How to determine whether a ductless heating system is right for your home?

In heating residential apartments, efficiency of the heating system or appliance is a major consideration. Home owners prefer to install ductless heating systems- also known as mini-split systems.

The other type of heating system that uses duct work is also found in many businesses and homes. This kind of system loses energy every day as a result of the way heat is dispersed in the home. While the mini-split system effectively reduces heat loss in buildings. The systems with h heat pumps are easily installed and have lots of great features. As ideal as mini-split systems with heat pumps may be, it comes with its own disadvantages. like a higher cost which can affect those on tight budgets.
The following information will help you determine if the mini-split system is best for you.

What’s A Ductless / Mini Split Heating Systems?

For homes already using the non-ducted heating system, mini-split systems would be a great addition. An average non-ducted heating system will need elements like water, and makes use of space heating methods, (which uses kerosene or propane to generate heat). If you want to make additions to your existing system, Mini-splits are the perfect solution. With the mini-split, you don’t need to go through the process of expanding your existing duct area.

The Mini-splits have two major components. The compressor/condenser which is located outdoors and the air unit which is installed indoors. Both components are connected through a conduit. The conduit is made up of a power cable, condensate drain, and refrigerant and suction tubing. If the air unit is more than one, each unit would contain a thermostat. The thermostat is used to regulate the air temperature in each room where the unit is installed.

The Five Advantages of Mini-split / Ductless Heat Pumps

The mini split ductless heating system has a lot of advantages ranging from improved energy efficiency to easy installation. Here are 5 major advantages.
1. Individual Rooms/Zones enjoy Better Heat

Mini-splits offer you adequate heating especially for each room or zones within the home. However, the efficiency of the mini-split system is determined by the individual air handling units in the different rooms or zones. The units in the individual rooms can be regulated to suit the occupant needs without affecting other units in the home, unlike the regular heating methods that have a uniform regulator. Most of the time, better insulation of your home means better overall efficiency of the individual air handling unit. This will help you save more from energy costs.

2. Its Flexible and Gives you Different Placement Options

With the mini-split system, you don’t have to alter your existing interior design. This is because the air handling component allows you to place it in different places, that’s more reason why it has an edge over other add-on systems. The air handler can be placed on a wall, hanged to the ceiling, or placed into drop ceilings. The Mini-splits unit also has models that allow floor installation which can be useful in some situations.

3. Easy to Install

Expanding your duct can be a very difficult and time consuming project. Mini-splits unit offers people a perfect solution, and easy to install. Installation of both the outdoor and indoor components will only require you drilling a three inch hole thus making it the best installation option. Conduits do come in different lengths which is why it is designed to allow you situate the outdoor unit 50 feet away from the indoor evaporator. This allows you to place the outdoor unit in different discreet locations of your choice.

4. It is Energy Efficient

Large consumption of energy affects the environment and also makes you spend more. Conventional ducts are one of the major energy consumption components and due to its construction, 30% of generated heat dissipates while leaving the duct work. Since the mini-split doesn’t require ducts to pass heat, it consumes far less energy.

5. It is Customizable

The ability to customize is another amazing feature of the mini-split. Most mini-split systems have timers and built in sleep functions. This helps homeowners regulate the amount of heat in their home.

The conventional heating system cannot be customised and can lead to high energy bills and energy waste.

The Disadvantages of Mini-split / Ductless Heat Pumps

The mini-split system has different advantages like easy installation, energy efficiency, and flexible placement options. However, just like every other appliance, it has its own downside. The owner would have to first determine the type of heating system that best suits the house in terms of room numbers, room’s capacity and the BTU rating of the unit.

Although the mini-split heating unit is cost efficient when it comes to heat consumption, it is expensive to install. This installation costs usually discourage home owners who cannot afford it. Home owners who are interested in ductless heating systems can get incentives and rebates since they are more environmentally friendly.

Installation can also come as a disadvantage to the mini-split system. Installation needs to be perfect, hence an HVAC professional is needed to handle the installation process. This is because if you don’t place the air handler properly it can lead to short-cycling. If your unit experiences short-cycling, it will be consuming energy inefficiently which is one of the reasons why people go ductless. In some cases, a reliable professional may be hard to find, making you spend more.

Another concern could be the aesthetic appeal. Lots of homeowners find the internal air unit unappealing when compared to the built in central heating systems. Also the drains for the outdoor unit is another concern making owners go for the traditional systems.

Comprehensive Understanding Is Required In Order To Make Informed Decision

It is very important that you choose the right heating system as it would help you maximize its functionality and save money. Before you make a decision, you have to first understand how the system functions. This includes all available functions as well as the advantages and disadvantages. With the information stated above, you can make the right decision regarding the type of system and its location in your home.