Would a Ductless System Benefit Me?

When it comes to heating and cooling systems in the United States, central HVAC units remain the more popular choice among homeowners. Part of the reason why is this so is that not many Americans are familiar with ductless HVAC systems.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is a preferred HVAC company in White Bear MN. In this article, we aim to help you better understand what ductless HVAC systems are and determine if they are the right fit for your home.

What is a Ductless HVAC System?

A ductless system is an HVAC system that integrates an outdoor unit with an indoor unit to heat or cool a specific zone of the home without the use of ducts.

These highly efficient HVAC systems were developed in Japan in the 1970s and have since become a favored heating and cooling solution throughout Asia and much of Europe. In the United States, ductless systems have been used in commercial applications for more than two decades. They are now gaining more popularity in homes as well.

In a ductless system, individual spaces are heated or cooled by location-specific units. With a specific thermostat, each unit works according to its own settings. Temperature management can be made to meet the needs in a given space without creating uncontrolled or inadequate heating or cooling in another area.

When is a Ductless System Applicable?

While not every scenario requires a ductless system, there are instances in which it can be really helpful, such as:

If you are building a smaller home such as a tiny house where it’s impractical to put a larger system with ducts, you can choose to install a ductless system instead. A central heating or cooling system isn’t just sensible for such a scenario.

Also, if you need more space and decide to add a room to your home, installing a ductless system makes more sense than getting a new central unit. It can make your new space comfortable without adding strain to your existing HVAC system. A mini-split will save your existing furnace or air conditioner the effort of trying to heat or cool an additional space, which lowers your monthly utility costs and extends your equipment’s lifespan.

Moreover, if you have rooms that are not regularly occupied such as a guest room, a library, or a study room, a ductless system can be an efficient solution.

Benefits of Ductless HVAC Systems

Fast Installation

Compared to a traditional HVAC system, a ductless unit is far easier to install. Because the process is pretty straightforward, you will have your brand-new unit set up faster, which means you won’t have to deal with uncomfortable temperatures for long.

Customized Comfort

Family fights over temperature are a normal sight. That will no longer be the case in your home if you upgrade to ductless systems. With units in different parts of the house, ductless systems give you greater temperature control. Each room will have the temperature set according to the occupant’s preferences, making everyone happy and comfy.

Greater Energy Efficiency

With a ductless system’s compact size, it allows you to HVAC zone your home, giving you customized temperatures in every room. Ductless systems have variable-speed compressors that continuously make adjustments based on your home’s heating or cooling needs. They don’t switch on and off throughout the day, unlike traditional units, saving you energy in the process.

Ductless HVAC systems conform to ENERGY STAR guidelines, which are more energy-efficient than the minimum standards set by the U.S. Federal government.

Space-saving

Because of ductless systems’ compact size, they take up less space compared to central HVAC systems. A ductless system has an outdoor and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit can connect up to four air handlers located on the wall in each room. For a more inconspicuous layout, you can install a ceiling cassette instead of a wall indoor unit.

Ask Four Seasons Air Specialists

Ductless HVAC systems can be beneficial to you, especially if your scenario fits in any of the conditions mentioned above. If you are interested in having a ductless system installed in your home, be sure to give us a call. As your leading North Oaks heating and air conditioning company, we’d love to help you make the right choice.