Ductless Benefits
5 Advantages of Ductless Cooling and Heating Systems
Most people have heard of ductless cooling and heating systems, and they have probably seen the small, indoor devices installed high on walls in homes, restaurants or office buildings. But what do you really know about these systems?
1. They Offer Highly Flexible Solutions
Whereas traditional heat pumps and central air conditioning systems force cooled and heated air through ducts - ductless systems deliver air directly into different zones of your home or business. They are comprised of a small outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that require nothing more than mounting capabilities and access to electricity - offering highly efficient heating and cooling options that are sometimes not feasible or affordable with a ducted air system.
Ductless cooling and heating offers home and business owners a cost-effective way to replace inefficient window units, space heaters or electric baseboard heaters. They can be installed in home additions, new construction, condominiums and apartments, or to improve temperature control in specific rooms. Ductless systems are even a good replacement option for buildings that currently use ducted forced-air systems.
2. They Save You Money
One of the biggest reasons why homeowners switch to ductless cooling and heating is overall cost savings. In recent years, utility costs across the country have skyrocketed. When a home’s temperature depends upon an inefficient system, monthly bills can quickly climb out of control. Ductless systems operate on less power – they are smaller than traditional forced-air systems, and because the temperature-controlled air is delivered directly into a room, there is no loss in efficiency. Multi-zone systems also allow homeowners to create “zones” in their home, which means they don't have to cool or heat rooms that are not occupied.
In addition to saving money on utilities, homeowners may also be eligible for tax credits or utility rebates for the year they install a ductless system. There are many programs at the federal, state and local level that allow homeowners and businesses to take advantage of these additional savings.
3. They Improve Indoor Air Quality
Often times, the quality of indoor air can actually be lower than the quality of outdoor air. With traditional HVAC systems, air ducts must be professionally cleaned on a regular basis, and even after cleaning, dust and allergens are left behind. Ductless systems, on the other hand, offer multi-stage filtration that can drastically reduce dust, bacteria, pollen, allergens and other particulates in the air.
4. They are Quick and Easy to Install
Installing a traditional, ducted system can take several weeks and disrupt daily activities in the home. Ductless systems are far less invasive to install, and depending upon the number of indoor and outdoor units required, can be up and running in as little as one day.
Multi-zone systems run on small pipes that require a mere three-inch hole. That means homeowners don’t have to worry about rebuilding walls or ceilings around ductwork and there is no loss of precious square footage.
5. No Ductwork = Less Problems
The number one reason for poor performance from a conventional air conditioning or heating system is "duct problems". Every day we have at least one service call where ductwork is the main cause of the customer's service issue. Eliminating ductwork drastically reduces the potential for service problems.
Some possible ductwork-related issues include the following:
Under-sized Ductwork - The system can't produce the designed amount of airflow which causes poor performance, furnace limit trips, a/c freeze-ups, and early compressor or heat exchanger failure.
Over-sized Ductwork - Low static pressure results in poor air distribution & hot or cold areas.
Duct Leakage - Leaks in supply or return air ducts result in loss of capacity and an inability to heat or cool sufficiently in extreme temperatures.
Damaged Ductwork - Water damage, crushed or pinched-off ducts and fallen-ducts are just some of the common damaged ductwork issues.
Sweating - It is very common for ductwork to "sweat", especially in hot, humid weather conditions. This sweating can produce mold, damage system components, ceilings, floors or walls.
"Critters" in the Ductwork - You would probably be surprised at how often critters like raccoons and possums chew holes through a fiberglass duct system to find a warm, dry spot to make their home.
Dirty Ductwork - All old duct systems develop a significant amount of dust build-up. Air ducts often need to be professionally cleaned and, even after cleaning, dust and allergens are left behind.
Noisy Ductwork - "Thump", "Bump" and "Rattle-Rattle" are all common noises associated with a conventional, ducted air system.