What is a Ductless Unit?
Ductless HVAC units are often referred to as heat pumps or mini-split systems. These are used for both heating and cooling your home without the fuss of heating ducts throughout the home. A ductless unit consists of a wall-mounted unit inside, usually mounted high on the wall, with an outside compressor similar to the compressor of an air conditioner mounted on the outside wall of your home. A small 3-inch hole through the wall is all that is needed for the refrigerant, electrical and drainage lines that connect the two units. Ductless units are easy-to-install, convenient and cost-effective.
Easy to Install
Ductless units are easy to install, although they are not typically a DIY project and must be installed by a professional. Because the unit does not require ductwork throughout the home, the installation is limited to installing the unit itself. That is good news for you because it can be done quickly without disrupting your entire household. Installing heat pumps can usually be accomplished in a day, depending on the number of units you have installed, whereas installing a traditional HVAC system and the accompanying ductwork can take weeks.
Convenience
Ductless units or heat pumps are convenient to operate as they provide both heating and cooling at the touch of a switch. Because there is no furnace or AC unit to fire up, heat and/or cooling is available nearly instantaneously. That means no more waiting for warm air on chilly winter nights or sweltering while the AC cools the home in the summer. Ductless units also make it easy to heat and cool specific areas of your home. By installing several units, you can personalize the temperature in different areas of the home. For example, you can set the thermostat on the unit to keep you cozy in the living room while turning the temp back in other areas of the home.
Cost-Effective
Consumers love heat pumps for more than the convenience. They are also economical to operate. They experience less heat loss due to the absence of ductwork. It is estimated that you lose up to 25 percent of your energy due to heat loss around ductwork. With a ductless system, you eliminate the heat loss and save money on your energy bill. The ability to heat or cool one area of the home, instead of the whole house, makes it easy to save on the utility bill. If your family gathers in the living room or family room every evening, heating the entire home is just a waste of energy. Ductless units also save energy compared to air conditioning units because the small 3-inch hole through the wall does not allow for outside air to infiltrate the home around the unit.
If you are looking to update the heating and cooling system in your existing home, or are contemplating the type of heating and cooling that is best for a new home, a ductless system may be the best choice for you. They are easy-to-install, convenient and cost-effective. For more information, or to make an appointment to install a ductless heating system, contact our professionals at Action Heating and Air, Inc. today.