One of the greatest strengths of mini-split systems is their lack of ducts. AC ductwork can develop leaks and holes that reduce efficiency. Ductless HVAC systems have a service life that’s five to eight years longer for that reason alone. They’re also cheap to maintain. They rely purely on compressors and evaporator coils. They only need preventative maintenance twice a year.
Ductless heating technology is one of the most sophisticated designs in the HVAC industry. It’s finally bringing homeowners the power to achieve true temperature consistency. Mini-split systems are also a dream to maintain. They balance price, energy efficiency, and heating power beautifully, so you can finally enjoy constant comfort in every season.
One of the most critical domestic expenses is attributed to HVAC repair. To avoid incurring huge costs for your HVAC system, here is some basic information you need to know.
Can You Avoid HVAC Repair Through Preventative Maintenance?
Preventative maintenance of your HVAC can help minimize the risk of expensive breakdowns by up to 95%. Many homeowners end up calling HVAC repair professionals by neglecting their systems. Here are some ways you can save money through preventative maintenance:
- Prevent costly HVAC repair issues
- Prolong the life of your system
- Pay lower energy bills
Additionally, preventative maintenance improves the air quality in your home. This keeps your system from breaking down due to faulty air filters or other worn-out parts. According to the EPA, the levels of indoor airborne pollutants are higher than outdoor pollutants.
You can also improve the comfort of your home through preventative maintenance. This ensures you produce and distribute cool or warm air steadily.
What Are the Common Heating and Air Conditioning Issues?
Some common heating and air conditioning problems you should familiarize yourself with include refrigerant leaks, electric control failure, and sensor problems. If your HVAC system is low on refrigerant, it’s likely there’s a leak. You should consult a technician in such a situation since your HVAC is most efficient when the refrigerant charge isn’t undercharged.
If your heating and air conditioning system is turning on and off frequently, you likely have an oversized system. This can cause the fan and compressor controls to wear out. Another probable culprit is the corrosion of terminals and wires.
Sensor problems are also common for HVAC systems. These systems have a thermostat sensor that regulates air temperature. Problems with the sensors can cause your air conditioner to behave erratically.
What are ductless systems?
Ductless heating systems are elegant in their simplicity. They’re mounted on your interior walls, then linked to an outdoor compressor. This way, no ductwork needs to be created and you can enjoy consistent room temperatures at a decidedly low installation cost. All it takes is the drilling of a tiny hole. They’re silent, subtle, and cost-effective—so much so that the US Department of Energy says they cost 30% less than HVACs to install. Their zone control powers also give you tight control over your utility bills. They’re also more energy-efficient than most central systems. Thanks to their heat pump technology, they can heat your home in winter and cool it in summer, so they let you get away with one purchase for all seasons.
Understanding Efficiency Ratings
SEER is the energy-efficiency rating of choice for comparing HVAC systems. It measures energy efficiency. The higher the rating, the better the system. Energy-Star-rated mini-split systems are required to achieve a minimum of 15 SEER. They can reduce your energy bill by up to 30%, so you can look forward to cheap running costs and cozy winters as well as cooler summers. To add to those benefits, they’re easy to customize to your comfort. As in all things, though, the less you pay, the less you get, so don’t hold onto that economy unit too tightly. It might be more expensive in the long run.
How Effective is Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning?
Unlike HVAC systems, ductless heating units aren’t designed for whole-house heating, but if you install a unit in every room, you can enjoy the same effects. The market offers plenty of variety, so you can choose a range of different installations to suit your décor. Traditional designs won’t do much for your aesthetics, but recessed products can fix that problem effectively. These can be installed in three ways:
- As the name suggests, ceiling recessed units are mounted into the ceiling and provide a seamless aesthetic.
- Horizontal ducted systems are usually installed at the top of an outdoor wall, but they can also be placed closer to the floor. They need extra power to distribute air from this position, so they’re not always the best choice.
- Floor units blow air upwards and can be installed along the wall if you’re looking for a less intrusive aesthetic.
What Is the Difference Between Ducted and Ductless Heating Air Conditioners?
A ducted air conditioning system consists of air ducts, as the name suggests. The ducts consist of flexible ductwork or sheet metal inside the attic or underneath your home. The ducted system satisfies both heating and cooling needs. The air passes from the air conditioner unit through the ducts and goes to every room of your home through vents.
With the ductless heating air conditioners, there are no ducts in your attic or underneath your home. Instead of passing air through ducts, this system sends refrigerant to multiple air handlers. These air handlers deal with each room individually. They are installed on the ceiling or wall of each room.
Knowing the difference between ducted and ductless heating air conditioners is important when you go shopping for an HVAC system. Whether a ducted or ductless system is suited for your home will depend on several factors. For instance, if there’s no room for ducts and vents and you want multiple cooling zones, you should opt for a ductless heating system.