What Is a Ductless Mini-Split System and How Does It Work?

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Ductless mini-split systems are often simply called mini-splits or zoned HVAC. It is a unique type of heating and cooling system that will not require any ducts to provide heating or cooling to the air in the home.

This type of unit can work well for homes that don’t have any ductwork already installed, as well as for additions and renovations. They could also work for homes that may have ducts, but the owner wants to have more control over the heating and cooling. It can help to save money since the owner can heat or control only certain rooms in the home rather than the entire property.

How Does the System Work?

There are two main parts of a ductless mini-split system. There is the indoor air handling unit and the outdoor compressor/condenser. The indoor unit will generally be located high on a wall, where it is out of the way while sending the air into the room. The unit is connected to the compressor through a power cable and a refrigerant system, eliminating the need to have any ducts. 

Depending on the home, just one indoor unit may be used, or there might be several across the house in different rooms. They will often use the same outdoor pump to heat or cool the rooms. In some cases, with particularly large homes, there could be more than one outdoor pump.

These systems are often considered to be easier to install, maintain, and use than a traditional central air system. With central air, the air needs to go through a series of ducts. Often, a lot of energy will be lost as the air travels the ducts, making it less efficient overall. It’s estimated that as much as 30% of conditioned air ends up getting lost through gaps in the ductwork.

The system can work for both heating and AC, ensuring that you can create the perfect temperature no matter what the weather outside might be like. The systems do not need much in the way of maintenance, which is nice. It means you won’t need to have someone come out to clean out every couple of years to clean out the air ducts.

Why Choose a Mini-Split System?

You will find that there are plenty of advantages to these systems. They have a compact size, and the installation is easy. They will only require a small hole in the wall for the conduit. This is better than having a window unit for your AC, which presents a security risk. Thieves could simply remove the window unit and have easy access to your home. You won’t have that problem with a mini-split system. The hookup only requires a hole that’s about three inches.

These systems can last a long time, there’s no ductwork, and because of their size, they can work well in just about any room. They are placed high on the wall, so they shouldn’t interfere with furniture or décor. You will hardly notice they are there, but you will appreciate the heating and cooling they can provide.

While there is a cost associated with getting these systems hooked up and running since they need to be installed by professionals, most feel that the cost is well worth it. The cost of operating the system will be lower and there is less waste. It’s simple to use and will make a real difference in the comfort level of your home.

Creating Zones in the Home

When you have multiple indoor units, you can place them in different rooms or zones in the home. Our team of HVAC professionals can talk with you about creating these zones and where to have the units installed for the best results.

You can typically have up to four indoor units connected to one outdoor compressor unit, although this may vary. The number of indoor units you will need depends on how large the home is, the layout, and how much heating and cooling you will need.

You have a lot of options and flexibility when it comes to these units and how you choose to heat and cool your property. You can speak with us about the best way to set up your home, so you can easily keep the house at the perfect temperature.

Create a Comfortable Space

If you have areas of the home that have trouble staying cool in the summer or warm in the winter, the addition of a ductless mini-split system will be a huge benefit. It allows you to create the ideal temperature for the space, and it’s all easy to control through a remote.

You can ensure that only certain areas of the home are getting the heating and cooling, too, which will help you to keep your energy costs down. Not only that, but you may have been wasting more money than you realized with a ducted system. As mentioned, they lose a lot of conditioned air as it travels through the ducts. This means wasted money. 

You don’t have to worry about that when you have a ductless system. Just make sure that you have it installed properly by the pros.

Work with the Right Professionals

When you are considering a mini-split ductless system for your home, make sure that you are working with our team of professional installers. These systems, although they might seem simple, are complicated to install for those who don’t know what they are doing. It’s not a DIY project!

Not only can we help with installation, we can also assist in finding rebates so that you get the best deal possible. 

Now is your chance to upgrade your heating/cooling system at reduced costs with the help of generous incentives. With the Mass Save® program you can save up to $15,000 off heat pumps!

Call (781) 309-7540 or contact us to get started with a no-cost Mass Save® home energy assessment.