Older homes are often equipped with ductwork for heating and cooling. Many new homes are more up-to-date with ductless systems. These systems, often referred to as mini splits, are composed of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units. Air flow travels through the conduit, directly into the rooms of your home. If your home is heated and cooled through ductwork, should you switch to ductless?
There are many advantages, but also a few disadvantages of ductless heating and cooling. It is important to consider what is best for your home before making an informed decision. While you can certainly consult with our experienced HVAC technicians, you can begin by exploring some of the pros and cons of ductless heating.
THE PROS AND CONS OF DUCTLESS SYSTEMS
EASY INSTALLATION
PRO: The process to install ductless heating and cooling is so simple that any home or business with mounting capabilities and access to electricity can go ductless. Duct systems can take up to five days to install, while a ductless system can be fitted in one day.
EFFECTIVE
PRO: Duct airflow can become blocked by dust, pollen and other particles, leaving your home slightly too cold or hot. On the other hand, ductless heating and cooling systems allow air to flow directly into the rooms of your home, free from the restrictions of ducts.
ENERGY EFFICIENT
PRO: Ductless mini splits follow Energy Star guidelines, which are beyond the minimum requirements set by the federal government. As you reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll also be saving money on your energy bill.
CON: Improperly sized and placed ductless mini-splits can offset efficiency. Hiring an HVAC professional to install your units can prevent this problem, but many homeowners look to cut costs with a DIY approach.
A DIRECT SOURCE OF HEAT AND A/C
PRO: Ductless systems are smaller in size than duct systems, but their power is much greater. Since a ductless air conditioner or heater does not have to force air through ducts, homeowners feel an uninterrupted flow of cool or warm air. In fact, duct losses account for up to 30 percent of energy consumption!
SPACE SAVING
PRO: For example, a two-story homeowner might have to run a piece of duct vertically through a closet, or floor space in an unfinished attic which would ordinarily be storage space. With a ductless system, there are no vents to cut in and no ductwork to use up storage space.
CON: Some people find the look of ductless mini-splits to be unattractive, so built-in central heating and cooling systems are their preferred option.
CLEANER THAN DUCT SYSTEMS
PRO: Have you ever noticed an increase in dust, pollen or other allergens when your duct system is running? With a ductless cooling or heating system, those particles are greatly reduced. Each unit has an internal, multi-stage filtration system that keeps bacteria and particulates from entering your home.
Managed by Zone
PRO: On cold winter nights and hot summer days, you want the heat or air conditioning on full blast in the rooms that you occupy the most. However, with a duct system, your uninhabited guest room or attic is stealing some of the air flow. With ductless mini splits, homeowners can create “zones,” each managed by their own thermostat, for better temperature control on a room-by-room basis.
To schedule an appointment for a consultation, give us a call at Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning today.