A ductless mini split is one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home, in part or entirely. They have the same components as central forced-air heat pumps and air conditioners, but don’t need the ductwork to distribute the conditioned air. They’re rapidly becoming the go-to choice for homeowners who encounter challenges with tight spaces in new additions or retrofits, ductwork distribution, or the need for individual temperature controls.
How They Work
The condenser and air handler connect via a narrow conduit that holds the refrigerant, drainpipe and power source. The indoor air handler blows the air directly into the room. A ductless heat pump can heat as well as cool.
Advantages
- Because they don't need ducts, they're an ideal choice when running ductwork would be costly or inconvenient because of the space they use.
- They're exceptionally energy efficient because there are no air or thermal losses due to ductwork and these systems must meet the same efficiency requirements as central HVAC systems.
- A ductless mini split is easy to install since the refrigerant, wiring and drainage is factory installed. A larger system can support up to four air handlers.
- They offer design flexibility since the air handler can sit on the floor or hang from a wall or ceiling.
- Ductless heat pumps offer greater safety than vented and unvented gas space heaters because they extract heat from outdoor air and don't use any combustible fuel.
What to Look For
Look for a ductless mini split that's an Energy Star-certified or high-efficiency unit to keep up with the heating load if you plan to use the space routinely during the winter. A high HSPF (heating season performance factor) assures you that it will be able produce the heat you need as temperatures plummet. Placing the air handler on the floor or midway up the wall also improves its ability to keep you warm, since heat rises.
To learn more about a ductless mini split for your home, contact Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning, providing top-notch HVAC services for homeowners in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ductless mini splits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 847-603-2233.
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The post Here’s What You Need to Know About Ductless Mini Splits appeared first on Ibbotson Home Comfort Blog.
