You’ve probably had a few friends or neighbors talk about their new ductless heat pumps. They sound innovative and cool, but there has to be a catch right? Maybe they don’t work as well as people think, or they’re so expensive that regular people on a budget can’t afford them.
The truth is somewhere in the middle, as it always is. Regular people can afford ductless heat pumps, even though they are more expensive than most conventional heating or cooling systems. And they absolutely work as well as people say they do, but efficiency and maintenance has a lot to do with it.
Let’s go on a journey today where we talk about the pros and cons of ductless heat pumps. We’ll discuss why a ductless mini split in Kennewick, WA is a good idea for many of our customers, and how you can start the process of installing one of your own.
How Ductless HVAC Works
First of all, we need to talk about how the system actually works. It’s hard to ethically sell a product to a customer if they don’t fully understand how it works or what might be involved in the process.
Ductless HVAC system are very simple. They function similarly to a central air conditioning unit with two main exceptions. The first is that they’re heat pumps, which means they can provide air conditioning and also run in reverse to heat your home. The second exception is the fact that they don’t use air ducts like a conventional AC or heat pump. The refrigerant runs directly into an air handler (or air handlers) where the machine sends treated air into your house. These air handlers can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, floor, and practically anywhere.
Now that you know the gist of how this unit works, let’s talk about the pros and cons!
The Pros of a Ductless System
There are a lot of pros to consider when thinking about a ductless system, but we’ll try to cover the important ones.
- These systems are incredibly efficient. Thanks to avoiding leaky air ducts and with high-efficiency heat pump technology, ductless mini splits can keep a room comfortable with a smaller amount of electricity than a conventional system. You can even shut certain mini splits off in your home to conserve electricity if you’re not in those areas.
- They’re versatile because they can both heat and cool your home. Ductless mini splits are also set up in strategic locations where they can have individual temperature thresholds, leading to completely customized comfort in your home.
The Cons of a Ductless System
Unfortunately, there are a couple cons to this system that we’d like homeowners to be aware of.
- Ductless HVAC systems are more expensive than traditional heating or cooling systems. While it’s true you get two systems in one, they’re still going to be a heavier investment than just getting a furnace or central AC installed.
- Ductless HVAC units are more efficient at milder temperatures. When things get very cold, their efficiency levels can wane and they’ll start to run your electricity bill up. They also require maintenance twice a year due to being both heating and cooling machines.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you. But when you’re ready, Americool Heating & Air Conditioning can set you up with a new ductless unit. Your comfort is our business!