The heat has been blazing recently; quite frankly, there is nothing better than a cooling system to provide some much-needed relief. Before we know it, it will be colder during the day, and a heating system will be a valuable asset to any home or business. While heating and cooling systems can come in various shapes and sizes, they can be categorized into two types: duct systems or ductless systems.
Ductless systems are commonly used in areas not previously created using ducts. These systems might be used for cooling and heating a single room, such as a window unit, or could also be a larger industrial unit that can change the temperature of an area efficiently. In this article, we will explore what ductless heating and cooling systems are and some of their benefits for both homes and commercial locations.
What Types of Ductless Heating & Cooling Systems Are Available?
The name (ductless heating and cooling systems) tells us the most important feature of this system. That is, they do not use any ductwork. Instead, these systems utilize two units, combining them to cool the space. These two units are an outdoor compressor as well as an indoor evaporator. The outdoor part ejects heat inside to the outdoors, and the indoor part takes cooled and conditioned air and distributes it into the space.
One of the most popular types of ductless systems is mounted on the wall. Usually, this type of system is mounted high on the wall, and the outdoor portion of the unit is located almost directly adjacent to the other side of the wall. It may be mounted on the outdoor wall or placed on the ground. These systems, also known as mini-splits, can use more recent "smart" technology to add a thermostat.
There are a variety of other ductless systems. These include portable air conditioners, window units, cassette-type air conditioners, and PTACs (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners). Globally, the most common type is the mini-split air conditioner found mounted on walls.
Why Are Ductless Heating & Cooling Systems Popular?
People may choose to utilize ductless cooling and heating systems for many reasons. Although ducted systems may be more historically classic, these newer wall models have grown in popularity in recent years. They can provide many benefits when compared to traditional ducted systems and may be worth consideration in your home or business.
First, there is a lower operating cost for ductless cooling and heating systems. And at the end of the day, that may be reason enough for many people to prefer ductless systems. Appliances that are beneficial while helping cut energy expenses costs are desirable to many people. This also helps the environment by lowering carbon footprints. Some reports show that using ductless air conditioners can cut 30-40% of energy costs. This is because ducts often have a pretty considerable amount of air leakage. If there are tears, gaps, or improper installation, it can lead to wasted energy.
Another benefit of ductless systems is that they can be made "smart." Many smart controllers allow the air conditioning and heating to be controlled from your smartphone! Not only does this make it highly convenient, but efficient as well. These add-ons can act like a regular thermostat but cost way less and can be used anywhere at any time! There are a few other features that you may find with an intelligent air conditioner controller. Some of these may include humidity triggers, temperature triggers, weekly or daily schedules, tracking of history, and smart home compatibility.
We Are Ductless System Experts!
Suppose you want a new heating or air conditioning system but don't have the ductwork needed to maintain efficiency. In that case, TradePros Heat & Air can help you stay comfortable with a ductless system. Don't forget to maintain ductless HVAC systems with our team's installation, repairs, and replacements!
What are the Benefits of Ductless Heat & Cooling Systems?
Did you know that ductless air conditioners are more efficient than traditional central air units? It is true! Two measurements used when discussing systems are SEER and EER. These correlate to how much energy your unit can save. Ductless systems tend to have a higher SEER rating than systems with ducts, which helps efficiency.
Yet another benefit of ductless HVAC systems is the ability to have a hassle-free installation with them. Since these systems don't use inner-house ducts, they can be installed much quicker than traditional units. This also impacts the cost of installment. Some reports show that installing ductless units can cost up to 50% less than other systems.
Additionally, you do not have to add significant construction to your home or space to construct a ducted system. Instead, the installation of a ductless system is quite invasive. You will not need to tear apart the ceiling, bring in heavy machinery, or vacate your home for multiple days. The only home modification that may be needed is a small 3" x 3" hole for connecting the indoor and outdoor units.
Additionally, the use of a ductless system can contribute to the improvement of indoor air quality. The truth is that air quality in a home or office can significantly impact our health, mood, and well-being. Mainly if you are indoors a lot, the quality of the air you breathe matters. Tiny particles like allergens, pollutants, and airborne bacteria can commonly be present in a home. Although they are invisible, they can certainly affect a person's health.
In this regard, ductless air systems are better than ducted air systems because many invisible particles reside within the ducts. Ductless systems often have comprehensive filtration options and often use top-of-the-line HEPA filters. These filters can block out up to 99.97% of particles in the air, helping what you breathe to be much cleaner.
Ductless air and heating systems also allow for greater flexibility and minimal maintenance. Flexibility with ductless systems comes from installing as few or as many as you like. Some people even use various ductless systems within their homes or businesses. With separate units, you can choose to run them simultaneously or one at a time, depending on your needs. This can lessen the electricity used and consequently lower the energy bill.
Not only is it cheaper, but with multiple individual units, everyone can choose their own temperature! These units require very minimal care and maintenance, particularly when compared to ducted air conditioners. The filters need to be cleaned and washed regularly, and the outdoor units need to be observed to ensure no outdoor materials block them. With little maintenance required, you are likely to save on maintenance fees for ducted systems.
Ductless air conditioning systems also have another bonus. Many of them can also double as heating systems! When this is an option, it doesn't even require additional modifications. A unit that can double as a heater is considered "reversible" and may use a ductless heat pump. Most ducted HVAC systems can only be used for cooling, so this double feature can help save on money as well. Some utility companies even offer rebates or other financial incentives for installing ductless systems!
Ultimately, ductless HVAC systems are the way to go when considering energy savings and flexibility. Not only will you save energy and money, but you can also help reduce the carbon footprint, enjoy personalized comfort, and add to your smart home.
