Ductless AC units, ductless mini-splits, ductless HVAC – no matter what terminology you use, ductless heating and cooling systems are becoming more and more popular for year-round, individualized comfort in the home. Yet, many home and business owners still don’t know much about this efficient and cost-effective technology. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most commonly asked questions surrounding ductless systems.
1. What is a ductless unit?
A ductless unit, also known as a ductless mini-split, ductless mini-split heat pump, ductless AC, or simply a mini-split, is a type of electric heating and cooling system. They are comprised of an outdoor heat pump and indoor air handling units that can be mounted on the wall, within the ceiling, or virtually anywhere. A ductless unit works the same as a traditional heat pump system, except it doesn’t require ducts. Each area of your home is equipped with an individual air handler, which controls heating and cooling output within that space.
2. How are ductless components connected?
The outdoor air handler of a ductless unit is connected to the indoor air handling united by a component called the line set. A hole approximately 2- to 3-inches in diameter is cut through the exterior wall where a line runs, containing the electrical wiring and copper tubing connecting the units. Products are available to cover up the line set for a better exterior line set aesthetic.
3. Are ductless units a new technology?
No. While ductless AC may seem like a new type of heating and cooling technology, these systems have actually been around for decades. The first systems were made in the 1970s. Since then, ductless units have been widely used throughout Asia and Europe. In the United States, ductless systems have been used for more than 20 years, largely in commercial heating and cooling applications. However, with the ever-advancing state of technology, ductless units from manufacturers like Mitsubishi Electric, are some of the most technologically advanced HVAC units on the market today. In fact, many of Mitsubishi’s systems can be controlled from your smartphone and can be integrated with other smart home technologies such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
4. Are ductless systems more efficient than duct systems?
Duct systems account for up to 30 percent of energy lost in the heating and cooling process. With central heating and air conditioning, this is a problem you may face, especially if your ducts require sealing. By eliminating ducts altogether, a ductless AC unit can save you up to 30 percent on your heating and cooling costs immediately. With advanced technology and room by room control, you can easily adjust the temperatures in rooms you’re not using thus saving on energy costs. Ductless AC units also use high-efficiency components to further conserve energy when cooling your home.
5. What is the lifespan of a ductless system?
Just like any other HVAC system, the service life of a ductless unit will vary based on factors such as usage and maintenance. With regular planned maintenance from Spurk HVAC, expect your ductless AC unit to offer 15-20 years of service.
6. How is a ductless unit controlled?
Ductless units have a built-in control panel on the air handler to adjust settings and temperatures. Most models also include a remote control with each air handler or an app that lets you control all of the units individually and remotely. These systems do not use traditional thermostats like a central air conditioning system does.
7. How many zones can I add with a ductless system?
Most ductless mini-split systems support up to four indoor air handling units per one outdoor heat pump. If your home or building requires more zones, additional ductless units can be added to support more indoor air handlers. If you’re not sure, one of Spurk HVAC’s expert estimators will determine the best system configuration to optimize comfort in your home or business.
8. How loud is a ductless unit?
Ductless units are surprisingly quiet when compared to a central HVAC system. Air moving through ducts can make quite a bit of noise, which is noticeable in the home. With no ducts, a ductless mini-split system does not produce this noise.
9. How much will it cost to install a ductless unit?
It depends on a variety of factors. Schedule your free consultation with Spurk HVAC and we’ll happily work with you to determine your needs and help you find the best solution within your budget.
10. What are the advantages of a ductless system?
Installing a ductless system has a few key differences when compared to traditional HVAC systems, making them a better choice in certain applications. First, the system is designed to provide zoned comfort – with a traditional central HVAC system, an additional zoning system is required to deliver the ability to individually control heating and cooling in different areas of the home.
The biggest advantage of a ductless system is the lack of ducts – hence the name. There is no ductwork required to use this type of HVAC equipment. This makes a ductless AC unit a great option in homes where there is no existing ductwork (such as old or historical buildings), or where ductwork requires replacement or a major renovation to accommodate a new heating and cooling system. They are a great option for heating and cooling in homes where space is limited.
About Spurk HVAC
Spurk HVAC was formed in 2018 and is located in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. We proudly serve Cranberry Twp., Wexford, Gibsonia, Mars, and the surrounding areas. We are an American Standard Customer Care Dealer and a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor.
We service all makes and models. Please contact us if you are seeking heating repair, heating system replacement, air conditioner repair, air conditioning maintenance, air conditioning replacement, or any other heating & cooling services. Whether you are looking for residential or commercial HVAC services, we look forward to any and all opportunities to become your preferred HVAC contractor.
