When it comes to cooling and heating your home, a ductless mini-split system offers an innovative and flexible alternative to traditional HVAC setups. But what exactly is a ductless system, and how does it compare? Ductless mini-split systems have a lot of advantages over traditional heating and cooling systems. They may be just the answer you’re looking for.
A Smarter Alternative to Installing Ductwork
If you live in an older or historic home in the Kansas City metro or Johnson County, Missouri area that doesn’t have the ductwork necessary for central air conditioning and heating, you may think your only option besides window AC units and space heaters is to install ductwork. Unfortunately, installing ductwork in an existing home can be messy, expensive, and possibly in violation of building codes! So if you’re sick of dealing with portable air conditioners and space heaters every season, you can install a ductless mini-split system for much less money and trouble!
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split Heating and Cooling System?
A ductless mini-split system consists of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and one or more indoor air-handling units (also called evaporators). These two components are connected by a conduit that houses the refrigerant tubing, power cable, and condensate drain, allowing the system to operate without needing extensive ductwork. The only thing necessary to install it is a 3-inch hole in the wall behind the indoor system.
Who Should Consider a Ductless Mini-Split System?
Here are a few reasons why a ductless mini-split system could be the right choice for your home or space:
- Space is tight or limited: Ductless systems take up minimal space, making them perfect for smaller homes, apartments, or additions where installing ductwork might not be feasible.
- Your home is older with no ductwork: Many older homes lack existing ductwork, and retrofitting it can be costly and complex. Ductless systems offer a modern solution that doesn’t require the installation of bulky, expensive ducts.
- Building codes prevent larger HVAC installations: In certain areas, building codes might limit your options for larger HVAC systems. A ductless mini-split system offers a compliant, energy-efficient alternative.
- You need supplemental heating or cooling: If there are rooms in your home that don’t get adequate heating or cooling, like garages, basements, or attics, a ductless system can serve as an efficient supplemental solution.
- You want to save money on your energy bills: Ductless systems are highly efficient and allow you to control the temperature of individual zones, which can significantly lower your energy consumption and your utility bills.
- These systems are the perfect solution for sunrooms, attics, room additions, basements, and converted garages. Anywhere where it’s uncomfortable, a ductless mini-split is a great addition.
How Does a Ductless Mini-Split System Work?
The outdoor unit pumps refrigerant to the indoor units through the conduit. The refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and transfers it outside to cool the space. In cold weather, the process reverses, with the outdoor unit pulling heat from the outside air and sending it inside to warm your home. Since ductless systems don’t rely on traditional ducts to move air, they can deliver efficient, direct heating and cooling to specific rooms or areas.
Benefits of Ductless Mini-Split Systems
These newer systems offer quite a few advantages to homeowners and are better than conventional heating and cooling systems in a couple of ways:
- Zone control flexibility: You can adjust the temperature in different areas of your home independently, meaning you won’t waste energy heating or cooling unoccupied rooms.
- No energy loss through leaky ductwork: Ducted systems can lose up to 30% of their energy through leaks in the ducts. With a ductless system, there’s no ductwork to worry about, so no energy loss occurs.
- Space-saving design and sleek units: Ductless systems are compact and don’t require bulky ducts. The indoor air-handling units are sleek, modern, and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, blending seamlessly with your decor.
- Quiet operation: Since the compressor is located outside, the indoor units operate quietly, making them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or any space where a peaceful environment is important.
- Lower utility bills: Because ductless systems are designed for high efficiency, they use less energy compared to traditional ducted systems, which translates to lower monthly utility bills. Ductless mini-split systems boast impressive SEER ratings, often reaching up to 27 SEER, compared to the 12 to 20 SEER of conventional units.
No Ducts? No Problem!
A ductless mini-split system is a versatile, energy-efficient option that can solve heating and cooling challenges in tight spaces, older homes, or areas where building codes limit traditional HVAC installations. With benefits like zone control, quiet operation, and lower energy bills, it’s easy to see why many homeowners are turning to ductless systems for their comfort needs. At Top Notch, we exclusively offer brands that meet our high standards of quality and reliability. We offer Mitsubishi and Daikin – both brands that we have come to rely on for dependability and energy efficiency. We also offer convenient financing options to make budgeting easier.
