heating & Air Conditioning. Call Agers Heating & Air Conditioning today, and we will install a suitable ductless mini-split system so you can enjoy a comfortable living environment with consistent year-round comfort.