Weighing the Pros and Cons of Ductless Heating Systems

Have you found out about ductless heating and cooling systems? They’re recognized for their exceptional efficiency, but are they as awesome as they look? Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of ductless mini-splits to make it easier for you to decide if going ductless is the best option for your residence in the U.S..

What Is a Ductless Mini-Split?

If you’re {not sure what “ductless” and “mini-split” refer to, you’re in good company. Ductless mini-splits are relative newcomers in the United States, but have been commonly employed overseas for many years. These systems have two main components: an outdoor compressor and one or more interior air handling units that can be mounted to the wall or recessed into the ceiling.

Unlike traditional forced-air heating and cooling, which depends on ductwork to distribute air across your home, ductless systems provide warm or cool air directly from the wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler. With a dedicated thermostat per indoor unit, you can gain accurate temperature control between rooms.

Perks of Ductless Temperature Control

Ductless mini-splits provide multiple convincing benefits. Here’s what makes these systems a superb choice for many the U.S. houses.

Effortless Installation

If you’re worried about a complicated installation, put your worries aside. Ductless systems do not require any complex ductwork or drainage systems. The indoor air handlers are simple to mount on a wall or ceiling. Then, drilling a couple of small holes in the wall facilitates running cables and refrigerant lines between the indoor and external units. This process is much more straightforward than ripping out the ceiling to install ductwork.

So, while traditional systems could take multiple days to install, a ductless system can be up and running in a day or less.

Extremely Energy-Efficient HVAC Option 

Traditional AC units typically have seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings of 14 to 17. While this is commendable, many ductless systems boast SEER ratings as high as 30. This translates into considerable savings every month for energy usage. More efficiency also means a more environmentally friendly home, lowering your carbon footprint while saving you money.

Eliminate Heat Loss 

Ducted systems are known for losing upward of 25% of their heated air due to ductwork leaks, holes and poor connections. This inefficiency wastes energy—and your earned cash. Ductless systems eliminate this issue by delivering air directly into each room. Due to the fact that they don’t depend on ducts, you get 100% of the heating or cooling you pay for.

Control the Temperature in Each Room

If you’ve ever squabbled with family members over the thermostat control, you’ll enjoy the zoned heating and cooling offered by ductless systems. Every single indoor unit can be modified individually, letting you set multiple temperatures all through the house. So if you like to keep your bedroom cool and the baby’s nursery warm, a ductless mini-split allows the flexibility to personalize your comfort.

Operate Quietly

No one likes a loud HVAC system. Ductless mini-splits are engineered for near-silent operation. In fact, the interior units are so quiet that you might forget they’re even running. That means you could chat, watch TV or sleep without being annoyed by a loud blower.

Space-Saving Performance

Space is hard to come by in many of today’s homes, specifically in older ones with minimal room for ductwork and HVAC devices. Ductless systems are the solution to this issue. Their much samller size and flexible placement options make them ideal. Mini-splits don’t need a roomy closet or attic space; a smaller area on your wall or ceiling will suffice.

Drawbacks of Ductless Heating and Cooling 

It’s important to have a well-shaped viewpoint of any heating and cooling technology before adopting it. Here’s why ductless systems aren’t a perfect fit for every situation:

Not Easy to Hide 

Compared with traditional air vents that blend into the decor, ductless systems have larger interior components that are hard to overlook. If aesthetics are a top concern for you, the visual impact might be a drawback.

Higher Up Front Cost 

The initial investment for a ductless system can be significantly more than that of a traditional HVAC system. However, you can look forward to recoup this cost over time through more energy-efficient operation.

Limited Heating Capacity in Extreme Weather 

Though they provide heating, ductless systems may not be suitable for very cold climates. Their heating power is limited and might need a backup heat source to maintain comfort.

Limited Coverage 

Ductless systems are wonderful for specific heating and cooling in particular rooms or zones. Yet, they may not be the most effective option for bigger homes with many rooms spread over multiple floors.

Find Your Perfect Comfort Solution in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

When deciding on the best heating and cooling choice in the U.S., trust Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our ACE-certified technicians and installers offer fast, long-lasting solutions for all your heating and cooling problems. We stand by our 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re not fully content with our job, the crew at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing will address it.

To find out about exceptional comfort from a ductless mini-split or another form of heating system, call 866-397-3787 today!