There are multiple ways to heat and cool your Frederick, MD home, but few are more efficient than a ductless mini-split system. Ductless mini-split heat pumps and air conditioners have been around since 1959. However, they’re currently generating all-new interest due to their ability to lower carbon footprints, provide customized comfort, and greatly enhance buildings that lack the infrastructure for central HVAC. Read on to discover five outstanding benefits of ductless mini-split systems.
1. Get Whole-House Heating and Cooling Without Paying for Ductwork
If your home lacks ducting, installing a central HVAC system could cost quite a bit. Post-construction ductwork can be both expensive and difficult to conceal. It can also lead to higher-than-normal energy waste due to areas of exposed and poorly insulated air ducts.
Installing a mini-split system is far less invasive. This is true whether you opt for a mini-split air conditioner or a mini-split heat pump. Like central air conditioners, ductless mini-splits have condenser/compressor units that are installed outdoors. These units are connected to one or more air handlers at the interior of the building using electrical wiring and refrigerant lines. Your installers will only need to drill a single, small-sized hole in the exterior wall of each area that will have an air handler. Although mini-split systems cost a bit more than central heating and cooling equipment, the greater ease and lower costs of actually installing them could leave you paying less overall.
2. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Central HVAC systems route conditioned air through long networks of ducting. When HVAC air ducts are brand-new and absolutely pristine, this method of air distribution doesn’t have a marked impact on indoor air quality (IAQ). However, as ductwork ages and develops buildups of dirt, lint, pet hair, dander, and other debris, using a central HVAC system could introduce a variety of allergens, pathogens, and other contaminants whenever air is being actively circulated. This is all the more true as aging ductwork develops cracks and air leaks.
Comparatively, ductless mini-split systems distribute heated and cooled air right where it’s produced. This means that no airborne contaminants are introduced. This highly efficient method of air distribution also eliminates the energy waste that commonly occurs in ducted systems.
3. Enjoy Zoned Heating and Cooling and the Ability to Meet Everyone’s Needs
Ductless systems are zoned for both comfort and efficiency. If you choose a ductless mini-split for whole-house heating and cooling, you can have between one and eight air handlers installed. Each air handler in these systems comes with its own thermostat, and each thermostat is controlled independently of the others. As such, every resident can set their ideal temperature in their immediate area. More importantly, you don’t have to waste money on heating or cooling rooms that aren’t in use.
4. Service Remote Areas of Your Home
Ductless mini-split systems aren’t just for heating and cooling homes that lack the necessary ductwork for supporting central HVAC. They’re also great for servicing remote areas that aren’t connected to central HVAC systems. For instance, if you have a newly finished basement or if you’ve just built an attic bedroom, you can install a ductless mini-split and a single air handler for this space. These systems are great for garden rooms, theater rooms, gaming rooms, and garages. In addition to supplying heated and cooled air, they also offer humidity control, air filtration, and ventilation.
5. Ductless Systems Use a Highly Efficient Heat Transfer Process
If you choose to have a ductless mini-split heat pump installed in your home, you’ll have access to one of the most efficient residential heating solutions available. During summer, air conditioners and heat pumps are functionally identical. In winter, mini-split heat pumps work in reverse. Instead of burning or combusting fuel to produce heat, these units harness warm air from outdoors and bring it inside. Some ductless mini-split heat pumps provide over three times as much thermal energy as they consume in electric energy. This makes their efficiency rates as high as 300%. Compare this to a high-efficiency boiler or furnace with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of just 98.5%.
Using a mini-split heat pump as your primary heating solution is also a great way to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Unlike fuel-burning appliances, these units don’t produce any harmful combustion gases.
We’re committed to helping residents of Frederick, MD save cash and optimize their home comfort. We offer heater and air conditioner installation and repair services. We also provide and install ductless mini-split systems. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, get in touch with Markool Heating & Cooling today!
