Ductless mini-split systems have long been used as an energy efficient and versatile air conditioning and/or heating solution for situations where supplemental heating and cooling are needed – a home addition or sunroom, for example. But can a ductless system handle the rigors of heating or cooling a whole house?
The answer is YES!
Outfitted with high-efficiency components and advanced features, today’s ductless systems can meet the whole-house heating and cooling demands of even the most efficiency-minded homes and projects.
Why ductless heating and cooling makes sense
Traditional forced-air HVAC systems can work really well – but there are some flaws inherent in their design and components that make these systems prone to energy loss. For example:
- Ductwork is prone to air leaks, poor design, and inadequate insulation
- Improperly installed systems can create unbalanced airflow from supply outlets to return grilles, which reduces efficiency
- An over- or under-sized cooling system, heat pump or furnace will overwork to heat or cool a space, driving up energy use and possibly premature equipment failure
Because a mini-split system uses no ducts, it avoid these problems altogether, delivering better performance and other benefits, including:
- More expansion possibilities – A ductless system can be extended to areas outside the living spaces, such as a workshop, garage, guest house or pool house outbuilding.
- Installation ease – Extending ductwork into a sun room, home office, attic or basement can take weeks with a forced air system; with ductless, it’s a one or two day process.
- Customization – With multiple indoor units, you can mix and match the sizes to precisely match the heating and cooling load in each zone of your home – and all are independent of each other, so you can cool or heat where you need to and leave the other units off until necessary!
- Better air quality – No ductwork means no places for microorganisms like mold to grow, which means you’ll be breathing better air at home.
Of course the key to getting the most out of your ductless system (or any home comfort equipment) is to get your system sized, installed, and maintained by the professionals at Total Mechanical Systems.
Could a ductless heating and cooling system be right for your home? Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your free consultation with one of our expert Comfort Advisors.
