ductless heating and cooling systems

Pros and Cons of Ductless Heating and Cooling

HVAC systems are beautifully efficient and provide consistent room comfort, especially the ductless HVAC systems.

The Advantages of a Ductless System

First, let’s get to know what a ductless system is. Ductless heating and cooling systems typically consist of a wall-mounted indoor unit combined with an outside compressor. It is most often used in a situation where a window AC unit or baseboard heating would be considered, such as a new addition to a house. Unlike window units, ductless units require only a very small hole to be drilled into the wall, making them less vulnerable to air leakage and security problems and they are less visible and audible. 

Moreover, they are exceedingly energy-efficient. Simply moving the ducts will make the system more efficient. A ductless mini split heat pump has inverter-driver compressors, which speed up and slow down based on the needs of the system instead of shutting off entirely as the traditional HVAC compressors do.

The disadvantages of a Ductless System

To most homeowners, a ductless system can have an up-front cost, regular maintenance, and aesthetics costs. In extremely cold climates, there’s a fourth consideration as you will likely need a fuel-based backup if you want ductless heat, although some newer models can handle the load even when temps fall below zero. 

Ductless units cost several times more than comparable window units or baseboard heating units, which could be thousands of dollars versus hundreds. On the other hand, in whole-house terms, if you replace your existing central heating cooling system with a complete ductless solution, you may pay two-to-three times the cost of simply replacing it with another ducted unit. You will get lower energy bills in return, but the payback period depends on your climate, your use of the system, and your local electricity rates.

Ideal Situation for Ductless

Well, it depends on the home’s construction as ductless systems can make sense in a variety of applications including whole-house heating and cooling. Proper system sizing and installation are absolutely critical to getting the touted benefits of a ductless system. Although you can do DIY, it is still better to get ductless mini split heat pump contractors to have a warranty. Ductless will never work properly if the system is the wrong size, the wall penetration is not sealed correctly, or the sensitive electronics are mishandled. You have to be able to handle this stress. But if you go for professionals on ductless heating and cooling systems, it could lessen your problem. The extra money you spend for a pro job is definitely worth it.

If you are looking for quality ductless heating and cooling systems, Empire Air and Heat has a great solution for any space that is not being satisfied by your HVAC system is a ductless mini split system. An Empire team member is trained and certified in ductless heat pumps or “mini splits” and will help our clients decide if this option is right for them. If you are interested in learning more about ductless heat pumps as a possible solution for your Florida home, call us now.

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