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Updated: May 3, 2024
Have you ever heard of a ductless mini-split system? These heating and cooling systems work similarly to a heat pump and have been popular in other countries for over thirty years. Now they’re starting to make a name for themselves in the United States as well.
Ductless mini-split systems involve and outdoor air compressor/condenser (just like central heating and cooling systems have) connected to an indoor air handler unit. The indoor handler unit is a small, sleek box that is mounted to either a wall or the ceiling–it can even be integrated seamlessly into a drop down ceiling.
The big difference with this air handler compared to central systems is it doesn’t require any ductwork. Here are four great benefits of duct-free heating and cooling:
- Offers Heating and Cooling to Unlikely Spaces: Mini-split systems allow areas of homes that don’t have ductwork to still benefit from year-round climate control. That means that a drafty addition or an older home can still be comfortable without clunky space heaters or window air units.
- Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly: According to Energy Star, the typical home loses 20% of its conditioned air to leaky ductwork. Mini-splits have a reputation for being highly energy efficient- some have SEER ratings of over 20. (Read more about SEER ratings in our blog, Time to Get SEERIous About Energy Efficiency).
- Quiet: Let’s compare mini-splits to other retrofit heating and cooling options for your home like window air conditioners and space heaters. While a mini-split system has an indoor air handler component, the compressor and condenser of the unit are located outside, which means that the system is much, much quieter than using something like a window A/C. They may even seem quieter than your central air system, since they don’t require clanky ductwork.
- Zone Defense: If you have a large section of your home that’s lacking ductwork (like a basement you’ve finished in multiple rooms), installing a mini-split system for this area of your home will not only allow you to heat and cool it, but to heat and cool it in zones. With some mini-split systems, the outdoor condenser can be linked to up to four indoor air handlers.
Ductless mini-split systems can be a great option for homeowners looking for flexible heating and cooling solutions.
Learn more about this exciting technology and how it compares to other heating and cooling options by visiting our latest Heat Beat article – The Heating and Cooling Alternative: Ductless Mini-Split Systems.
And if you’re interested in exploring a ductless mini-split for your space, please don’t hesitate to call HVAC contractors serving West University Place and surrounding metro-Houston communities at Richmond’s Air today.
