A ductless heating and cooling system is a system that is uniquely designed to deliver cool air or warm air to one or more rooms within a structure without the need of utilizing connective-based ductwork. These are referred to as “ductless HVAC systems” or as a “mini-split”. These are typically used among homeowners that want a room addition, a garage, a sunroom, or another part of the home to be temperature controlled. In this guide, you will learn about the pros and cons associated with ductless heating and cooling systems.

Available Configurations

The ductless systems available on today’s market have the ability to be configured in many different ways. These configurations include the following:

• Ductless Air Conditioners
• Ductless Heat Pumps
• Ductless Zoning Systems

How Do Ductless HVAC Systems Work?

A ductless HVAC system functions through the use of exchanger coils. These are designed to transport warm air from one location directly to another location. In the warmer months of the year, the unit transports warm air from the inside of the home to the outside of the structure. In the winter months, it transports warm air from outside of the home into the structure.

The unit has two distinct components. The first is the air handler. This is located on the inside of the structure. The second is the condenser, which is located on the outside of the home. These are directly connected through the use of a very thin pipe that is placed within the exterior wall of the structure. Each exterior condenser has the capability of handling up to a total of four handling units for air.

What are the Cons of a Ductless Heating and Cooling System?

While it is true that there are numerous benefits associated with a ductless heating and cooling system, it is also true that there are some disadvantages associated with the products. The following outline the main ones as outlined by homeowners who use these technologically-advanced units:

• Many homeowners have discovered that on exceptionally hot days, ductless systems do not provide as much comfort – in terms of cooling – as traditional HVAC systems.
• On cold days – if the interior temperature falls below that of 60 degrees F – additional heat is typically not provided because of the fact that there are no ducts present.
• The ductless heating and air systems are a bit more expensive than traditional HVAC units.
• Over time, ductless systems are more expensive to maintain. This is because of the unique set up with the system as well as the fact that they utilize a higher level of electricity than traditional units.
• If the home has rooms that include low ceilings or are shaped in an awkward manner, the ductless heating and air systems will not provide a high level of interior comfort.
• These units require a larger amount of space because of the fact that there are outdoor condensing units and one indoor unit.
• If a repair becomes necessary, the unit will have to be completely removed from the wall.
• Ductless units for heating and cooling require their own electrical source.

What are the Pros of a Ductless Heating and Cooling System?

Despite the cons of ductless heating and air systems, there are many pros. They are as follows:

• Despite the fact that the units require their own electrical source and involve extra components, they are a great option for those that want limited temperature control for the fraction of the cost.
• The installation cost is a bit higher, but if you live in a multi-family unit and want your own temperature control system, this is an ideal option.
• The units are designed to cool or heat certain areas of the home – not the entire home. If you are in search of an efficient means of controlling indoor temperatures, these will let you focus on the areas that require the control.
• There is no need to have costly ductwork installed.
• You will not have the added expense of having to have your ductwork cleaned and maintained with a ductless heating and air system.
• This is the perfect option for a small home.
• The units are much easier to install than that of traditional HVAC systems.
• There is a higher level of flexibility in terms of installation. The air-handling devices may be hung from a ceiling, mounted to a wall, or even placed flush to a ceiling.
• The system is capable of being remotely controlled so that the air output may be controlled within each room.
• Regardless of what type of setup you have, you will be able to find a system that is perfectly suited to your individual needs.

What is the Overall Average Cost of a Ductless Heating and Air System?

The average cost of a ductless heating and air system ranges in at about $3,000. This typically includes the labor, installation, and the actual unit. Smaller units may be significantly less and larger units are – of course – a bit on the higher side. A large part of the expense will be determined on the overall efficiency of the system, the number of heads located throughout the home, and the size of the structure where the unit and/or heads are placed.

How Long Do Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Last?

If a ductless heating and air system is installed properly and receives the proper level of maintenance, they typically last 20 years or longer. Conventional systems are said to last up to 12 or even 15 years. If you are in the market for a system that will last for many years to come, it is best to go with a ductless unit.

How Many Rooms Can a Ductless System Cool and Heat?

The wonderful thing about a ductless system is that they may be used to cool one room or several rooms. In order to cool more than one room, additional evaporator units must be used with the condenser unit. In most instances, you can add up to 4 evaporators to 1 condenser. As a result of this, one unit may be used to provide temperature control to up to a total of 4 different rooms.

How Many Ductless Units Would It Take to Control a 1,500 Square Foot Structure?

The standard measurement is 20 BTU for each square foot in a structure. If you have a structure that is 1,500 square feet, you would need to multiply that by 20 to determine what size units you would need. The total comes out to be 30,000 BTU. In short, the ductless unit you get should put out 30,000 BTU. If it puts out 15,000 BTU, you will need 2 units. If it only puts out 10,000 BTU, you will need a total of 3 units.

Contact Us Today

We here at Reynolds specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of ductless heating and air systems. It does not matter if you have one already in place or you want to add one to your home, we can assist you! We have been serving our community for forty years. If you live in Richmond, Indiana, or anywhere in Wayne County, we can help you! We offer residential services and commercial services. In addition to HVAC services, we also specialize in plumbing. We are a company that you are able to trust, we are backed by our customers, and we offer the most competitive of pricing models. To learn more or to set up an appointment, call us now.