Is a Ductless Mini-Split AC Right for Your Home?

Eliminate Hot and Cold Rooms with a Ductless HVAC System.

Ductless heat pumps and air conditioners, which are also called mini-splits, have been popular in Asia and Europe for decades. Now, American homeowners are noticing their benefits. If you’re converting an attic or basement, building a sunroom or designing an addition, a ductless system can heat and cool the added living space. Ductless HVAC units are also useful if you own an older house that’s never had ductwork. Here are a few things to consider before you choose:

Advantages of Ductless Air Conditioning

Efficiency

Ductless mini-splits are up to 40 percent more efficient compared to conventional HVAC systems. Ductwork that’s made from metal or fiberglass leaks air. Estimates show that one-third of conditioned air escapes from the ducts before it reaches the living space.

Installation

Your Feldman Heating & Cooling crew can install your mini-split HVAC system in one day. A small weatherproof opening in an exterior wall is the only structural change that’s required. If your home doesn’t have central air conditioning, the process of installing ducts for a conventional system is messy, obtrusive and time consuming.

Zoning

Mini-split HVAC systems allow you to create multiple heating and cooling zones. One outdoor compressor powers several indoor air handlers. You can adjust the temperature and fan speed in each zone. This is great if you find that you’re warmer or colder than other folks in your house. It also helps to control energy costs in rarely used rooms.

Allergy Relief

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, a ductless HVAC system can give you relief. Dust, mold, pollen, pet dander and other triggers collect in air ducts, but mini-splits eliminate this hiding place.

Quiet Operation

Most central HVAC systems are noisy. The blower motors are loud, and the ductwork rattles and whistles. Depending on the fan speed, the noise generated by a mini-split is comparable to a refrigerator.

Disadvantages of Ductless HVAC Systems

Cost

The price tag of ductless systems is a barrier for some homeowners. The Department of Energy says that these units cost 30 percent more than conventional systems. However, this does not include the expense of installing new ductwork. Lower utility bills will help you recoup the extra cost of ductless equipment.

Lack of Design Options

With a ductless system, you need an indoor air handler to distribute the air in your home. Wall-mounted air handlers are common, but they aren’t attractive. Today, manufacturers offer multiple styles, including units that are mounted above the ceiling.

Qualified Contractors

In the past, it was difficult for homeowners to find qualified HVAC companies for these specialized systems. With their increasing popularity, this is no longer the case. Our technicians are trained to install, maintain and repair ductless equipment from all manufacturers.

To learn more about ductless HVAC systems, contact us today. Our experts will gladly explain your options and give you a free quote.