Ductless HVAC: Everything You Need to Know

Are you shopping for a cheaper alternative to central air conditioning? If so, consider the most energy-efficient ductless HVAC systems. While these may not meet every home’s particular needs, there’s almost nothing better when they do. Keep reading to learn why many homeowners in Mount Pleasant, TX, love their ductless HVAC system.

What’s Ductless HVAC System?

A central air conditioner, which includes an indoor air handler and outdoor unit, circulates cool air to every room through sheet metal ductwork. Ductless systems are similar in that they include an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handler. The difference is that the air handler sits on the wall or ceiling rather than on the roof or in a closet.

How Does a Ductless Unit Work?

The air handler and outdoor unit connect via refrigerant lines and electrical wiring, not by ducts. The outdoor unit can connect from as far as 50 feet away, so you have the chance to install this part of the mini-split in a discreet place.

Like a heat pump, the mini-split cools a room by removing the heat and expelling it from the outdoor unit. One air handler can cool one room; however, you can connect a maximum of four air handlers to a single outdoor unit. This means being able to cool four rooms to every occupant’s preference in a process known as zoning.

Where Can You Install a Ductless Unit?

Because the air handler of a mini-split is compact, it’s not hard to install the entire unit. Mini-splits are ideal for homes that:

• Have no ductwork or no room for it.
• Will undergo a room addition.
• Do not need every room cooled.
• Have an outbuilding that no preexisting ducts can reach.

The air handler is a permanent fixture, so whatever changes to the interior design you make will have to be made around it, yet it’s still less cumbersome than a window unit. For the conduit, all that’s required is a 3-inch hole in the wall.

How Does Installing a Ductless Unit Saves You Money?

Mount Pleasant residents should know that according to the Department of Energy, about 30% of the energy that it takes to heat and cool a home is wasted because of leaks in the ductwork. With a mini-split, though, you don’t lose any of that energy. This is the main advantage it has over ducted units.

The operating cost of a ductless HVAC system is much lower than a central air conditioner. This is especially true when heating because a mini-split simply transfers heat rather than generating it through the burning of fuel, as with gas and oil furnaces, or through electric resistance, as with electric furnaces.

More Benefits for the Cost-Conscious Homeowner

Many mini-splits come with Energy Star certification, which means they meet the EPA’s high standards for performance. We mention this because owners of Energy Star products may be eligible for rebates through their local utility.

You could reap more benefits by installing a programmable thermostat for each air handler. This allows you to take multi-zone cooling to the next level by having a separate air conditioning schedule for each room. There are even smart thermostats availabe specifically made for mini-splits that can create the most energy-efficient schedules possible.

Wood Air Conditioning & Plumbing is a go-to HVAC contractor for many residents in Mount Pleasant, TX. Our licensed, bonded and insured service technicians undergo continual training, so you can trust them to help you weigh your options for a cooling unit. Contact us today to learn more about our various ductless mini-split services, which include repairs, installations and maintenance. We look forward to helping.

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