Why You Should Invest in a Ductless HVAC System

Ductless Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners across the country because of their ability to provide consistent, reliable comfort. As the name implies, ductless HVAC systems (also known as mini splits) are equipment that provide heating and air conditioning at home but do not require running ductwork. Instead, they are composed of two sets of components: an interior, wall-hung unit, and an outdoor unit linked with refrigerant piping. HVAC units operate similarly to window AC units but are more efficient and quieter because of their advanced technological design.

If you’re looking to invest in a ductless HVAC system for your home, here is a brief guide that outlines the advantages and disadvantages of ductless HVAC equipment to help you make the right decision.

Pros of Ductless HVAC Systems

●      High Energy Efficiency - The biggest advantage of a ductless system is its energy efficiency. Unlike its larger ducted counterparts, ductless systems are not prone to air loss or thermal leakage since there are no ducts. Leaky or uninsulated ducts can result in air loss, which account for than 30 percent of energy consumption of traditional ducted distribution systems.

●      Monthly Savings - Since ductless HVAC systems consume less energy, homeowners can also expect reduced heating and cooling cost by 30 percent or more. These significant monthly savings are very helpful, especially as utility costs across the country have skyrocketed in recent years. In addition to saving on energy costs, installing ductless systems may

●      Quick and Easy Installation - Traditional ducted systems often take several weeks to install, which may disrupt daily activities at home. Ductless systems, on the other hand, are less complicated and much easier to install since there is no ductwork involved. There is also no need for rebuilding walls or ceilings since the units are less bulky. Only a few small pipes are needed to connect the indoor and outdoor unit. Ductless HVAC units are, therefore, far less invasive and can be up and running in a day.

●      Improved Indoor Air Quality - Due to the rise in respiratory illnesses, more and more homeowners are growingly concerned about the indoor air quality of their home. Poor indoor air quality is often caused by various sources, including household products, dirty filters, and contaminated outdoor air leaked into the home by faulty ductwork. With ductless systems, homeowners can be assured of better indoor air quality because of the equipment’s multi-stage filtration technology. This technology helps eliminate dust, bacteria, allergens, and other contaminants in the air.

●      Flexibility - Ductless HVAC systems also give homeowners flexibility in terms of interior design and arrangement options. The indoor air-handling unit can be incorporated into the existing layout or design of the room - either placed high up on the ceiling or mounted on the wall - or placed in an inconspicuous area so it will be out of sight. Plus, since the unit is remote controlled, anyone can easily operate the system and customize it with zero hassle.

●      Quiet Operation -  In addition to its energy efficiency, allergen filtration, and personalized comfort, ductless systems also offer a much quieter performance compared to traditional systems. This is because most of the noisy components of the system are located in the outdoor unit.

Cons of Ductless HVAC Systems

●      Higher Upfront Cost - Although ductless HVAC systems can bring significant savings over time, it’s upfront installation costs can be high. The upfront cost, however, can be recovered in the long run.

●      Sizing - Homeowners may also run into some problems if the wrong size is used. The HVAC system must be neither too small nor too large in order to meet the heating or cooling requirements of the space. If the system is too small, it will need to work twice as hard and cost more to operate. On the other hand, if the system is too large, it will also waste energy and money. This is why it’s important to consult with a qualified contractor to find the the correct sizing of the equipment.

●      Aesthetic - Another disadvantage of ductless HVAC systems is that they aren’t very design-friendly. They’re only offered in standard white or beige colors and can’t be covered.

Ductless HVAC systems are excellent options for homeowners who want to achieve consistent comfort in their homes and better energy efficiency.

Written by APM Construction Services, a construction and home maintenance company that is the best choice for heatingand cooling in Columbia, MO.