A Ductless AC System Could Be Ideal for Your Home
Increasingly, HVAC companies in Cincinnati like Jansen Heating & Cooling are getting requests for ductless AC systems. Ductless split systems (also called “mini-splits”) are versatile, offering comfort, efficiency and convenience. In many ways, they are superior to traditional ducted HVAC systems, and in some situations, they’re a significantly more practical choice.
Ductless split AC systems and heat pumps – both energy efficient and convenient – offer independent temperature control in specific areas of a home. They’re particularly suited for renovated rooms or sections, additions, or rooms that don’t ever seem to be cool or warm enough. They work well in spaces where it’s too difficult and impractical to extend ductwork to serve a new space.
When ductless AC systems are installed by qualified Cincinnati HVAC companies, with multiple indoor units, they can even cool or heat an entire home if properly installed and strategically placed.
One situation where the ductless system is increasingly popular is when a homeowner whose home does not have gas service or internal ductwork decides to upgrade from electric baseboards for heat and portable AC units for cooling to a more efficient and effective heating and cooling option.
How Does a Ductless AC System Work?
A ductless split is a split-system air-source heat pump or AC with one major difference from a traditional forced-air cooling or heating system: working without ductwork, a ductless AC or heat pump conditions only the room or area where its air-handling units are located.
- Outside, a compressor unit containing the heat-exchange coil, compressor and blower connects to one or more air-handling units inside the house. A conduit with lines, tubes and wires to carry refrigerant, condensate and electricity connects the outside unit with the inside unit(s).
- Inside the house, each of one or more interior air-handling units – most systems allow for up to five – contains a coil and blower, in addition to a remote control for most systems.
Ductless air conditioning companies in Cincinnati can install cooling/heating air handlers in a variety of ways:
- on the wall,
- hanging from the ceiling, or
- free-standing.
These systems don’t make a lot of noise and can be integrated relatively easily into your interior design. They don’t intrude on room design the way a window air conditioner or space heater does. They’re also permanent fixtures that are sealed against air leaks, so in the case of ductless ACs, you need not worry about dismantling the unit when the seasons change, and you don’t have to worry about the AC units being a point of entry for outdoor dust or insects.
It’s tough to beat an HVAC installation that permits you to control the comfort in your immediate environment from the coziness of your easy chair. Just adjust the temperature with a remote-control device connected to the unobtrusive air handling unit attached to the wall and enjoy the improved comfort of your space.
Does a Ductless Split AC System Save Energy?
While ductless split systems employ unique design characteristics (using inverter technology) that result in high efficiency heating and cooling, their ability to operate without ductwork also contributes to energy savings.
In a traditional, forced-air heating and cooling system, energy is lost as the air moves through the ducts. It happens either through air leakage or natural loss of heat or cool air during the trip to its destination in your home – the further the conditioned air has to travel within the ductwork, the greater the loss of efficiency.
That doesn’t happen with a ductless split system. Additionally, you won’t suffer the many things that can go wrong with a ducted system:
- ducts clogged with dirt, debris and other contaminants,
- duct sections coming apart or hanging loose,
- heat infiltration/loss from ducts running through unconditioned areas of your home,
- inconsistent air delivery depending on distance from the HVAC system, and more.
None of these things are an issue with a ductless split system. Just like traditional central heating and cooling systems, the benefits of a ductless split system will depend on the quality of the equipment and installation, its energy efficiency, the physical circumstances of your home, how your household uses energy, the climate where you live, and a variety of other factors (it’s always best to talk with a local HVAC company who can come out and take a look at your home to make the most personalized recommendation).
However, there’s no doubt that ductless split systems are gaining popularity in the United States, including here in the greater Cincinnati area. The best HVAC contractors serving Milford, Loveland and other Cincinnati suburbs – as well as Cincinnati itself – offer ductless splits when homeowners are seeking better options for heating and cooling their homes.
Consider scheduling a free appointment, with no obligation, with one of Jansen Heating & Cooling’s installation advisers to discuss how a ductless AC installation can provide comfortable and efficient heating and air conditioning in your home. And especially consider a ductless system if you’re converting a space without heating or cooling into a workshop, home office, guest room or some other regular, indoor use.
If a Ductless Split System is Not for You …
If your home’s HVAC system provides uneven heating and cooling to different parts of your home, such as in a finished basement or upstairs loft or bedrooms, but a ductless split system is not practical or preferred in your situation, you might consider a zoning system in your home.
These systems divide your home into two or more comfort zones, each served by a separate thermostat connected to mechanized duct dampers. They open or close ducts serving a single zone, allowing homeowners to customize the heating and cooling in each area. This means you won’t have to heat or cool parts of the house that don’t need it.
If you’re getting unbalanced air conditioning or heating in your home that doesn’t appear related to the different climate conditions on different levels or areas, you may have ductwork or other air distribution issues that will require attention from your favorite local Cincinnati AC service company.
Regular professional maintenance on your HVAC system should catch these issues before they become problems. But if you’re already noticing problems, you can always give us a call here at Jansen Heating & Cooling, and we’ll make sure it gets taken care of with a minimum of fuss.
And if you feel like a ductless AC system sounds like a great solution for your home, give us a call to find out more about ductless AC installation. We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the best solution for your particular situation. We’ve got you covered.