What’s a Ductless HVAC System and Why It’s Right for You

Perhaps you live in Cleburne, TX, or you’re about to construct a home here. In either case, you’ve probably thought about what air conditioning system would provide both the most comfort and the most savings during the spring and summer. Read on to learn what a ductless HVAC system is and why it may be right for you.

What Composes a Ductless HVAC System

A ductless system comprises two units: an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor/condenser unit. True to its name, a ductless unit doesn’t have air ducts connecting the two. There are also no ducts that stretch out to every room.

Though ductless units aren’t meant for central cooling, you can hook up a maximum of four air handlers to one outdoor unit, making it ideal for homes where every room doesn’t have to be cooled. The air handlers are mounted on the wall or hung from the ceiling and are controlled via a remote.

How a Ductless System Works

Mini-splits are heat pumps, which transfer heat rather than generating it as a furnace would. To cool a room, all a mini-split does is draw heat from it and expel the heat from the outdoor unit. A refrigerant line connects the indoor and outdoor units, and a small device called a condensate pump removes the condensation that builds up in the drain pan of the indoor unit.

Where a Ductless Unit Would Be Ideal

If your home in Cleburne already has ductwork in it, installing a ductless system wouldn’t be recommended unless you own a central heating unit with no AC option. Ductless hvac systems can best fit those homes that:

• Have an outbuilding that ducts cannot reach.
• Have frequently unoccupied rooms.
• Lack room in the attic or walls for ductwork.

Saving Money with a Ductless Unit

The number one benefit of a ductless unit is its energy efficiency. To understand this, you need to know that ducted systems lose a lot of energy through their ductwork. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates this energy loss to be around 30% for the average home. With a mini-split, there’s no need to worry about such wastage.

Your mini-split can come with what’s called an inverter compressor. Rather than shut down when the set temperature is reached, an inverter compressor will alternately slow down and then speed up. The compressor consumes a great amount of energy every time it starts up, but an inverter compressor averts this as much as possible.

Lastly, we mentioned that ductless systems transfer heat rather than generating it. This is more energy-efficient than using an oil or gas furnace. Where fuel costs are high, you’re better off with a mini-split.

Other Benefits of Ductless Units

It’s likely that your family members have different temperature preferences. Moreover, some rooms will get colder or warmer based on the position of the sun. To accommodate those preferences and respond to those changes, you want zoning capabilities.

Fortunately, with a mini-split, you can hook up an air handler in up to four rooms and set a different temperature for each. Smart thermostats exist that are made specifically for mini-splits.

Lastly, many mini-splits come with Energy Star certification and can consequently be eligible for rebates through local utilities. Energy Star certification is the EPA’s way of saying that a product meets its strict standards for energy performance.

Serving the Area Since 1985

Airmasters AC, Heat, Plumbing & Electrical can be your source for HVAC installation, repairs and maintenance in Cleburne. From start to finish, you’ll receive the warm, personalized care of a family-owned business. Contact us today for more information about our ductless HVAC services.

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