You may know that different homes require different heating and cooling solutions. Your home’s size, style, age and surrounding climate/environment can all play a role in determining what heating and cooling system is right for you. While gas or electric furnaces, wood or pellet stoves, or propane heat sources are often the most common, one efficient heating and cooling solution that is often overlooked is a ductless solution—a ductless mini-split heat pump system.
Unlike other heat pumps, ductless mini-splits can be used in homes with no existing ductwork. They are also great for homes where significant duct problems make traditional heat pumps impractical or even impossible.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps can have many advantages over traditional heat pumps or other heating sources with ductwork. First, their small size and flexibility make them great for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Some models can have as many as four indoor air-handling units, all connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the particular house and it’s individual requirements. For example, the structure and size of the house, as well as how well the house is weatherized, will have an impact on how many indoor units are required. Each of the zones has its own thermostat, so you only need to condition occupied spaces. Different zones of the home can also be regulated to different temperatures, ensuring maximum control over comfort.
A study by local utilities including Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Snohomish County PUD and Seattle City Light found that, with proper sizing and installation, ductless heating and cooling systems can save homeowners 25% to 50% on their home utility costs vs. other heating sources.
Because they have no ducts, mini-split heat pumps avoid the energy losses associated with faulty or leaky ductwork of central forced air systems. Experts have analyzed that average duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic or unfinished basement.
Like a traditional duct heating system, proper installation is key to this system’s efficiency and performance. It is very necessary to call a qualified contractor to do the work. The placement of the indoor units must be carefully calculated in order to maximize efficiency and coverage for each. At BelRed, our employees have gone through extensive training in this area. In fact, we are a Mitsubishi Top Contractor, having received the highest level of accreditation at a Mitsubishi Training Center in order to bring our customers the best possible installation and repair work for min-split heat pumps and other HVAC units.
With proper sizing and installation, ductless mini-split heat pumps can provide greater comfort, cleaner air and a quieter heating and cooling experience in your home. If you’re interested in learning if a ductless min-split system is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for help.
