.png)
Ductless mini-split heat pumps are an excellent choice for Floridians because of their flexibility and their ability to heat and cool within the same unit. Add to that their efficiency as an electrically-powered unit and they are one of the cheapest home heating options.
Still, ductless systems haven’t been widely adopted by Americans just yet, so there’s still a lot for homeowners to learn and be introduced to. This blog will answer some of those commonly asked questions, so you can figure out if a ductless system is right for you!
Why Ductless?
While ducted systems are the standard, that doesn’t mean they are so widespread because they are the best way to do things. In fact, inventors, engineers, and builders have always known the inherent inefficiencies that come with ducts. It takes energy to heat or cool your air before it’s sent through your ducts. That energy gets absorbed through your metal ductwork and never gets to your home.
On top of that, ductwork isn’t beneficial for your indoor air quality. Ductwork can easily get clogged with dust, dirt, pollen, and pet hair. Really the only thing that ducts add to your home is that they are able to transport air throughout your home.
How Does It Work?
So, you may be wondering how a ductless system can transport air around your home without using ducts. The secret is that air comes directly out of the unit. It accomplishes this by having a two-part system comprised of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. These are connected by a conduit that gives electricity and houses the refrigerant. This completely bypasses ductwork, so you’ll get air delivered directly to whatever room your unit is in.
For heating and cooling it functions the same as a heat pump because it is a type of heat pump. Essentially heat is exchanged between the two units. This process can run in both directions allowing you to heat up or cool your home all using just electricity as power. This is more efficient and better for the environment to boot.
What are the Benefits?
So, we already mentioned it a bit, but a ductless system bypasses the inherent inefficiency of ductwork. That comes out to about 20-30% of your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, ductless units are some of the most flexible systems in the HVAC industry. Using individual units you can have very specific control over the temperatures throughout your home all for a pretty cheap price considering that amount of control.
All of this is done without burning fossil fuels like a furnace. Not only is that worse for the environment, but it prevents problems like carbon monoxide leaks that can occur when a furnace isn’t maintained well.
So, Should You Get One?
Now, you understand the benefits, you can see why ductless systems are so popular. The main con is that these systems cost a bit more upfront to install, but this is without considering the cost of ductwork. If you haven’t installed ducts in your home or if you’re adding something new to your home, a ductless system is very comparable in cost to adding ducts and an air conditioner. Additionally, some don’t like the look of mini-splits in their home, but that can be overcome with some of the new recessed units. With the savings to your bill and the added control, we think it’s worth it, but the great news is that you can make the decision for yourself and see what will best for you!
If you find yourself struggling with any of these common HVAC issues, contact the experts at Stellar Services of North Florida today at (352) 290-4919 or you can fill out a convenient online contact form!